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Prep Baseball Louisiana: 2026 Preseason Power 25 Rankings Release (#25 Zachary)

January 12, 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)

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25 Zachary 5A 22-14

 Bi-District Finalist

2026 Team Preview

The Zachary Broncos enter the 2026 season with renewed purpose, a deep and battle-tested roster, and the unmistakable feeling that they’re ready to take a major step forward. After last year’s early playoff exit, Head Coach Jacob Fisher and his group attacked the offseason with a new level of urgency—strength training, fundamentals, accountability, and the daily commitment to “deserve to win.” The result is a team with experience on the mound, firepower returning throughout the lineup, and a culture built around preparation and pride.

With one of the deepest pitching staffs in Class 5A and the core of last year’s offensive production returning, the Broncos look poised to reestablish themselves among the elite in Louisiana this spring.

Team Strengths

-Pitching Depth & Frontline Talent: Zachary returns a staff that combined for a 1.90 ERA last season, and nearly all major contributors are back. Senior leadership, emerging underclass arms, and multiple two-way standouts make this one of the most complete rotations the Broncos have had in years.

-Veteran Core on Offense: Much of last year’s starting lineup returns, bringing experience, speed, and run-production ability to a lineup that should be significantly more consistent from top to bottom.

Top Returning Players

-Senior RHP/OF Noah Sullivan

A true two-way leader, Sullivan headlines the roster after a dominant junior season where he posted a 7-2 record and 2.20 ERA with 55 strikeouts. His fastball now touches the low-90s, and his complete-game shutout against Catholic BR last spring remains one of the signature performances of 2025. Offensively and defensively, he sets the tone and embodies the competitive edge this group embraces.

 

-Senior OF Braden Sanders

The sparkplug at the top of the order, Sanders hit .320 with a .437 OBP, 9 doubles, 20 stolen bases, and game-changing athleticism. His on-base ability and disruptive speed make him one of the most valuable table-setters in the state.

 

-Senior SS/RHP Cullen Howard

Zachary’s anchor up the middle, Howard is one of the state’s most steady defensive shortstops, as he committed only 3 errors in 101 chances last season. On the mound, his improved velocity (fastball into the mid-80s) and command paced him to an 8–3 record and 1.20 ERA with 50 strikeouts last season. Offensively (.418 OBP, 14 SB in 2025), he provides reliability and athleticism while continuing to draw college attention.

-Senior 2B Collin Walls

A high-motor, high-IQ player who does everything well. Walls hit .318 with a .420 OBP, 24 RBIs, 15 stolen bases, and was strong defensively with only 5 errors in 98 chances last srping. Added strength this offseason makes him one of the breakout candidates in the Baton Rouge area this year, and he also provides bullpen depth.

-Senior 1B/3B/RHP Madden McClure

A proven run-producer since freshman year, McClure returns as a middle-of-the-order presence (.310 AVG, 43 RBIs in 2025). His physical bat and ability to drive in runs give the Broncos a cornerstone piece. He’ll also be relied upon as a key bullpen arm once again.

 

-Senior RHP Ethan Rayburn

A poised right-hander who contributed as both a starter and late-inning weapon last year. Rayburn returns to the rotation in 2026 with valuable experience and the confidence to handle big-game assignments.

 

-Junior LHP/OF Kam Bailey

One of the most exciting young left-handed arms in the state. Bailey sat 81–84 mph last year with 36 strikeouts in just 18 innings—and followed with a dominant summer (1 ER in 21 IP). This spring, he transitions into a starting role. Offensively, he brings a "River Town" type skill set with gap-to-gap power, baseball instincts, and advanced situational hitting. His recruitment continues to trend up and will only continue to grow this season.

Additional Impact Upperclassmen

-Senior C/1B Isaac Gaspard

Earned a starting role late last season and projects as a middle-of-the-order bat with power potential (.270 AVG, .410 OBP in 2025). Gaspard offers leadership, a strong presence behind the plate, and run-producing ability.

 

-Senior INF Wyatt Roberts

One of the most reliable defenders on the roster with strong fundamentals and consistency. Offensively, he brings value with elite baserunning ability—swiping 14 stolen bases last season. Expect him to be a key late-game weapon.

-Junior LHP/UTL Ichiro Day

A versatile competitor who will see important innings out of the bullpen. His ability to defend multiple positions and provide quality relief makes him an important piece of the Broncos’ depth.

 

Underclassmen To Watch

-Sophomore INF Gray Dart

A high-energy, elite defender with advanced actions after transferring from Silliman. Dart’s intensity, versatility, and competitive mentality should make him an immediate impact newcomer.

 

-Sophomore C Cole Andrews

Advanced defensive catcher with a sub-2.0 pop time and a strong feel for the position. Andrews brings leadership traits and will be a key battery member moving forward.

-Sophomore INF/OF Tyler Wilson

A complete player with the ability to hit for both consistency and power. His defensive versatility will allow him to earn multiple roles this spring.

 

-Freshman INF Owen Partin

One of the program’s most exciting long-term prospects. Partin’s smooth actions, baseball IQ, and "Collier Cranford" like profile make him a name to know for the future.

-Freshman RHP/INF Jack Todd

Highly competitive young two-way player whose poise and pitchability have drawn Tanner Hall comparisons. A rising star who will continue to see his role expand.

Outlook

This season has the potential to be one of the most memorable in recent Zachary history. The Broncos return nearly their entire pitching staff—one of the best in the state last year—and pair that with a lineup filled with experience, speed, and run-production ability.

The offseason emphasis on discipline, strength, and accountability has shaped a tight-knit, motivated group that understands why and how they win. They take pride in mastering the small things. They trust their preparation. And they love competing for each other.

Zachary’s schedule will test them early and often, but this roster has the depth, leadership, and talent to rise to the challenge. If the Broncos continue to execute their identity—pitching, defense, pressure offense, and relentless competitiveness—they have a legitimate chance to make a deep run in the Division I Non-Select playoffs.

Expectations are high, the standard is higher, and this group is fully committed to living up to both. The Broncos are built for 2026—and they’re ready to prove it.

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