High School Team Preview: No. 25 Zachary
January 24, 2017
Trey Sofio
Louisiana Scouting Director
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: Zachary
Preseason Rank: No. 25
2016 Record: 24-13
District: 4-5A
LHSAA Class: 5A
Head Coach: Jacob Fisher
Playoff Run: 2nd round
2016 Final Rank: NR
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Pitchers: 5
TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
Robert Burke, RHP, 2017 (Northwestern State)
Anthony Fidanza, UTL, 2017 (Holmes CC)
Jacob Payne SS, 2017
River Town OF, 2018
Joey Blanchard IF/RHP, 2018
Rhett Hebert IF/RHP, 2018
Alex Milazzo, C, 2019
X-FACTOR
Northwestern State recruit, Robert Burke, headlines a talented a deep pitching staff for the Broncos as they enter the 2017 campaign. In addition, last year’s district 4-5A MVP, Joey Blanchard will be entering his junior season and has been a highly productive two-way player thus far in his young career. Adding to the depth of the talented pitching staff, 2018 Rhett Hebert is a strike thrower that comes at hitters from a low-3/4 arm slot, and was impressive during the Preseason All-State Games, where he tied up some of the best right-handed hitters the state of Louisiana has to offer.
OUTLOOK
Coach Jacob Fisher is entering his first season as head coach for Zachary, as Jesse Cassard moved on to Sulphur during the summer. Cassard certainly turned Zachary into a perennial power during his tenure there, but Fisher is well entrenched in the winning culture at Zachary, as he has played for and coached with Cassard over the years. So, don’t expect much deviation from the fast-paced, aggressive style of play, that has come to define the Zachary Broncos over the years.
BOTTOM LINE
The Broncos are a talented and veteran group, that has become accustomed to winning, which is usually a potent combination. The Broncos have a legitimate front of the rotation starter in Robert Burke, that will be able to match up with nearly any ace in the state. Joey Blanchard, Rhett Hebert, Anthony Fidanza, and several other young players provide quality depth on the mound, and athleticism throughout the lineup, a luxury not afforded to many. The race for the district 4-5A crown will certainly be heated, as the Baton Rouge area is rich in quality players and high school programs, which will make for highly entertaining matchups when district play rolls around.
SEASON COUNTDOWN
+ High School Team Previews
+ Power 25
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