The 2026 high school baseball season is right around the corner, and as always, excitement is building across the Bayou State. Programs from every corner of Louisiana have been hard at work this offseason—honing skills, building chemistry, and setting their sights on a return trip to Sulphur for the LHSAA State Championships. As is tradition, the state is once again loaded with talent, from seasoned veterans to rising underclassmen ready to make their mark.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll take an in-depth look at teams from every region as part of our comprehensive season preview series. These previews will lead right up to Opening Day, followed by the release of our Power 25 Rankings and the return of our always-popular Game of the Week feature.

Throughout the spring, Prep Baseball Louisiana will continue to be your one-stop source for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Be sure to check back weekly for our Player and Pitcher of the Week honors, updated Power 25 Rankings, and plenty of additional coverage highlighting the stories, performances, and programs that make Louisiana baseball special.

*Please note that all information is based on team preview questionnaires that were sent out and returned by the participating high school coaches.  If you have not received a questionnaire and would like to fill one out, please email State Director Alex Armand at [email protected]

---

High School Name: Grace Christian School

Head Coach: Josh Brown

Classification: Class B

District: 5-B

2025 Record: 24-12

2025 Playoff Finish: State Quarterfinalist

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 6

No. of Returning Pitchers: 4

Team Strengths: Pitching & Defense

Top Upperclassmen (2026 & 2027 Class): 2026 Cooper Courtright, 2027 Brayden Wells

Top Underclassmen (2028 & 2029 Class): 2028 Logan Maricle, 2028 Brady McDaniel, 2028 Talan Epnett

---

Team Preview

Grace Christian enters 2026 with legitimate aspirations of making a deep postseason run, thanks to what should once again be one of the top pitching staffs in Class B. The Warriors rode that strength all the way to last year’s quarterfinals, and with four reliable arms returning — including two frontline sophomores with elite upside — Coach Josh Brown’s club looks poised to take another big step forward.

While the offense will need to replace its two most productive hitters from 2025, internal growth and improved team defense project to keep Grace Christian firmly in the mix among the classification’s top contenders. The ingredients for a special season are in place; the Warriors simply need their young core to continue progressing at the plate.

 
Team Strengths

✔ Pitching: This is the clear anchor of the roster and the reason Grace Christian enters the year with high expectations. The Warriors boast four arms capable of competing against anyone in Class B — and two sophomores who profile as long-term college prospects.

✔ Defense: Offseason work and added personnel have significantly strengthened the group behind the mound. Coach Brown expects noticeable improvement in efficiency and reliability across the diamond, which pairs perfectly with their pitching-heavy identity.

 
Team Weaknesses

✘ Hitting: Grace Christian must replace its top two hitters from a season ago, and run production will be the biggest question heading into 2026. Several younger bats will be asked to take on larger roles, and developing consistent quality at-bats will determine how high this team’s ceiling truly is.

 
Top Returning Players

⭐ Senior SS/RHP Cooper Courtright

2025 Stats: .345 BA | 50 SB | 3 Saves | 3-3 Record

The catalyst in all phases, Courtright is the senior leader who sets the tone with elite athleticism, speed, and defensive versatility. He’ll hold down shortstop, anchor the infield, and resume his role as the team’s late-inning stopper on the mound. His energy and competitive edge make him one of the most valuable two-way players in Class B.

⭐ Junior C/UTL Brayden Wells

2025 Stats: .328 BA | 50 RBI

Wells returns as one of the Warriors’ most consistent run producers. A junior with natural strength and leadership qualities behind the plate, he brings middle-of-the-order presence and will again be counted on to drive in runs. His development as a game manager should further elevate the pitching staff.

⭐ Sophomore LHP Logan Maricle

2025 Stats: 7-4 | 72 K | 1.47 ERA

One of the premier young arms in the state, regardless of classification. Maricle is a D1 prospect with an 84-87 mph fastball from the left side, and he has the pure stuff to shut down any lineup he faces. When he’s on the mound, Grace Christian has a chance to beat anyone, Class B or higher. He’ll be the staff ace and a key component of their postseason hopes.

2028 LHP Logan Maricle (Grace Christian School)

6-2, 170-pounds

Here’s a look at an interesting sophomore southpaw out of CENLA.

Longer arm swing. Showed both a 4S & 2S FB with developing feel for his SL and a CH with late fade.

Went 7-4 with a 1.47 ERA and 72 K’s as a… pic.twitter.com/mKs23VobB3

— Prep Baseball Louisiana (@PrepBaseballLA) January 4, 2026

⭐ Sophomore RHP/1B Brady McDaniel

2025 Stats: 7-1 | 61 K | 1.53 ERA | 36 RBI

McDaniel forms the second half of a dominant sophomore pitching duo. His command, competitiveness, and mound maturity make him a steady presence every time he takes the ball. Offensively, he’s a middle-of-the-order run producer who will be heavily relied upon as the Warriors look to replace lost production.

 
Other Key Contributors

• Sophomore INF/RHP Talan Epnett

Expected to take on a larger role both offensively and defensively. His continued development gives the Warriors another athletic option in the infield and on the mound.

 
Outlook

The path to success for Grace Christian in 2026 is clear: lean on elite pitching, pair it with improved defense, and allow a developing lineup to grow into its identity. With a frontline left-hander in Maricle, a proven winner in McDaniel, and a dynamic senior leader in Courtright, the Warriors have the core pieces of a team built to contend deep into May.

If the offense takes even a modest step forward, Grace Christian has a legitimate chance to challenge for a spot in the state tournament — and possibly more.

 

---

 

Follow on X (Formerly Twitter): @PrepBaseballLA

Follow on Instagram: @PrepBaseballLA

Follow on Facebook: Prep Baseball Report Louisiana

 

+ Click HERE to create a free profile.

+ Click HERE to purchase a subscription which gives you access to additional information on the site. 

Upcoming Events

SHOWCASE	DATE	LOCATION
Baton Rouge Preseason ID	1/10/26	Zachary Youth Park (Zachary, LA)
Baton Rouge Rising Stars ID	1/10/26	Zachary Youth Park (Zachary, LA)