Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Prep Baseball Louisiana: 2026 Preseason Power 25 Rankings Release (#24 Central BR)

January 13, 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               
1    
2    
3    
4    
5    
6    
7    
8    
9    
10    
11    
12    
13    
14    
15    
16    
17    
18    
19    
20    
21  
22  
23  
24 Central BR 5A 23-13 Regional Finalist
25 Zachary 5A 22-14

 Bi-District Finalist

2026 Team Preview

The Central Wildcats enter 2026 with as much optimism as any program in the Baton Rouge area. After a 23-win campaign a year ago, Head Coach Sham Gabehart’s club believes it has the ingredients to take a significant step forward this spring. With more physicality throughout the lineup, improved team defense, and a deeper stable of arms, Central expects to be firmly in the state-title conversation.

The Wildcats should feature noticeably more thump in the lineup this season, with legitimate power threats scattered throughout the order. Defensively, they’ve made strides across the diamond, and while untested on the varsity stage, the pitching staff runs deeper than in years past, providing multiple options for innings.

The biggest question for Central is how quickly its arms — talented but largely unproven — can adjust to varsity speed. With no returning starters on the mound, early-season growth and development will be critical.

Top Returning Players

• Senior INF/RHP Cole Guidroz

A tough, competitive senior who will anchor the infield and provide a veteran presence in the middle of the order. Guidroz will also be counted on for important innings as one of the few upperclassmen with experience on the mound.

• Junior C Cooper Austin

A key piece behind the plate, Austin handles the staff well and brings leadership to a young group of arms. He should take another step forward offensively this spring.

• Junior OF Reece Tillman

An athletic outfielder who covers ground and brings energy to the top of the lineup. Tillman’s ability to get on base and cause havoc will be important to Central’s offensive identity.

• Senior OF/RHP Brayson Hartzog

One of the most athletic players on the roster, Hartzog will impact the Wildcats in multiple ways. He provides a power-speed blend in the outfield and will be a meaningful contributor on the mound as well.

• Senior 1B Brady Wiles

A physical corner infielder who brings middle-of-the-order impact. Wiles adds to the team’s renewed power profile and will be counted on to drive in runs consistently.

 

• Sophomore UTL Parker Simcoe

A versatile young talent who can plug into multiple spots defensively. Simcoe’s athleticism and baseball IQ make him an important piece of the Wildcats’ lineup construction.

• Sophomore INF Aaron Keller

Another sophomore expected to take on a significant role. Keller has advanced actions on the dirt and should continue to grow into his offensive game.

 

Upperclassmen Ready to Make an Impact

• Senior RHP Darian Diaz

A late-blooming arm with a fastball up to 88 mph. Diaz may emerge as one of the key rotation pieces as the Wildcats establish new leaders on the mound.

• Senior RHP Evan Dauzat

A change-of-pace look who can generate weak contact and attack lineups differently. Dauzat will be valuable in matchup situations and leverage innings.

• Junior C/1B Lane Billings

A strong addition to the roster, Billings brings depth at catcher and first base, along with an experienced bat that should help lengthen the lineup.

Underclassmen to Watch

• Sophomore RHP Brodee Smith

A young arm with upside who will compete for innings right away. Smith’s development will be a key storyline early in the season.

 

• Sophomore RHP/INF Chase Chandler

A dual-role athlete who brings versatility and a mature approach for his age. Chandler should see time both on the dirt and on the mound as he continues to progress.

 
Outlook

Central expects to be a legitimate state contender in 2026. The lineup has the potential to produce runs in bunches, with power threats scattered throughout the order, while the defense looks more polished than last year. The biggest variable remains the pitching staff — talented, deep, and competitive, but light on varsity experience. If the young arms settle in quickly, the Wildcats have the roster makeup to be one of the top programs in Class 5A this spring.

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.