TEAM PREVIEW | St. Thomas More / Team ID January 30, 2024
Head Coach’s Name: Cass Hargis
LHSAA Classification & District: 4-4A
Number of returning starting position players: 3
Number of returning starting pitchers: 2
We had a chance to head over to St. Thomas More last week and get a good look at the 2024 Cougar Baseball Team. Some of the same faces are still around from last years team who made it to the State Tournament, but this 2024 team will rely on some key new additions. Let's dive into the team and take a look at some of the key players and roles that will called upon this year.
TOP RETURNERS
Three names will be coming back that made a big impact in 2023, and should be a force in 2024. Cade Wilkerson (2025 - IF/OF - UL-Lafayette) looks to hit in the top of the lineup this year. The UL-Lafayette commit hit .325 and scored 27 runs, he provides good speed at the top of the lineup and will be a spark plug for this 2024 offense. Jacob Froehlich (2025 - OF/RHP - UL-Lafayette) will be a key piece to the success for the Cougars this year. In 2023 he hit .354 with 2HR and drove in 27 runs. Froehlich has also been getting reps in centerfield with his athleticism and looks the part. The left handed hitter will be a big part of the offense this year in the middle of the line up. Froehlich also has a chance to be a key part of the pitching staff as well. Hitting along side of Froehlich in the middle of the order will be Hayden Hernandez (2024 - OF - LSU Eunice). Hernandez hit .351 with 2HR and also drove in 27 runs. The big bodied outfielder looks to do his part in driving runs in for this Cougar offense.
The pitching staff will be led by Wilton Taylor (2024 - RHP - UL-Lafayette). Taylor threw 43 innings and have a 3.75 ERA. He went 5-2 and also struck out a batter an inning. Look for the UL-Lafayette commit to have a big spring. Evan McDaniel (2024 - RHP) is also another senior primed to comeback and have another good year. McDaniel had a 2.85 ERA over the course of 27 innings pitched, and looks to build off his solid year in 2023.
PLAYERS TO MAKE AN IMPACT
A lot of players will be called upon this year to step up and help take the Cougars back to Sulphur. Seniors Tyler Desormeaux (IF) and Cayden Vice (OF) could see extended playing time. Both were part of the STM Team Combine and had good days. The junior class has a handful of players that could be an impact. Mackie Castille (C) and Parker Castille (IF) are athletic and hard nosed players. On the mound RHP Talan Soileau could be a guy to rely on. In the infield Reed Dupuis, Riley Rowell, and Josh Dupin could provide steady defense and some thump with the bat. Rowell had a very good day at the Team Combine posting numerous 95+mph EV during BP. Cayden Dartez (2026 - OF/LHP) is another name to watch for. The sophomore is a very talented player who can be a big two way player for this 2024 team.
2024 EXPECTATIONS
Losing a handful of players from a previous years team can be a problem for some programs, but the Cougars always tend to reload and compete for a state title. Coach Hargis believes this years team is going to be scrappy and athletic. Something Coach Hargis has reiterated to his guys is that getting to Sulphur and winning a state championship should be a goal. With a good mix of returning and new players in the offense, and some talented arms, this team looks to make a run for that goal.
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TEAM ID RECAP (JANUARY 30TH)
TOP PERFORMERS
RILEY ROWELL | 2025 | ST. THOMAS MORE
POSITION: IF
HT/WT: 5'11/170lbs
SCOUT NOTES: The 2025 infielder had an impressive day during the Team Combine. Physical and athletic, ran a 6.97 60 and had numerous 90+ EV readings off of the Rapsodo during BP. Slightly open stance with good weight transfer, barrel got through zone on a good plane and created good back spin. Plus arm on the infield, 87mph.
CAYDEN DARTEZ | 2026 | ST. THOMAS MORE
POSITION: OF
HT/WT: 6'2/200lbs
SCOUT NOTES: Dartez will be a good name to follow this spring. The sophomore was gap to gap during BP and showed good opposite field pop. Also has the ability to get hands inside and hit line drives to the pull side. Athletic player in the outfield and 83mph arm from the OF.
JACKSON WATTS | 2027 | ST. THOMAS MORE
POSITION: RHP/OF
HT/WT: 5'10/177lbs
SCOUT NOTES: Watts impressed all day. The freshman ran a 7.07 to start the day then took a good round of BP. Good bat speed and sprayed the ball all over the field. 92mph MAX EV. Showed a good arm from the OF reaching up to 86mph. Transferred well on the mound sitting 80-82. Sharp slider with loose arm. More in the tank and will be an exciting young player to watch.
COOPER HAWKINS | 2027 | ST. THOMAS MORE
POSITION: RHP/OF
HT/WT: 6'0/175lbs
SCOUT NOTES: Hawkins has a big frame that projects very well. Max exit velo of 94mph from the plate as well as up to 84 in the OF. Ball really jumped off the bat during BP. On the mound sat 80-82 and mixed in a plus breaking ball. Very projectable and will be a big name to follow in the 2027 class.
Events
Players