2025 Power25 Countdown: No. 14 Lakeland Christian
January 20, 2025
Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 25 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage:
Team: Lakeland Christian
Preseason Rank: 14
2024 Record: 23-5
Playoff Run: Regional Finals
FHSAA Class: 2A
Head Coach: Matt Diaz
TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
Gavin Byrd, SS, 2026 (South Carolina)
Mookie Rodriguez, C, 2025 (FSU)
Carson Martin, RHP, 2025 (Pittsburgh)
Peyton Rutledge, RHP, 2025 (Santa Fe)
Peyton Brenneman, 3B, 2025 (Santa Fe)
Nathan Diaz, INF/RHP, 2026
Fin Donay, RHP, 2026
Levi Howell, OF, 2025
X-FACTOR
While Gavin Byrd and Mookie Rodriguez are probably they best returning players, Nathan Diaz will have to develop into a stand out 2 way player for LCS to return to the state championship for the 3rd time since 2019
OUTLOOK
Coach Diaz - "With four pitchers potentially all 90 mph and above, led by Carson Martin, the 2025 Vikings should compete in almost every ball game this year. There are quite question marks on the offensive side of the ball, but the return of Gavin Byrd, Mookie Rodriguez, the Vikings could be back into state championship contention. With one of the toughest schedules, Lakeland Christian has ever had, including the first game of the season against Tampa Jesuit and another early season game against IMG National, it won’t take long to see what kind of team LCS is going to be."
Upcoming Events
Showcase | State | Date | Location |
Super 60 Pro Showcase | NATIONAL | 02/02 | The MAX - McCook, IL |
Tampa Rising Stars Games | FL | 04/19 | Berkeley Prep - Tampa, FL |