St. Paul's High School and Catholic BR High School are two teams loaded with talented prospects, but this shouldn't be a surprise to anyone across the state, as both programs have a history of success.  St. Paul's has seen back to back state title game appearances in 2018 and 2019, winning the Division 1 State in 2019 over Rummel.  Catholic BR has been to the big dance in 2013, 2015, and 2017, winning their last state over Zachary in 2013.  Below, we take a look at players to watch for both clubs ahead of their matchup on Monday 02/22/21 in Baton Rouge, LA.  

 

St. Paul's High School

2021 PBR Super 60 participant Connor Simon (LSU Signee) has started to fill out his frame this fall, which has helped the SS/RHP at the plate.  Long known for this defense, Simon flashed more pop at this year's Super 60 during his BP rounds, and it looks to have translated on the field, as he launched a towering home run in a scrimmage earlier this month.  We wouldn't be surprised to see Simon toe the rubber Monday night, late in the game, especially if things get close, as he has closed out several big games during his career for the Wolves.  One prospect we hope to see is sophomore LHP/OF Kade Anderson (LSU Commit).  The southpaw is the #1 ranked player in Louisiana's 2023 class thanks to his loose and easy arm action and projectable frame.  FB sits 84-87 mph, topping out at 88 mph, and his ability to command the pitch, in all quadrants, is what makes Anderson one of the top arms in the country in the 2023 class.  Senior Matthew Russo (Southern Miss Signee) is another guy we're excited to see.  The LHH will be in the middle of St. Paul's order and should be a run producer all year long.  

 

Catholic BR High School

This year's Catholic BR club looks to have one of the most potent offensive attacks across the state and it all starts with Senior Mason Zambo (University of Louisiana Signee) and Junior C.J. Sturiale (Louisiana Tech Commit).  Zambo, a physical 6'2" 210 lbs. LHH, is a guy that you definitely want up at the end of the game.  The UL commit consistently squares up balls, to all fields, and does so in the clutch.  Sturiale really made a name for himself this summer at the 2020 PBR Future Games, as he led the Louisiana team in hits during the event.  Sophomores Braden Cazes, Landen Chustz, and Clayton Pourciau (University of Louisiana Commit) should all assist in the potent Bears lineup.  On the mound, we hope to see Catholic BR roll out sophomore two-way prospect, Cole Cranford (Tulane Commit).  Cranford makes his living on spotting up his mid-80's FB to go along with a CB and CH, which he can throw for strikes in any count.