MaxPreps 2017 Louisiana preseason high school baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Diving catch straight into a wall
Tyler Pettigrew of Henley (Klamath Falls, Ore.) had one of the nation's top catches in 2016.


1. Barbe (Lake Charles)
Head coach: Glenn Cecchini
2016 record: 35-6

The three-time defending Class 5A state champions start the season as the favorite in Louisiana thanks to the return of eight players who saw significant playing time last year. Adam Goree leads the way after going 8-1 last year with a 1.17 ERA and 79 strikeouts. He was the Southwest Louisiana Player of the Year last season. Slate Fuller, a right-handed pitcher who went 7-1 with 55 strikeouts and a 0.77 ERA, returns after earning state finals MVP honors. The outfield is sound with the return of All-State rightfielder Antonio Gauthier (.398, 39 stolen bases), Tanner Littleton (.351) and Alex Goree (.297).

See last season's Louisiana baseball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Catholic-B.R. (Baton Rouge)
Head coach: Brad Bass
2016 record: 29-7

The Bears reached the Class 5A state semifinals, losing a 2-1 contest to eventual champion Barbe. Seven starters return from that team, including six All-District players and one All-State selection. Patrick Crifasi earned All-State honors as a centerfielder last year. Meawhile, pitchers Parker Evans and Brady Hebert return from earning All-District nods. Infielders Cole Johnson and Will Etheridge also made the All-District team along with catcher Brennan Lambert.

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3. Teurlings Catholic (Lafayette)
Head coach: Michael Thibodeaux
2016 record: 35-4

Teurlings Catholic had one of the best years in school history last year, winning the Class 4A state championship and finishing ranked among the top teams in the nation. A total of five starters return, led by MaxPreps All-American outfielder Nicholas Webre, who batted .444 with six home runs. Shortstop Hayden Cantrelle is also a key returning player, as he batted .398 and also went 8-2 on the mound.

See last season's MaxPreps Louisiana baseball playoff brackets

4. Airline (Bossier City)
Head coach: Toby Todd
2016 record: 30-6

Airline reached the Class 5A semifinals, falling to finalist Byrd in three games. Three All-District players return, led by district MVP Cameron Parikh at pitcher/shortstop, second baseman Jonathan Brandon and catcher Josh James. Parikh, who signed with Louisiana Tech, went 7-2 on the mound with a 1.94 ERA and also batted .388 with 11 doubles.

See last season's MaxPreps Louisiana baseball stat leaders

5. Lafayette
Head coach: Sam Taulli
2016 record: 23-10

Lafayette only reached the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs, but it had two wins during the regular season against eventual state champion Barbe. Bo Hardin earned District Player of the Year honors, playing in the same district as Barbe, and will return as Lafayette's top pitcher. He's joined by LSU commit Miguel Reyes, an All-District selection in the infield.