2025 Team Preview: Catholic (BR) High School
January 8, 2025
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: Catholic (BR) High School
Head Coach: Brad Bass
Classification: Class 5A (Select D-I)
District: 4-5A
2024 Record: 38-2
2024 Playoff Finish: State Champions
No. of Returning Positional Starters: 6
No. of Returning Pitchers: 1
Team Strengths: Veteran Offense & Position Player Experience
Top Returning Players: 2025 SS Jack Ruckert (LSU signee), 2025 C/RHP Andrew Clapinski (LSU-Eunice signee), 2025 OF Noah Lewis (UL-Lafayette signee), 2025 INF Edward Henriquez (Alvin CC signee), 2025 C/INF Orlando Henriquez (Alvin CC signee), 2025 OF/RHP Davis Emonet (LSU-Eunice signee), 2025 OF Chase Harris, 2025 RHP/UTL Bennett Smith, 2025 RHP Jake Tompkins (Mississippi College signee), 2025 RHP/UTL Cohen Leblanc (Nicholls State football commit), 2026 RHP/INF Mills Richardson (Southeastern Louisiana commit), 2026 LHP/1B Lucas Lawrence (Southern Miss commit), 2026 OF Harrison Kidder, 2026 LHP Kenneth Russell
Team Outlook
Fresh off a 2024 National Championship and a Louisiana Select Division I State Title, the Catholic High School Bears are set to defend their title with high expectations and a roster brimming with talent. Anchored by a veteran-laden offense and a core of experienced position players, the Bears are primed for another dominant season under the steady leadership of Head Coach Brad Bass and his staff. With hitting coach Michael Billings guiding a potent lineup and pitching coach Tyler Naquin developing a promising staff, Catholic High enters 2025 as the team to beat in Class 5A.
Key Players
-Senior INF Jack Ruckert (LSU signee): A dynamic leader on and off the field, Ruckert headlines the Bears’ lineup with his elite hitting and defensive skills. Coming off a stellar 2024 campaign in which he hit .452 with 5 HR, 15 2B, 2 3B, and 40 RBI, Ruckert has the ability to single-handedly change games.
-Senior C Andrew Clapinski (LSU-Eunice signee): "Clap" is the heart of the Bears' defense, excelling behind the plate while also providing depth on the mound. His offensive production (.396 AVG, 6 HR, 14 2B, and 45 RBI in 2024) makes him a key piece for Catholic High’s success this spring.
-Senior OF Noah Lewis (Louisiana-Lafayette signee): A smooth and athletic presence in the outfield, Lewis combines speed and power to be a consistent threat. In 2024, he hit .421 with 7 2B, 14 RBI, and a team-high 41 runs scored, showcasing his ability to set the table for the Bears offense.
-Senior INF Edward Henriquez (Alvin CC signee): A steady glove and high baseball IQ make Henriquez a critical part of the Bears’ infield defense. He also posted an impressive .541 OBP in 2024, highlighting his patience and consistency at the plate.
-Senior C/INF Orlando Henriquez (Alvin CC signee): Another senior who adds versatility to the Bears’ roster, and is capable of contributing as both a catcher and infielder. His 17 RBI in 2024 underscore his ability to deliver in key situations.
-Senior RHP Jake Tompkins (Mississippi College signee): Tompkins returns as the most experienced arm from 2024 after a dominant junior season, going 5-0 with a 0.28 ERA and 31 strikeouts across 25 innings.
-Senior OF/RHP Davis Emonet (LSU-Eunice signee): A two-way talent, Emonet hit .370 with 1 HR, 5 2B, 2 3B, 18 RBI, and 31 runs scored while also posting a 3-0 record with a 1.45 ERA on the mound. His athleticism and versatility make him a key player in 2025.
New Names to Watch
-Senior OF Chase Harris: After scoring 28 runs and swiping 15 bases in 2024, the former Sr. Future Gamer is poised for an expanded role in the Bears’ lineup, bringing speed and energy.
-Senior RHP/UTL Cohen Leblanc (Nicholls State Football commit): Leblanc’s versatility as a pitcher (1.61 ERA) and hitter (.375 AVG) gives Catholic High a valuable weapon on both sides of the ball.
-Senior RHP/UTL Bennett Smith: Returning from injury, Smith is expected to make a significant impact as a dual threat in the lineup and on the mound.
-Junior LHP/1B Lucas Lawrence (Southern Miss commit): Standing 6'5" with a projectable frame, Lawrence’s fastball already touches 90 mph. After posting a 1.91 ERA in 2024, he’s a breakout candidate in 2025.
-Junior RHP/INF Mills Richardson (Southeastern Louisiana commit): Richardson offers two-way potential and showed a lot of promise last season with a 2.00 ERA over 14 innings pitched.
-Junior OF Harrison Kidder: A physical presence with a powerful bat and one of the standout performers at our State Games event last fall, Kidder is expected to emerge as a middle-of-the-order threat.
-Junior LHP Kenneth Russell: With improved physicality, "K-4" will be a key bullpen arm after posting a 2.21 ERA in limited action last season.
With multiple college commits and proven hitters, the Bears’ lineup is one of the most dangerous in the state. The Catholic High offense has the ability to beat opposing teams in a variety of ways, whether it be by the long ball, stealing bases, or laying down a bunt. The loss of key senior arms like William Schmidt, Ryder Loup, and Trip Dobson leaves the pitching staff with big shoes to fill. However, under the direction of one of the state's top pitching minds, in pitching coach Tyler Naquin, and with the depth of talent and potential among younger pitchers, there's plenty of reason to believe that this year's Bears' staff will be just fine.
The Catholic High Bears are once again primed to remain a powerhouse in 2025. With a veteran lineup, strong leadership, and a blend of experienced contributors and emerging stars, the Bears have the tools to make another run at a State Title—and perhaps even repeat as National Champions. Things don't seem to be slowing down at 855 Hearthstone Drive anytime soon.
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Upcoming Events
SHOWCASE | DATE | LOCATION |
Lake Charles Preseason ID | 1/4/25 | Sam Houston High School (Moss Bluff, LA) |
New Orleans Preseason ID | 1/5/25 | Mike Miley Stadium (Metairie, LA) |
Baton Rouge Preseason ID | 1/12/25 | Central BR High School (Baton Rouge, LA) |
New Orleans Rising Stars ID | 2/16/25 | Mike Miley Stadium (Metairie, LA) |
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