The 2024 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 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 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 players of the week, updating our Power 25 Rankings, and many more pieces of content.  

*Please note that all information is based on team preview questionnaires that were sent out and returned by the participating high school coaches.

 

High School Name: West Ouachita

Head Coach: Mitch Thomas

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

District: 2-5A

2023 Record: 10-21

2023 Playoff Finish: Did not make the playoffs

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 6

No. of Returning Pitchers: 5

Team Strengths: Defense

Top Returning Players: 2024 RHP/INF Kaden Graves, 2024 RHP/INF Jacob Shopher, 2024 INF/RHP Ryan Stevenson, 2025 RHP/INF Cam Martin, 2025 C Fisher Turner

 

Team Outlook

West Ouachita finished last year with a 10-21 record and unfortunately did not make the playoffs.  2024 is a new year for Head Coach Mitch Thomas and a clean slate for this year's Chiefs team.  The strength of the team will be their defense with the return of several veteran guys on the infield.  Seniors Kaden Graves, Ryan Stephenson, and Jacob Shopher are all back for another year and all three will also contribute on the mound.  Junior Cam Martin is another returning two-way infielder/pitcher that Coach Thomas is excited to have back as well.  Managing the staff with be junior Fisher Turner, who projects to be the team's starting catcher.  A couple of underclassman to keep an eye on are freshmen Dillon Robb and Austin Howell.  Robb is a projectable 6'3" 175 lbs. left-handed hitting outfielder and Howell is a 6'0" 165 lbs. right-handed pitcher that could see varsity innings.  

 

 

Follow on Twitter: @PBR_Louisiana
Follow on Instagram: @PBR_Louisiana

 

+ Click HERE to create a free profile.

+ Click HERE to purchase a subscription which gives you access to additional information on the site. 

 
Related Content: