Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 25 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage:

C Will Barter

Team: Pensacola Catholic
Preseason Rank: 13
2022 Record: 16-10
Playoff Run: Regional Quarterfinals
FHSAA Class: 3A
Head Coach: Richard LaBounty

TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
Will Barter, C, 2023 (Tulane)
Zack DeJesus, OF, 2023 (Santa Fe)
Michael Smith, OF, 2023 (Praire View A&M)
Will Krehely. RHP/OF, 2023
Chris Rembert, SS, 2024 (Auburn)
Jackson Kohr, RHP/OF, 2024

X-FACTOR

Colton Guillot and Jonah Cook -  Guillot is a freshman that played varsity baseball elsewhere as an 8th grader. He projects to be in the pitching rotation with an above average  fastball and will also compete for a regular spot in the field. Jonah Cook is a transfer P/1B that is signed with Spring Hill College.

 

OUTLOOK

After a disappointing end to an otherwise successful 2022 campaign, the Crusaders look to take the next step in their development with a playoff run. They have a nice mix of talent in all four classes and expect some younger guys to be key contributors at some point during the season. All of their players have played in big games, as they had one of the most difficult schedules in the state last season, and can handle big pressure situations. Hall of Fame coach Richard LaBounty, who has over 700 career victories, returns to the reigns as head coach after spending 6 years in administration.

 

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