The 2025 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement abounds throughout the state.  Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Louisiana.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Sulphur, LA, home of the LHSAA State Championships, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes a reality.  We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Louisiana.  We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, followed by our Power 25 Rankings release, and our always popular Game of the Week segment. 

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the Bayou State.  Each week, we will be releasing our Player and Pitcher of the Week, updating our Power 25 Rankings, as well as additional content that is focused strictly on high school baseball in Louisiana.  

*Please note that all information is based on team preview questionnaires that were sent out and returned by the participating high school coaches.  If you have not received a questionnaire and would like to fill one out, please email State Director Alex Armand at [email protected]

 

High School Name: C.E. Byrd High School

Head Coach: Greg Williams

Classification: Class 5A (Select D-I)

District: 1-5A

2024 Record: 11-23

2024 Playoff Finish: Regioinal Finalist

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 3

No. of Returning Pitchers: 2

Team Strengths: Pitching

Top Upperclassmen (2025 & 2026 Class): 2025 INF Zach Wilburn, 2025 RHP Julien Vinet, 2025 LHP Cooper LaCoste, 2025 OF Ben Walls, 2026 UTL Abe Anderson, 2026 INF Maddox Fuller, 2026 C Rowan Arnold

Top Underclassmen (2027 & 2028 Class): 2027 LHP/1B Noah Chaisson, 2027 RHP/INF Jackson Davis, 2028 RHP/INF Caleb Feightner, 2028 RHP/1B J.B. Shoup, 2028 LHP/OF Luke Armstrong

 

Team Outlook

The Byrd Yellow Jackets enter the 2025 season with a renewed sense of purpose and a hunger to rebound from last year's 11-23 campaign. While 2024 was a challenging season, the Yellow Jackets managed to fight their way to the second round of the playoffs. This year, the team aims to take the next step forward, leveraging a strong group of returning veterans and promising young talent.

The Yellow Jackets’ success this season will likely hinge on their deep and experienced pitching staff. Senior arms Julien Vinet, Cooper LaCoste, Ben Walls, and Kade Hines will anchor the rotation and bullpen, providing stability and leadership. Vinet logged 45 2/3 IP last season with a 4.13 ERA, while LaCoste posted a 3-3 record across his 21 1/3 IP.  Juniors Maddox Fuller, Rhett Marshall, and Abe Anderson offer additional depth and should all log meaningful innings this spring. Byrd will also look for contributions from a pool of less experienced pitchers, hoping one or more can step up and solidify the staff. With a wealth of options on the mound, pitching should be a major strength for the Yellow Jackets.

 

One of Byrd's biggest challenges last season was generating offense. Scoring runs proved to be a significant hurdle, often leaving the pitching staff with little margin for error. For the Yellow Jackets to contend in 2025, the offense must show marked improvement. Byrd will rely on its returning veterans to lead the charge at the plate while integrating younger players who bring a mix of raw talent and potential.

Leading the offensive charge will be senior Zach Wilburn, who is a returning two-year starter at 3rd base and is the team's best overall hitter.  Juniors Abe Anderson and Maddox Fuller are two additional returning pieces that Coach Williams and company are excited to have back.  Anderson is a super-utility who can play multiple positions and was described as a "gritty competitor" by Coach Williams.  Fuller is a really good defensive middle-infielder with a strong arm across the diamond.  

Coach Williams has emphasized the importance of blending the experience of the team’s veterans with the energy and talent of its younger players. The 2025 roster features a healthy mix of players ready to compete, and with a renewed focus on fundamentals and execution, the Yellow Jackets have the tools to return to contention in both district and state competition.

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Upcoming Events

SHOWCASE	DATE	LOCATION
New Orleans Rising Stars ID	2/16/25	Hahnville High School (Boutte, LA)
Louisiana Top Prospect Games (Invite-Only)	6/24/25	University of Louisiana-Lafayette (Lafayette, LA)