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]

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High School Name: Vandebilt Catholic High School

Head Coach: Chad Menard

Classification: Class 4A (Select D-II)

District: 8-4A

2025 Record: 26-14

2025 Playoff Finish: State Semifinalist

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 5

No. of Returning Pitchers: 3

Team Strengths: Experience

Top Upperclassmen (2026 & 2027 Prospects): 2026 OF/RHP Spencer Guilbeau (Nunez CC), 2026 C/1B Thomas LeCompte, 2026 RHP Jace Jarveaux, 2027 RHP/SS Gary Brignac

Top Underclassmen (2028 & 2029 Prospects): 2028 C/UTL Krash Menard, 2028 3B/RHP Corey Bourgeois, 2029 MIF Jordan Reynolds

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Team Preview

The Vandebilt Catholic Terriers have been one of the most consistent programs in Louisiana over the past half-decade, and 2026 looks to be another season where they’ll once again contend deep into May. Under Head Coach Chad Menard, Vandebilt has reached at least the State Semifinals in five straight seasons, including two State Championship appearances (2022 & 2023) and a State Title in 2022. That tradition of excellence is poised to continue thanks to a roster loaded with balance, versatility, and competitive edge.

This year’s Terriers feature a strong blend of speed, power, and baseball IQ throughout the lineup. The group can win in multiple ways — applying pressure with athleticism and small ball or relying on a deep, experienced pitching staff to keep opponents in check. With multiple returning arms and proven run producers, the Terriers look primed to be one of the most balanced squads in Class 4A.

The biggest question mark entering 2026 lies on the infield, where all four positions must be replaced from last year’s Semifinal run. The coaching staff will rely on younger talent and internal competition to solidify that unit early in the season, but the upside is there.

Top Returning Players

-Senior OF/RHP Spencer Guilbeau

The catalyst for the Terriers both offensively and on the mound. Guilbeau posted a .415 AVG with 51 hits, 13 doubles, and 38 RBI in 150 plate appearances last season. He also showed two-way value, logging 29.2 IP with a 3.54 ERA and .167 BAA, striking out 47. A true tone-setter who impacts the game in every phase.

 

-Senior C/1B Thomas LeCompte

A middle-of-the-order threat and steady backstop who hit .400 with 44 hits, 8 doubles, and 2 home runs while driving in 39. LeCompte also threw out 28% of would-be base stealers and provides leadership behind the plate for Vandebilt’s deep pitching staff.

-Senior RHP Jace Jarveaux

One of the most reliable arms in the rotation a year ago, Jarveaux posted a 2.02 ERA across 41.2 IP while holding hitters to a .200 BAA. Expect him to anchor the weekend staff once again in 2026.

-Junior RHP/SS Gary Brignac

A breakout arm from last season, Brignac was dominant as a sophomore, finishing with a 0.95 ERA and 6-1 record in 37 IP. He’s poised to take on an even bigger role both on the mound and potentially as a key piece of the new-look infield.

-Sophomore C/UTL Krash Menard

One of the youngest contributors in the lineup but already an on-base machine. Menard posted a .542 OBP and struck out just twice in 59 plate appearances, adding 16 stolen bases and 29 runs scored. His athleticism and plate discipline make him an exciting player to watch.

-Sophomore 3B/RHP Corey Bourgeois

Another rising underclassman who made an impact in 2025, Bourgeois hit .294 with 25 hits, 6 doubles, and 2 home runs. His power potential and versatility could make him a cornerstone for the infield rebuild this spring.

 

Team Outlook

Few programs in Louisiana can match Vandebilt Catholic’s consistency, and the 2026 Terriers have all the ingredients to make yet another run to Sulphur. With proven upperclass leadership, depth on the mound, and a mix of exciting underclass talent, Vandebilt plans to play fast, fundamental baseball — the brand that has become their identity. If the infield comes together, expect to see the Terriers right back in the thick of the Select Division II State Title conversation once again.

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Upcoming Events

SHOWCASE	DATE	LOCATION
Lake Charles Preseason ID	1/3/26	Sam Houston High School (Moss Bluff, LA)
Lake Charles Rising Stars ID	1/3/26	Sam Houston High School (Moss Bluff, LA)
New Orleans Preseason ID	1/4/26	Hahnville High School (Boutte, LA)
New Orleans Rising Stars ID	1/4/26	Hahnville High School (Boutte, LA)
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)