The Louisiana high school season officially kicks off on February 19, the first day for regular season games, with organized team practice starting later this month.

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: Riverside Academy

2017 Record: 30-11
LHSAA Classification: 2A
LHSAA District: 11-2A
Head Coach: Frank Cazeaux
Playoff Run: State Champions
2017 Final Rank: 15
Returning Starters: 4
Returning Pitchers: 2

TOP PLAYERS

Jordan Loving, RHP/IF, (2018)
Jared Hymel RHP/IF, (2018)
Zack Gieger, OF, (2018)
Dane Edler, IF/OF, (2018)

Stat Rat (X-Factor)

Expect Loving to help lead the way on the mound and at the plate for the Rebels, as he looks to improve upon his 2017 production which saw him hit .282 with 2 HR, 7 2B and 26 RBI. All the while pitching at a 1.94 ERA in 83 innings with 99 strikeouts. Veteran infielder, Jared Hymel, also looks to improve upon 2017 which saw him hit .297 with 6 HR and 31 RBI.

Outlook

After finishing the 2017 season 30-11 and capturing the division III state championship, the Rebels head into 2018 having to replace a good bit of last season’s production at the plate and on the mound. However, Coach Frank Cazeaux does have solid senior leadership to rely on for the 2018 campaign, as he returns four starters and two pitchers. A consistent winner, Coach Cazeaux has helped mold the Riverside program into a perennial contender, and come playoff time expect the Rebels to be in the thick of the hunt to defend their state title.

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