Prep Baseball Report

2025 Team Preview: John Curtis Christian


Alex Armand
Louisiana Scouting Director

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: John Curtis Christian School

Head Coach: Jeff Curtis

Classification: Class 5A (Select D-I)

District: 9-5A

2024 Record: 28-8

2024 Playoff Finish: State Finalist

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 5

No. of Returning Pitchers: 4

Team Strengths: Pitching, Athleticism, & Experience

Top Upperclassmen (2025 & 2026 Class): 2025 INF Jason Curtis, 2025 RHP/INF Bryce Hebert, 2025 RHP/UTL Juan Washington, 2025 RHP Aiden Karr, 2025 LHP/UTL Marc Canzoneri, 2025 INF/OF Xavier Brown, 2026 MIF Connor Micheu (Southeastern Louisiana commit), 2026 OF/INF Nate Alario, 2026 RHP/OF Kolston Martinez, 2026 C Jeffrey Curtis, 2026 RHP/UTL Luke Martinez

Top Underclassmen (2027 & 2028 Class): 2027 RHP/1B Sean Goodrum, 2027 INF/RHP Jace Gonzalez, 2027 C/OF Ryder Kauffman, 2027 C Conrad Hebert, 2027 RHP/INF Jax Fabacher, 2028 RHP/INF Paul Dufrene, 2028 INF/C Jonny Englander, 2028 OF Jordan Pate

 

Team Outlook

Coming off a stellar 28-8 season that ended in a hard-fought loss in the state finals, the John Curtis Christian Patriots enter 2025 with aspirations of claiming their 10th state title. With a strong core of returning players and a wealth of experience from last year’s team, the Patriots are poised for another deep postseason run. However, they will need to address key positional gaps and elevate their performance in specific areas to overcome the rigorous competition in Class 5A and the Select Division I playoffs.

Team Strengths

-Pitching Depth: The Patriots return a solid rotation of right-handed pitchers led by Bryce Hebert, Juan Washington, and Aiden Karr. Kolston Martinez and Marc Canzoneri provide additional depth, with Canzoneri being a promising left-handed option.

-Athleticism: Multi-sport athletes like Xavier Brown, Nate Alario, and Jeffrey Curtis bring elite athletic ability that translates well on the diamond.

-Experience: Many key contributors return from last year’s state finals team, including three-year starter Jason Curtis and sophomore standouts Connor Micheu and Nate Alario.
 
Team Weaknesses

-Left-Handed Pitching: While the right-handed rotation is strong, the Patriots lack an established left-handed pitcher. Canzoneri is the most promising candidate, and his development will be critical.

-Catcher Depth: Jeffrey Curtis steps into the starting catcher role after limited action last year. Developing a reliable backup is crucial, especially given Curtis's previous knee injury in football.

-Replacing Key Players: The team must fill the void left by the versatile Dagan Bruno and offensive leaders Brad Chaisson and Tyler Mitchell. Finding consistent offensive production to replace their contributions will be vital.

Top Upperclassmen

-Senior Bryce Hebert: A reliable arm in the rotation, Hebert went 7-2 with 2 saves and a 2.54 ERA last year. Also a capable hitter, he contributed 6 doubles and 29 RBIs.

-Senior Juan Washington: The uncommitted senior emerged as a dominant force on the mound with an 8-1 record and a 1.95 ERA last spring. A two-way player, he also contributed offensively with a .280 average and 19 RBIs.

-Senior Jason Curtis: A three-year starter and team leader, Curtis hit .293 with 8 extra-base hits and 19 RBIs last year. His experience and versatility in the infield make him a cornerstone of this year’s lineup.

-Senior Xavier Brown: A really athletic player who is also an All-District WR/DB in football and led John Curtis Christian in both receiving and interceptions this past fall.  Brown didn't get a lot of playing time last season, due to a late arrival from basketball and an injury, but the Patriots are expecting a big senior campaign out of him.

-Junior Connor Micheu: The Southeastern Louisiana commit started as a sophomore and shined both offensively (.344 average, 8 doubles) and defensively. He also stole 20 bases, making him a threat on the basepaths.

 

-Junior Nate Alario: A game-changer in the outfield, Alario’s speed and instincts make him one of the best center fielders Coach Curtis has ever coached. Despite a subpar hitting year, he maintained a .433 OBP and swiped 40 bases.

 

-Junior Jeffrey Curtis: Stepping into the starting catcher role, Curtis hit .393 in limited action last year and impressed during summer ball. His health and continued development will be pivotal.

-Senior Marc Canzoneri: Canzoneri is a late bloomer who had a standout summer. He could emerge as the left-handed pitcher the team desperately needs while also contributing at the plate.

-Senior Aiden Karr: Battled some injuries last spring, but is back healthy and enjoyed a good summer and fall, as he looks to establish a role in the rotation this spring.

 

-Junior Kolston Martinez: After overcoming a back injury, Martinez posted a 1.69 ERA in 20 1/3 innings last season. His health and potential as a dual-threat player make him a key piece moving forward.

 

-Junior Luke Martinez: A versatile and intriguing prospect, Martinez’s physical growth and raw talent give him significant upside.
 
Promising Future

The Patriots’ underclassmen, in the 2027 and 2028 classes, offer a glimpse into the program's bright future. Players like Sean Goodrum (‘27), Jace Gonzalez (‘27), Ryder Kauffman ('27), Conrad Hebert ('27), Jax Fabacher ('27), Paul Dufrene (‘28), Jonny Englander ('28), and Jordan Pate ('28) are loaded with potential and will likely contribute in the coming years.

Head Coach Jeff Curtis is optimistic about the team’s potential, believing they have the talent to compete for another state title. The key to success will be addressing the identified weaknesses, especially left-handed pitching and replacing some of the offensive production from 2024. The district and Select Division I playoffs promise to be as challenging as ever, with numerous teams capable of making a title run. If the Patriots can stay healthy and peak at the right time, they have the experience, depth, and athleticism to bring home their 10th State Championship.


 

Follow on X (Formerly Twitter): @PrepBaseballLA

Follow on Instagram: @PrepBaseballLA

Follow on Facebook: Prep Baseball Report Louisiana

 

+ Click HERE to create a free profile.

+ Click HERE to purchase a subscription which gives you access to additional information on the site. 

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)

 
Related Content: