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: Westminster Christian Academy

Head Coach: Matt Taylor

Classification: Class 1A 

District: 5-1A

2024 Record: 9-16

2024 Playoff Finish: Did Not Make Playoffs

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 4

No. of Returning Pitchers: 3

Team Strengths: Hitting, Speed, & Athleticism

Team Outlook

The Westminster Christian Academy Crusaders are poised for a breakout season in 2025. After a challenging 2024 campaign that saw them fall just short of postseason play, the Crusaders return with renewed determination and nearly their entire roster intact. With speed, athleticism, and a potent offensive lineup as their key strengths, the Crusaders aim to make a significant impact in the highly competitive 5-1A district.

Leading the charge is senior outfielder Dreylon Pitre, whose impressive 1.071 OPS and .434 batting average make him the centerpiece of the Crusaders' offensive attack. Pitre’s ability to consistently get on base and produce in clutch situations will set the tone for the team’s success.

Joining Pitre in the outfield are juniors Evan Lemon and Gavin Frith, two dynamic players who bring speed and production to the lineup. Lemon, who swiped an impressive 30 bases in 2024, is a constant threat on the basepaths, while Frith, the team’s RBI leader, provides a reliable middle-of-the-order presence.

The Crusaders’ future is further bolstered by a talented group of sophomores who gained valuable varsity experience last season. Returning starters include:

-Sophomore Jack Hunt: A steady presence in the middle infield with strong defensive instincts and a developing bat.

-Sophomore John Glass: A dependable backstop who handles the pitching staff well and contributes offensively.

 

-Sophomore Jayden Johnson: A versatile player who can contribute both in the infield and on the mound.

-Sophomore Branson Ray: Another dual-threat player with potential to impact games both at the plate and on the hill.

The success of the 2025 season will largely hinge on the performance of the pitching staff, particularly senior Josh Blakeman, who will anchor the rotation. Blakeman’s ability to lead by example and handle the pressure of district play will be crucial for the Crusaders.

Behind Blakeman, the development of the younger arms will be key. Frith, Ray, Johnson, and Christian McZeal represent an up-and-coming group of pitchers who will need to step up in big moments. Their progression will determine whether Westminster can navigate the rigors of a tough district schedule and position themselves for a postseason run.

With only one starter lost from last year’s roster, Westminster Christian Academy enters 2025 with high expectations. The combination of senior leadership, junior versatility, and sophomore potential gives Coach Matt Taylor plenty of tools to work with. If the pitching staff can rise to the occasion and the offense continues to capitalize on their athleticism, the Crusaders have the potential to not only make the playoffs but also contend for a deep postseason run.

The future looks bright for WCA baseball in Opelousas, and 2025 might just be the year the Crusaders announce themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Class 1A.

 

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Upcoming Events

SHOWCASE	DATE	LOCATION
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