2021 Team Preview - Barbe High School

As many know, Barbe High School is recognized as one of the top high school baseball programs, not only in the state of Louisiana, but in the country. The Bucs success could be compared to that of Tom Brady, having won 10 state championships over the last 22 seasons played (*2020-cancelled due to COVID-19). Coach Glenn Cecchini and the 2020 Barbe team looked prime to repeat last spring, before the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately shut down the season. The 2021 Barbe team will have to replace key departures in LHP/OF Brody Drost (LSU), SS Davis Meche (Mississippi State), 2B Bailey Juneau, and C Ben David (McNeese State). Replacing David will likely be the Bucs most challenging task. They'll turn to Junior Donnell Sandifer and Sophomore Holden Leblanc as his likely replacement, as both guys will see playing time behind the dish. Senior Kyle Debarge and Junior Gavin Guidry will provide the Bucs veteran leadership in the infield and will likely hit 1 and 2 in the order, respectively, for Barbe. Seniors Ethan Medlin and Kameron Edwards return to the outfield with Junior Crawford Courville likely being the 3rd outfielder. Newcomers such as Donovan LaSalle, JC Vanek, and Grant Comeaux will all see action in some form or fashion and we wouldn't be surprised to see Freshmen Kasen Bellard and Owen Galt, two former Junior Future Games attendees, help the Bucs in the infield as well. On the mound, is where this Barbe team really shines and they will be led by Senior Jack Walker, who is coming off of Tommy John surgery in 2019. Walker has already been back to his old ways this fall, which led him to being named 1st team All-State as a sophomore, running his FB up to 92 mph. Seniors Adam Guth, Blake Wren, Joseph Semien, and Guidry will be key pieces to the Bucs pitching staff, as well as some new faces in Freshmen Landon Victorian and Diego Corrales. Taking a deeper dive into this staff, there are four college commits not counting Vanek (LSU commit) and Victorian, who has multiple major D1 offers. District 3 will be a tough one this year, as teams like Sulphur and Lafayette, both have bonified #1 starters that can beat anyone. Teams will have to have depth this season, especially on the mound, and that is something that this Barbe team has. Our guess is that pitching will lead the way early in the season for the Bucs, as their lineup start to take shape and form. It's safe to say that there's a high probability that the Bucs will make the final four again in May and will finally be given the chance to defend their 2019 state title.