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: Slidell High School

Head Coach: Cameron Lewis

Classification: Class 5A (Non-Select D-I)

District: 7-5A

2024 Record: 21-13

2024 Playoff Finish: Bi-District Finalist

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 8

No. of Returning Pitchers: 4

Team Strengths: Strength Gains, Pitching Depth, & Experience

Top Upperclassmen (2025 & 2026 Class): 2025 RHP/OF Troy Green, 2025 RHP/UTL Brayden Calamari, 2025 INF Junior Burdett, 2025 OF Austin Buell, 2026 INF Sergio Sotillo

Top Underclassmen (2027 & 2028 Class): 2027 RHP/INF Carter Buchholz, 2027 C/INF Nick Natal, 2027 OF Xavier Paul II

Team Outlook

The Slidell Tigers are entering the 2025 season with high expectations, looking to build on last year’s respectable campaign and aiming to establish stability and consistency under Head Coach Cameron Lewis. After bowing out in the first round of the 2024 playoffs to Chalmette, this year’s senior-heavy team is determined to take the next step and make noise in the postseason.

Strength in the weight room has been a major offseason focus, and it’s already showing results in both individual player performance and team culture. With a deep pitching staff and experienced leaders, the Tigers are primed to contend for a district championship and aim to advance beyond the first round in the playoffs. However, challenges remain, including a lack of offensive power and the adjustment to yet another new system, their third in as many years.

Team Strengths

-Pitching Depth: Several reliable arms headline a staff with versatility and upside.

-Weight Room Gains: Across the board, players have shown significant physical improvements.
Experience: A senior-heavy roster provides leadership and stability on the field.

Team Weaknesses

-Offensive Power: While there are capable bats, consistent run production and power numbers remain question marks.

-System Adjustments: The team must quickly adapt to its third coaching system in three years.
 
Top Upperclassmen

-Senior RHP/OF Troy Green: The clear ace of the staff, Green has made tremendous strides in velocity and secondary offerings, particularly his slider. The uncommitted senior went 1-1 last spring with a 3.55 ERA and 45 K's across 47 1/3 IP. Green also looks to improve at the plate, after hitting at a .222 clip with 11 RBI and 14 R last season.

 

-Senior RHP/UTL Brayden Calamari: A versatile player who brings leadership on and off the field. He’s a dependable arm on the mound with improving velocity (expected to reach 85 mph by spring) and the team’s most dangerous offensive threat. Calamari went 4-0 with a 4.15 ERA last spring, while also hitting .270 with 26 RBI and 7 R.

 

-Senior INF Junior Burdett: A reliable shortstop and late-game bullpen arm with a competitive edge. His contact skills and athleticism make him a vital cog in both the lineup and the defense. Burdett logged 31 IP last spring and went 2-1 with a 1.58 ERA and an impressive 0.903 WHIP.  He also finished his junior campaign with a .333 AVG and .402 OBP to go along with 23 RBI and 18 SB.

-Senior OF Austin Buell: A dynamic dual-sport athlete with exceptional speed and a fearless approach in the outfield. Austin will take on a larger role this year, with hopes that his power numbers will emerge. Last season, he hit at a .318 clip with 21 RBI and 20 R.

-Junior INF Sergio Sotillo: A transfer from Pennsylvania, Sergio has impressed with his smooth fielding and physical tools. Expectations are high for him to make an immediate impact in the infield.

 
Top Underclassmen

-Sophomore RHP/INF Carter Buchholz: A young arm with excellent command of four pitches. Buchholz's rapid development on the mound makes him one of the most exciting prospects in the program. While he’ll operate solely as a pitcher this season, his potential is sky-high, and he could emerge as a future ace.

-Sophomore C/INF Nick Natal: A converted catcher with significant physical growth and versatility. Natal has shown promise both behind the plate and on the mound. Continued mechanical refinement could make him a key contributor for years to come.

-Sophomore OF Xavier Paul II: The son of former MLB player Xavier Paul, this talented sophomore has the tools and work ethic to become a standout on the Northshore in the future. With more game experience, his bat and athleticism could become significant assets.

The Slidell Tigers have the talent and leadership to compete for a district title in 2025. With a strong group of seniors leading the way, including Troy Green and Brayden Calamari, the team’s pitching depth and defensive prowess will be strengths. While offensive power remains a concern, the Tigers have enough experience and athleticism to manufacture runs and win close games.

Success this season will also hinge on how quickly the team adjusts to yet another new system under Coach Lewis. Long-term, the focus is on building a stable program, and this season represents the first step in establishing Slidell as a consistent force in Class 5A baseball. The goals for this year are simple: to compete for a district title, win a playoff series, and continue to develop the younger players for sustained success.

 

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