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: Vinton High School

Head Coach: Dane Clark

Classification: Class 2A (Non-Select D-IV)

District: 4-2A

2024 Record: 14-13

2024 Playoff Finish: Regional Finalist

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 5

No. of Returning Pitchers: 2

Team Strengths: Defense & Leadership

Top Upperclassmen (2025 & 2026 Class): 2025 C Connor Courmier, 2025 OF Jerryckson Gonzales,  2026 INF/RHP Gage Guidry

Top Underclassmen (2027 & 2028 Class) 2027 OF Cobe Durio, 2027 INF Kortlin Kyle, 2027 RHP/1B Uriah Patin, 2028 UTL/RHP Clayton LaPoint

 

Team Outlook

The Vinton Lions head into the 2025 season with a renewed sense of purpose and the motivation to improve on last year’s 14-13 record, which ended in the second round of the playoffs. Returning seven starters and boasting a strong defensive core and experienced leadership, the Lions are well-positioned to make strides this season. However, challenges remain, particularly with pitching depth, which will be a key factor in determining their success in District 4-2A and beyond.

The Lions’ defense is expected to be a major strength, anchored by experienced players who excel in key roles. Leadership from senior and junior returners sets the tone for the team’s work ethic and preparation.

Defensively, catcher Connor Courmier provides stability behind the plate, highlighted by his ability to control the running game with 21 caught stealings in 2024. In the infield, Gage Guidry and Kortlin Kyle bring a mix of athleticism and consistency that will make it difficult for opponents to generate runs. In the outfield, senior Jerryckson Gonzales adds experience and a reliable glove.

While the Lions feature two quality arms in Gage Guidry and Kortlin Kyle, depth in the rotation is a concern. Guidry was dominant in 2024, logging 110 strikeouts across 65 innings with a 3.23 ERA, while Kyle contributed 25 strong innings with a 2.30 ERA. Beyond these two, Vinton will need pitchers like Uriah Patin, Cameron Reeves, and Clayton Lapoint to step up and fill critical innings.

Both Guidry and Kyle have reportedly made strides in velocity and pitch arsenal during the offseason, which could help them shoulder more of the load. However, developing consistency from the back end of the rotation and bullpen will be crucial, especially during stretches of the schedule that demand pitching depth.

Key Players

2026 INF/RHP Gage Guidry: A two-way star, Guidry is the team’s ace on the mound and a force at the plate. In 2024, he posted a .378 batting average with a .485 OBP, showcasing his ability to get on base and drive in runs. His dominance on the mound (110 strikeouts) will make him the key to Vinton’s success.

 

2025 OF Jerryckson Gonzales: A leader in the outfield, Gonzales hit .308 last season with a .458 OBP and is expected to play a key role offensively and defensively.

2025 C Connor Courmier: The backbone of the defense, Courmier’s ability to control the game behind the plate is unmatched. He also adds a steady bat to the lineup, with a .382 OBP in 2024.

 

2027 INF/RHP Kortlin Kyle: Kyle showed tremendous potential as a freshman, posting a 2.30 ERA over 25 innings. His development as both a pitcher and hitter will be critical for the Lions in 2025.

 

2027 UTL Cobe Durio: A versatile player who posted a .405 OBP in 2024, Durio’s ability to play multiple positions and contribute offensively adds depth to the Lions’ roster.

The Lions are poised to take a step forward offensively, with players showing improvement over the summer and a clearer approach at the plate. Guidry, Kyle, Courmier, and Gonzales will anchor the lineup, while Durio and other contributors add depth. If the team can capitalize on their speed and athleticism, they’ll create plenty of scoring opportunities.

The Lions’ toughest challenge will be finding consistency on the mound behind Guidry and Kyle. While Patin, Reeves, and Lapoint have shown potential, they’ll need to prove they can handle the demands of district play. Additionally, the team must avoid beating themselves with mental mistakes in games they’re capable of winning.

Head coach Dane Clark has emphasized improvement in all areas, and the players have responded with a dedicated offseason, pushing themselves in the weight room and on the field. The goal for 2025 is to build on last year’s playoff run and compete for a district title.

The 2025 Vinton Lions will rely on their defense and leadership as they navigate the challenges of a competitive schedule. With a solid core of returning players and an improved offense, the Lions have the potential to be a force in Class 2A.

If the pitching staff can develop depth and younger players step up, Vinton could make another playoff push and possibly advance further than last season’s second-round exit. The foundation is in place for a successful season built on hard work and the team’s commitment to improvement.

 

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