The 2026 Shreveport Times All-Area baseball team has been unveiled, spotlighting the finest high school players from nine parishes across northwest Louisiana. Selected by coaches and district panels, the roster celebrates not only individual excellence but also the deep talent pool that continues to shape the region’s baseball landscape.
Athlete of the Year: Kade Luker
Kade Luker of Cedar Creek emerged as the centerpiece of the honors, earning the Athlete of the Year award after a dominant season in which he posted a 10‑1 record on the mound, struck out 106 batters and maintained a 1.04 ERA. At the plate he batted .531, launching five home runs, driving in 35 runs and scoring 48 times.
The recognition extends beyond Luker. Luke Delafield from North DeSoto was named Player of the Year, while Braden Jones earned Pitcher of the Year honors, and Jackson Lee of Ruston took home Offensive Player of the Year. Each awardee brings a distinct skill set that helped shape their teams’ successes.
Coach of the Year: Chad Yates
Coach Chad Yates of Cedar Creek was celebrated as Coach of the Year after guiding his squad to the LHSAA Select Division IV semifinals and finishing the season with a 27‑7 record, including a 4‑2 mark in District 1‑1A play. His leadership underscored the competitive balance across the parishes of Bienville, Claiborne, DeSoto, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Union and Webster.
The first team features a who’s‑who of local standouts such as Landon Brewer, Keaton Cason, Ryan Coleman, Sam Hartwell, Darron Hollingsworth, Payton Hyden, Daygen Johnson, Colton Lacour, Elijah Murphy, Haiden Nelson, Ethan Thrash, Miller Toney and Wes Wallace. The second team adds names like Jerricho Adkins, Winn Cedars, Porter Doyal, Jacen Hale, Aiden LeBlanc, Logan Maroney, Kaghan Miller, Nolan Moore, Paxton Prince, Lander Smith, Brayden Watkins, Connor Webb, Braydon Winston and Connor Yates. Honorable mentions round out the list with Carter Nichols, Jonas Hendrickson, Clay Isggit, AJ Lavespere, JP Moak, Tyler Roach, Ace Rollen, Noah Smith, Owen Smith, Thorne Stripling and Ian Ellis.
Together, these selections illustrate a vibrant baseball ecosystem where emerging talent, seasoned coaches and supportive communities intersect. As the next generation of players looks ahead, the All‑Area team serves as both a celebration of past achievement and a preview of the promise that lies ahead for Louisiana’s high school baseball.