The Louisiana high school season kicks off on February 18, the first day for regular season games. Most teams began practice on January 22nd, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups.

Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we will be rolling out team previews of high school teams all across the state and across all classifications, eventually launching our Preseason Power 25.

We have been sending out our annual Preseason Questionnaire to coaches all across the state and as the responses flood in we will bring you a snapshot of what to expect along with top players and keys to success for that particular team. If you don’t see your team’s season preview make sure your head coach fills out his Preseason Questionnaire.

Team: Sam Houston

Head Coach: Chad Hebert
2018 Record: 33-6
LHSAA Classification: 5A
LHSAA District: 3-5A
Playoff Run: Semi-Finals
2018 Final Rank: 1st in District
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Pitchers: 5

TOP PLAYERS

x-Factor

The Broncos look to follow up on an impressive 2018 season, as they claimed the district 3-5A title, reached the Semi-Finals in Class 5A, and finished with an impressive 33-6 record. Offensively they return two of the top players in the state in: Texas recruit, 2019 C Silas Ardoin and Louisiana Tech recruit, 2019 OF Braden Duhon. Ardoin has been a steady, reliable offensive performer and run producer for the Broncos throughout his high school career. In addition, the future Longhorn is one of the top defenders in the state, and impacts the game with his advanced receiving ability that steals strikes for his pitching staff, and his catch-and-throw skills that shuts down an opponents running game. Duhon has been a spark plug atop the Sam Houston lineup, as the left-handed hitting speedster sets the tone for the Bronco lineup. An advanced defender as well, Duhon strengthens the middle of the Sam Houston defense, as his speed and instincts allow him to cover gap-to-gap. On the mound, the Broncos return Louisiana State recruit, and PBR Future Games standout, 2020 RHP/OF Marcus Mott. The junior right-hander was effective in his sophomore season, and during the summer showed off his electric fastball, running it up to 90+ mph.

Outlook

Expectations are high for Coach Chad Hebert, as the Broncos will once again field an extremely talented roster in 2019. The Broncos return seven every day starters and five arms in 2019 season. In addition to the veterans returning, the future is extremely bright for Sam Houston, with talented youngsters like 2022 RHP/3B Luke Yuhasz, 2021 SS Alex Norris, and 2022 C Jackson Arrant. A state title is certainly in their sights as they head into the spring, but first they will look to get through the gauntlet that is district 3-5A and defend their district title.

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