Trey Sofio
Louisiana Scouting Director

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Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will be posting high school team previews every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage:

Team: Catholic(BR)
Preseason Rank: No. 7
2016 Record: 31-7
District: 5-5A
LHSAA Class: 5A
Head Coach: Brad Bass
Playoff Run: Semi-Finals
2016 Final Rank: 4
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Pitchers: 5

TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
Patrick Crifasi, CF, 2017
Will Ethridge, IF, 2017 (Nicholls State)
Cole Johnson, IF, 2017 (LSU-Eunice)
Payton Alexander, OF, 2017 (Loyola-New Orleans)
Parker Evans, RHP, 2017
Brady Hebert, SS/RHP, 2018
Landon Boeneke, RHP, 2018
Brennan Lambert, C, 2018
Zach Ordeneaux, IF, 2020
Max Wagner, RHP, 2017
Austin Andrishok, LHP, 2018

X-FACTOR
2018 RHP/SS Brady Hebert returns for the Bears in 2017, and looks to play a larger role. Hebert was a big piece on the mound in 2016 season, helping Catholic(BR) reach the semi-finals of the class 5A playoffs. In 2017, Hebert looks to lead the rotation on the mound, in addition to attempting to fill the large shoes left at shortstop with the departure of 4-year starter, Josh Smith.

OUTLOOK
It is no secret that Catholic(BR) has become one of the most consistent programs in the state of Louisiana. In fact, since 2010 the program has brought home two class 5A state titles, a time period in which Barbe has won four state titles. Although the loss of Josh Smith, who will get the start at third base on opening night for LSU, will be a tough undertaking, the Bears are an experienced and talented bunch. All-State centerfielder Patrick Crifasi returns atop the Bears lineup, as well as, All-District performers: IF Cole Johnson, IF Will Ethridge, C Brennan Lambert, OF Payton Alexander, RHP Parker Evans, and RHP/SS Brady Hebert.  

BOTTOM LINE
Coach Brad Bass has help build one of the premier programs in the state, consistently contending for state titles, as well as, moving players on to college baseball consistently. The 2017 Catholic(BR) ballclub looks to strong yet again. As the new LHSAA playoff rules set in this year, the Bears will be playing for a Division I title, and certainly are one of the favorites for that title. During the regular season, the Bears will still compete in district 5-5A against the likes of St. Amant, Dutchtown and East Ascension, but will then be separated from their public school counterparts, in accordance with the public/private split.

SEASON COUNTDOWN

+ High School Team Previews

+ Power 25

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