The 2018 Louisiana high school season is well underway, as teams around the state transition out the early season tournament schedules into district play. Teams have begun separating themselves, and there is plenty of shakeup in this week’s updated Power 25 team rankings.

The battle for the No. 1 slot is virtually in a deadlock between Zachary HS and Sam Houston HS. Coach Chad Hebert and the Sam Houston Broncos have gotten out to a 19-0 start, while Coach Jacob Fisher and the Zachary Broncos sit at 18-1. Although Sam Houston claimed a 1-run victory over Zachary earlier this year, we gave the slight edge to Zachary for the No. 1 slot. The two programs are incredibly similar, as both reached the semi-finals last year, and have athletic, dynamic lineups that put constant pressure on opposing defenses. Both clubs play defense at high-levels, and have impact guys at the catching position in Louisiana Tech recruit, Silas Ardoin (Sam Houston HS, LA) and Louisiana State recruit, Alex Milazzo (Zachary HS, LA). The edge was given to Zachary this time around because of the slight experience advantage, as they have more battletested veterans in the lineup. However, by the time the opportunity comes for the two to potentially meet again in May, Sam Houston will have plenty of battle experience, as they begin their vaunted district 3-5A schedule.

Speaking of district 3-5A, its once again an absolute gauntlet. The latest update to the Power 25 features three teams from 3-5A in the top five in: No. 2 Sam Houston (19-0), No. 4 Barbe (16-3) and No. 5 Sulphur (16-4). Although the perennial state power, Barbe, had a couple hiccups earlier in the year because of their youth, and some were eager to jump the gun on them, they have rolled off 11 straight victories, appearing to be just fine. Their youth may show in the coming weeks of district 3-5A play, but the Bucs are talented, and the track record of success is hard to discount. Led by Louisiana-Lafayette recruit, RHP/IF Chance Stone (Sulphur HS, LA), the Sulphur Tors are another veteran and talented group in district 3-5A. Stone is one of the top arms in the state, with a low-90’s fastball and devastating, swing-and-miss breaking ball, which certainly gives the Tors an advantage whenever he toes the rubber. All in all, the league features four teams in the updated top ten, and a total of five teams in the entire Power 25 update.

The John Curtis Patriots remain at No. 3 in the update, as they begin district play this week before heading to Cary, North Carolina next for the annual NHSI, the nation’s premier high school baseball tournament hosted by USA baseball. Louisiana State recruit, 1B Cade Beloso (John Curtis HS, LA) has gotten off to a fast start for the Patriots, once again stuffing the stat sheet at an impressive rate. Beloso is hitting at a .500 clip thus far, with 6 homers and 15 RBI, leading an explosive Patriot lineup.

Below is a look at the top ten of the Power 25. For PBR+, ProspectPlus, or ScoutPlus subscribers: the complete Power 25 rankings update can be found HERE.

3/5/18	3/19/18	Team	Class	Record
1	1	Zachary	5A	18-1
6	2	Sam Houston	5A	19-0
3	3	John Curtis	5A	12-2
5	4	Barbe	5A	16-3
2	5	Sulphur	5A	16-4
12	6	University Lab	3A	14-3
4	7	Acadiana	5A	14-5
7	8	Catholic(BR)	5A	13-6
13	9	Teurlings Catholic	4A	11-7
16	10	Northshore	5A	15-1

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