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: DeRidder High School

Head Coach: Dakota Durkes

Classification: Class 4A (Non-Select D-II)

District: 3-4A

2024 Record: 12-20

2024 Playoff Finish: Bi-District Finalist

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 6

No. of Returning Pitchers: 3

Team Strengths: Defense & Speed

Top Upperclassmen (2025 & 2025 Class): 2025 Hunter Roberts, 2026 Morgan Havens

Top Underclassmen (2027 & 2028 Class): 2028 Kaydon Anderson, 2028 Caden Clanton, 2028 Cassle Montgomery, 2028 Hunter Thompson

 

Team Outlook

The DeRidder Dragons are looking to build upon their 2024 campaign and make a deeper playoff run in the upcoming season. Under the leadership of Head Coach Dakota Durkes, the Dragons have set high expectations within the program, aiming to establish themselves as a competitive force in Class 4A. Despite a challenging schedule last season, the team believes the experience gained has fostered resilience and toughness that will benefit them in 2025.

One of the key strengths for the Dragons this season will be their defense and speed. The team prides itself on solid defensive fundamentals and the ability to manufacture runs through aggressive baserunning. These attributes will be crucial in close games and tough matchups throughout the season.

The primary concern for the Dragons heading into 2025 is their inexperienced pitching staff. With new arms stepping into larger roles, the team will need to rely on steady defensive play and timely hitting to support their developing pitchers. Coach Durkes and his staff will focus on refining the pitching staff's consistency as the season progresses.

Key Players to Watch

-Senior Hunter Roberts: Roberts posted an impressive 1.90 ERA in 2024 and will be counted on to as a big piece of the pitching staff.

-Junior Morgan Havens: A key offensive catalyst, Havens hit .376 with a .500 OBP last season, providing a steady presence in the lineup.

Other upperclassmen will be stepping into starting roles at positions where they feel more comfortable, which should contribute to a more cohesive and efficient defensive unit.

Emerging Underclassmen

Several talented freshmen (Kaydon Anderson, Caden Clanton, Cassle Montgomery, and Hunter Thompson) are expected to make an impact in 2025, adding depth and competition to the roster:

The Dragons enter 2025 with a strong belief in their ability to return to the playoffs and advance further than last year. With a locker room that has developed strong chemistry and leadership, the team is confident that their resilience and experience from a challenging 2024 schedule will serve them well. They aim to leverage their defensive strengths and speed to overcome challenges and push for a successful season.

If the DeRidder can address their pitching concerns and maintain their defensive excellence, they have the potential to exceed expectations. The combination of experienced upperclassmen and promising underclassmen should provide the right balance to compete at a high level in Class 4A.

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Upcoming Events

SHOWCASE	DATE	LOCATION
New Orleans Rising Stars ID	2/16/25	Hahnville High School (Boutte, LA)
Lake Charles Summer ID	5/27/25	Sam Houston High School (Moss Bluff, LA)
Louisiana Top Prospect Games (Invite-Only)	6/24/25	University of Louisiana-Lafayette (Lafayette, LA)