The Louisiana high school season kicks off on February 24th, the first day for regular season games. Most teams began practice on January 27th, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups.

Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we will be rolling out team previews of high school teams all across the state and across all classifications, eventually launching our Preseason Power 25.

We have been sending out our annual Preseason Questionnaire to coaches all across the state and as the responses flood in we will bring you a snapshot of what to expect along with top players and keys to success for that particular team. If you don’t see your team’s season preview make sure your head coach fills out his Preseason Questionnaire.

Team: Brother Martin 

2019 Record: 26-6

LHSAA Classification: 5A

LHSAA District: 9-5A

Head Coach: Jeff Lupo

Playoff Run: Lost in D1 Semifinals 

Returning Starters: 7

Returning Pitchers: 1

Top Players

+ 1B/OF, Tre Morgan, 2020 (Louisiana State recruit)
+ RHP/IF, Brennan Stuprich, 2020 (Southeastern Louisiana recruit)
+ OF, Joe Delaney, 2020 (Southeastern Louisiana recruit)
+ OF, Cole Stromboe, 2020 (Louisiana-Monroe recruit)
+ C, Blake Bufkin, 2020 
+ IF, Ethan Moser, 2020
+ RHP, Sam Gernhauser, 2022
+ OF, Eli Booth, 2023
+ SS, Andrew Sieta, 2023
+ 1B, Sully Stringer, 2022

Stat Rat (X-Factor)

Brother Martin will be lead on the mound by 2020 RHP Brennan Stuprich. The Southeastern Louisiana recruit has shown high level pitchability and command of the zone over the course of his prep career. The lean, athletic right-hander uses a smooth rhythmic delivery with level shoulders, in-line direction, into a high-¾ slot and an athletic finish. Stuprich will also see time in the middle of the offensive lineup where he will be joined by Louisiana State recruit Tre Morgan a 2020 OF/1B with big time ability. The left-handed hitter most recently participated in the PBR Super 60 in Chicago where he flashed high level athleticism and a high-end power bat. With Morgan and Stuprich in the middle of the lineup and another Southeastern Louisiana recruit in 2020 OF Joe Delaney setting the table, the Crusaders are primed for another strong campaign in the 2020 season. 

Outlook

After finishing the 2019 season 26-6 and falling just short in the semifinals, Jeff Lupo and the Crusaders head into the 2020 season as an experienced club, returning seven everyday players. Coach Lupo will rely on that talented and experienced lineup to be the strength during the 2020 season. Delaney, Morgan and Stuprich will lead the Brother Martin lineup which has depth throughout with guys like Louisiana-Monroe recruit 2020 OF Cole Stromboe, 2020 C Blake Bufkin and 2020 IF Ethan Moser. The Crusaders should be right in the thick of the race for the district 9-5A title, and hope to improve upon last season’s semifinal playoff run.

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