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
1
2
3
4	Catholic BR	5A	37-5	State Champions
5	Northshore	5A	32-8	State Quarterfinalist
6	St. Thomas More	4A	26-10	State Semifinalist
7	Brother Martin	5A	31-9	State Finalist
8	West Monroe	5A	26-9	Regional Finalist
9	John Curtis Christian	5A	24-14	State Quarterfinalist
10	Benton	5A	35-6	State Semifinalist
11	University Lab	3A	28-11	State Finalist
12	Sterlington	3A	35-9	State Champions
13	Jesuit	5A	25-12	State Quarterfinalist
14	Mandeville	5A	19-17	Bi-District Finalist
15	Parkview Baptist	3A	31-8	State Quarterfinalist
16	Hahnville	5A	22-14	Bi-District Finalist
17	Holy Cross	5A	31-6	State Semifinalist
18	Walker	5A	27-13	Regional Finalist
19	Live Oak	5A	33-8	State Finalist
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

The Catholic (BR) Bears are chasing history in 2026. After capturing back-to-back Select Division-I State Championships, Head Coach Brad Bass and his program enter the new season with their sights set squarely on a three-peat — a feat few programs in Louisiana high school baseball history have accomplished. While the roster will feature several new starters this spring, the culture of championship-level preparation and performance remains firmly in place.

It’s a “Next Man Up” type of year for the Bears — a familiar theme in a program built on depth, discipline, and player development. Fortunately, Catholic’s biggest strength lies on the mound, where two of the top right-left combinations in the state return to lead the charge.

Senior LHP/1B Lucas Lawrence gives the Bears an ace-level presence from the left side. The Ole Miss recruit was outstanding in 2025, posting a 10-2 record with a 1.30 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and holding opposing hitters to a .210 batting average across 69.2 innings pitched. His command, poise, and ability to attack hitters with multiple pitches make him one of Louisiana’s premier arms heading into 2026.

 

RHP/UTL INF Mills Richardson complements Lawrence perfectly, bringing electric stuff and a competitive edge every time he takes the ball. Richardson, a Southeastern Louisiana recruit, went 7-1 with a 2.70 ERA and .200 opponent average over 44 innings, while also contributing as a versatile defender and utility bat.

 

Together, Lawrence and Richardson form a two-headed monster capable of carrying Catholic deep into another postseason run.

The depth behind them is just as strong, with seniors Tanner Forbes, Hayes Segar, and Kenneth Russell returning to anchor the bullpen, while juniors Jason Decuir and Tyler Denicola are expected to play meaningful roles right away.

 

Offensively, the Bears also return senior OF Harrison Kidder — a Louisiana-Lafayette football recruit and returning everyday starter — to set the tone in the middle of the lineup. Kidder brings physicality, speed, and power to all fields, paired with a 94 mph arm from the outfield.

 

Junior OF Dekohta Jones transferred in to Catholic (BR) this year and brings game-changing speed and athleticism to the Bears lineup.

 

Sophomore INF Myles Auxt got his first taste of varsity action last spring and handled his own by hitting at a .296 clip as a freshman.

Outlook

Yes — there will be new faces in the lineup. But make no mistake: the expectations haven’t changed. With championship DNA, elite arms at the top of the rotation, and a culture built on accountability and hard work, the Bears are once again built for Sulphur.

The road to a third straight Select Division-I State Title runs through 855 Hearthstone Drive — and the Bears are ready to defend the throne.

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.