Prep Baseball Report

High School Team Preview: No. 4 Lafayette




Trey Sofio
Louisiana Scouting Director

Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will be posting high school team previews every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage:

Team: Lafayette
Preseason Rank:
No. 4
2016 Record:
21-8
District:
3-5A
LHSAA Class:
5A
Head Coach:
Sam Taulli
Playoff Run: 2nd Round
2016 Final Rank: 11
Returning Starters: N/A
Returning Pitchers:
N/A

TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
Bo Hardin, UTL, 2017
Miguel Reyes, UTL, 2017
Connor Simon, SS, 2018
Joseph Battaglia, RHP, 2017
Christopher Battaglia, C, 2019

X-FACTOR
The Lions return last year’s class 5A MVP, 2017 UTL Bo Hardin, for the 2017 season. Hardin was a standout at this winter’s I-10 Border Battle, where he sat 89-91 mph and showed a sharp slider. In addition to Hardin leading the Lafayette pitching staff, he will also retain his duties hitting atop the Lion lineup and will sure up the middle of the defense when he is not on the mound.

OUTLOOK
In addition to Hardin, Lafayette will return 2017 UTL Miguel Reyes, 2018 IF Connor Simon and 2017 RHP Joseph Battaglia. All three players were significant contributors for the Lions in 2016.

BOTTOM LINE
The Lafayette Lions had a wildly successful 2016 campaign, that saw them earn the No. 2 Overall seed heading into the class 5A playoffs. However, the dream season came up short of the ultimate goal, as they were ousted by district and area rival, Acadiana, in the 2nd round. The return of several veterans certainly give the Lions high hopes in 2017, but things will not be easy in the treacherous play of district 3-5A.

SEASON COUNTDOWN

Power 25

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