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: Pine Prairie High School

Head Coach: Dylan Manuel

Classification: Class 3A (Non-Select D-III)

District: 4-3A

2024 Record: 18-14

2024 Playoff Finish: Regional Finalist

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 8

No. of Returning Pitchers: 5

Team Strengths: Pitching, Offense, and Depth

Top Upperclassmen (2025 & 2025 Class): 2025 LHP/OF/1B Caden Askey, 2025 LHP Riley Fontenot (LSU-Alexandria commit), 2025 INF Preston Bass, 2025 OF Logan Vidrine, 2026 OF Travis Bascoe, 2026 C Grant Welch, 2026 RHP/INF Braylon Fontenot, 2026 LHP/OF Tanner McCollough, 2026 RHP/UTL Weston Byrd

Top Underclassmen (2027 & 2028 Class): 2028 RHP/INF Adam Briscoe

 

Team Outlook

The Pine Prairie Panthers are poised for an exciting 2025 season. Coming off an 18-14 campaign in 2024, which saw them finish as district runners-up and make a solid playoff run, Head Coach Dylan Manuel’s squad returns with a wealth of experience and depth. With only one starter lost from last year’s team, the Panthers will look to build on their strengths—pitching, offense, and depth—while working to improve defensively.

Coach Manuel is enthusiastic about the depth of his roster, which features a strong mix of battle-tested upperclassmen, talented underclassmen, and a new wave of hungry competitors eager to make their mark. The daily competition among players is expected to drive growth and help the team surpass last season's accomplishments.

Team Strengths

-Pitching Depth: Anchored by experienced arms at the top and promising younger pitchers ready to step up.

-Offensive Firepower: Several returning players demonstrated the ability to produce at the plate last season.

-Depth: With a deep bench and versatile players, the Panthers can adapt to various game situations.

Team Weakness

-Defense: While the team boasts athleticism, defensive consistency remains an area of focus heading into 2025.

Top Returning Players

-Senior LHP/OF/1B Caden Askey

2024 Stats: 5-2, 55 K’s, 2.19 ERA | .402 AVG, 2 HR, 11 2B, 30 RBI, 36 R

A true leader and competitor, Askey is the heart of this team. He excels in every role he's asked to fill, combining talent, versatility, and a relentless work ethic that sets the tone for his teammates.

-Senior LHP Riley Fontenot (LSU-Alexandria Commit)

2024 Stats: 7-4, 93 K’s, 2.24 ERA

A dependable ace who has grown into a big-game pitcher. Fontenot’s ability to grind through tough outings makes him a cornerstone of the Panthers' rotation.

-Senior INF Preston Bass

A gritty, disciplined hitter who struck out just 11 times in 113 plate appearances last season. Bass embodies the unselfish, team-first mentality with his small-ball approach and toughness at the plate.

-Senior OF Logan Vidrine & Junior OF Travis Bascoe

Both worked their way into the lineup last season and have maintained their edge, serving as great examples of perseverance and effort for younger players.

-Junior C Grant Welch

2024 Stats: .302 AVG, 1 HR, 23 RBI

Welch’s ability to handle the pitching staff and control the running game is invaluable. Offensively, he’s a gap-to-gap hitter who also contributes in small-ball situations.

-Junior RHP/INF Braylon Fontenot

2024 Stats: 3-2, 33 K’s, 2.78 ERA | .311 AVG, 7 2B, 17 RBI, 34 R

A smooth, athletic infielder with elite range and arm strength, Braylon is a steady presence both in the field and on the mound.

-Junior LHP/OF Tanner McCollough

2024 Stats: .359 AVG, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 27 R, 9 SB

After a limited 2024 pitching campaign due to arm issues, McCollough is ready to make a full impact on the mound in 2025. His athleticism and versatility make him a key player.

 

-Junior RHP/UTL Weston Byrd

Overcame injuries last year to make a late-season defensive impact. With a clean bill of health, Byrd’s instincts and versatility will provide a spark in 2025.

Top Underclassman to Watch

-Freshman RHP/INF Adam Briscoe

The future looks bright with Briscoe, a strong and coachable young player with the potential to earn meaningful innings this season.
 

With a strong group of returning players and a deep, competitive roster, the Pine Prairie Panthers are set to make noise in Class 3A. The leadership of Caden Askey and Riley Fontenot, along with contributions from their versatile underclassmen, gives this team the potential to not only match but surpass last year’s success. Defensive improvements will be crucial, but with daily competition pushing the players, the Panthers have all the tools to be a force in 2025. Expect Pine Prairie to be a contender for the district title and make another deep playoff run.

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