Last week, we saw Parkway take on C.E. Byrd, in our first district matchup for the Week 5 Game of the Week.  This week, we will be zoning in another district bout between West Monroe and Pineville.  West Monroe currently sit at #5 in the Class 5A power rankings with an 11-6 record.  Pineville has been one of the surprises in Class 5A this spring, currently sitting at #9 in the power rankings with a 16-4 record.  Below, we take a look at the key players, for both teams, ahead of Saturday's matchup at 1 PM. 

 

West Monroe H.S.

Record: 11-6

Current Ranking: #5 in Class 5A

Key Wins: Live Oak, Dutchtown

Runs Scored: 126 (7.4 runs scored/game)

Runs Allowed: 82 (4.8 runs allowed/game)

 

West Monroe has had a rich history of baseball success and it's of no surprise that the Rebels are sitting at #5 in the Class 5A power rankings half-way through this season.  On the mound, the Rebels are led by Senior LHP Lane Little (University of Louisiana-Monroe Signee).  The southpaw has compiled a 4-2 record over 29.1 IP, giving up 23 H, 15 R, 11 ER, 13 BB, while striking out 31.  Offense, however, is the strength of this West Monroe team and it all starts with Senior CF Josh Pearson (Louisiana State University Signee).  The Super 60 participant is hitting .362 with 3 2B, 3B, 9 RBI, 15 R, and 12 BB.  Senior Reed Eason (LSU-Eunice Signee) has done a great job of hitting behind Pearson this season with a .382 average, 7 2B, 3B, 15 R, 23 RBI, and 6 BB.  Senior Britt Jordan (LSU-Shreveport Signee) is also enjoying a nice season, hitting .538 with 4 2B, 3B, 10 RBI, 4 R, and 6 BB.  A couple of underclassmen are also making their mark in Freshmen Trey Hawsey and Hayden Federico.  Hawsey, a 2020 PBR Junior Future Gamer, is hitting .326 with 2 2B, 3B, 10 RBI, 6 R, and 6 BB.  Federico is hitting .304 with 2 2B, 5 RBI, 12 R, and 3 BB, while providing a steady glove at multiple defensive positions.

 

Pineville H.S.

Record: 16-4

Current Ranking: #9 in Class 5A

Key Wins: Neville, Natchitoches Central

Runs Scored: 154 (7.7 runs scored/game)

Runs Allowed: 80 (4.0 runs allowed/game)

 

Coach Lane Noakes really liked his club heading into this year and they've been one of, if not, the biggest surprise in Class 5A.  Offensively, the Rebels are led by Senior Darnell Bayonne (Northwestern State University Signee) and Sophomore Greg Willis.  Bayonne has set the table for Pineville in the leadoff spot all season, hitting at a .386 clip with 3 HR, 9 2B, 13 RBI, 23 R, and 10 BB.  Willis is a big run producer in the middle of the Rebels order with a .370 average, to go along with 6 HR, 5 2B, 13 R, 20 RBI, and 6 BB.  Junior Catcher Chris Kelley is also having a good year so far hitting .288 with 4 HR and 14 RBI.  On the mound, Pineville will have several options to choose from.  Senior Connor Morrow came into the year as the #1 starter and he hasn't disappointed thus far, compiling a 3-0 record with 37 K's in 33.2 IP.  Senior Brady Weatherford owns a 3-1 record with 26 K's, while Senior Jacob Stansell owns a 4-1 record with 17 K's.