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Prep Baseball Louisiana: 2026 Preseason Power 25 Rankings (#20 Brusly)

January 19, 2026
Alex Armand
Louisiana Scouting Director

Well, it is that time of the year again in Louisiana!  The high school baseball season is getting awfully close with the first official games taking place on Monday February 9, 2026.  Last season, our staff was able to see more games than ever before, in every part of the state, and our goal is to see even more teams and prospects this spring.  To kick-off our wall-to-wall high school baseball coverage, we've put together the preseason release of our Power 25 Rankings.  Our staff has diligently worked at ranking these teams by looking at their accomplishments from last season, key losses, and returning impact players.  As with every ranking, this list will change throughout the high school baseball season, as teams start to take shape and form.  Our plan is to update the Power 25 Rankings every two weeks during the season.  Be sure to follow us, across all of our social media platforms, for the most comprehensive Louisiana High School baseball coverage in 2026!

 

PREP BASEBALL LOUISIANA POWER 25 RANKINGS (PRESEASON RELEASE)

Rank Team Class 2025 Record 2025 Finish               
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20  Brusly 4A 36-7  State Finalist
21 Dutchtown 5A 27-14  State Quarterfinalist
22 Archbishop Rummel 5A 21-14  Regional Finalist
23 Captain Shreve 5A 24-13  Regional Finalist
24 Central BR 5A 23-13 Regional Finalist
25 Zachary 5A 22-14

 Bi-District Finalist

Team Preview

Few programs in Louisiana have been as consistent — or as hungry — as the Brusly Panthers under Head Coach Jason Lemon. After a historic 36-win campaign and a trip to the 4A State Championship series in 2025, Brusly returns in 2026 with a hardened edge, a veteran core, and an identity rooted in toughness, discipline, and purpose. The Panthers fell one game short of their ultimate goal last spring, but their response was immediate: back to work, together, with one mission.

The Panthers return the bulk of a dominant pitching staff, a defense capable of impacting the game every inning, and a leadership group built on experience and accountability. With a renewed motto — “Doing it for the B” — Brusly enters 2026 focused not only on winning games, but on representing its program, families, school, and community with pride.

Team Strengths

• Elite Pitching Depth: Brusly brings back 80% of its innings from one of the most dominant staffs in the state — a group that collectively posted a sub-1.50 ERA last season. Not many teams in Louisiana can match that type of returning production. Multiple arms can start, relieve, or matchup situationally, giving Coach Lemon tremendous flexibility.

• Exceptional Defense: The Panthers defend at a high level across the field, anchored by veteran infielders, athletic outfielders, and experienced catchers. They play clean, fundamental baseball and value every out.

• Veteran Leadership & Strong System Identity: This program has a clear identity: disciplined, blue-collar, and built around pitching, defense, and execution. That style of play has been refined over years and continues to put the Panthers in winning situations.

Team Weaknesses

• Replacing Offensive Production: Brusly lost a significant portion of its run production to graduation. The approach at the plate may shift in 2026 as the staff tailors its offensive style to the current roster.

• New Hitters in Expanded Roles: Several players who thrived in supporting roles will now be asked to produce consistently in the middle and bottom of the order. Their development will shape the team’s offensive ceiling.

Top Returning Players

• Senior 1B Coy Purpera

2025 Stats: .429 AVG | 51 H | 12 2B | 3 HR | 45 RBI

A four-year starter, Purpera is a "team-first" type of guy and a tone-setter for the club. A steady leader who can play multiple positions, he consistently puts together quality at-bats and embodies the program’s team-first mentality.

• Senior 3B/RHP Aubrey St. Angelo

2025 Stats (Hitting): .355 AVG | 44 H | 11 2B | 6 3B | 4 HR | 42 RBI

2025 Stats (Pitching): 5-3 record, 1.46 ERA

Another four-year starter, St. Angelo is a true two-way force. He’s one of the best pure competitors in the state — elite baseball IQ, high motor, and a presence on both sides of the ball. He will again anchor the rotation and play a major role in the middle of the lineup.

• Senior RHP/C Brayden Ray

2025 Stats (Hitting): .324 AVG, 35 H

2025 Stats (Pitching): 10-2 record, 1.06 ERA

Ray was one of the most reliable arms in Class 4A last season, posting elite numbers while also contributing behind the plate. He gives Brusly a battle-tested, high-efficiency pitcher with the toughness to handle big moments.

 

• Junior RHP/INF Aiden Harris

2025 Stats: 4–1 record, 3.12 ERA

A versatile junior with a live arm, Harris gives Brusly another dependable option on the mound and the infield. His continued growth will help stabilize both units.

 

• Junior INF Brandon Blanchard

A two-year starter, Blanchard is one of the most athletic defenders on the roster and the likely anchor at shortstop. Elite speed, versatility, and experience make him a key piece at the top of the defensive alignment.

• Sophomore OF/RHP Isaiah Daley

2025 Stats: .320 AVG, 31 H

A breakout freshman in 2025, Daley brings impact speed, athleticism, and a strong arm. A switch-hitter with real upside, he could be a major addition to this year’s pitching staff as he continues to mature.

Outlook

Brusly’s run to the state finals last spring was historic, but not satisfying. The Panthers wasted no time turning the page, attacking the offseason with discipline and intent. Weights, reps, conditioning, skill work — everything has been purposeful and tied back to their identity and their motto:

“Doing it for the B.” The 2026 team understands that every practice, sprint, bullpen, and at-bat represents more than themselves — it represents the players before them, the families that support them, and the community that rallies around this program.

While the Panthers will need to replace key offensive playmakers, the returning pitching staff and defensive foundation give them a championship-caliber starting point. Younger players who have waited their turn now have an opportunity to carve out meaningful roles, and the coaching staff believes their hunger and preparation will shine.

The goals are clear: take each day as its own challenge, be the best version of themselves, and control only what they can control. The bitter taste from last year’s finish remains, but Brusly understands the journey comes first. With their blend of experience, toughness, and character, the Panthers once again look like a serious state title contender.


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