By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — Ruston High has placed 16 players on the 2025 All-District 2-5A baseball team, highlighted by senior Jackson Lee earning District Player of the Year honors and 10 Bearcats being named to the first team.
First-team selections for Ruston included junior pitchers Tyler Roach and Peyton Nations, senior infielders Jackson Burroughs and Nolan Parnell, catcher Lander Smith, outfielders Lee and junior JP Moak, junior designated hitter Sam Hartwell and senior utility players Hudson Wood and Kenden Freeman.
Lee led the way offensively, hitting .500 with a .575 on-base percentage, including four triples and a home run. Hartwell also batted .500 with a .588 on-base percentage, adding four doubles, a triple and nine RBIs. Smith hit .421 with a .578 on-base percentage, while Moak posted a .462 average with a .588 on-base percentage and 11 RBIs.
On the mound, Roach went 3-0 with a 0.00 ERA, allowing just eight hits and four walks while striking out 19. Nations recorded a 0.75 ERA with 10 strikeouts.
Burroughs hit .320 with a .487 on-base percentage, one home run and six runs scored, while Parnell batted .321 with a .475 on-base percentage, one home run and eight RBIs. Wood added a .348 average with four doubles.
Ruston’s second-team selections were sophomore pitcher Max Pyles, sophomore outfielder Dalen Powell and utility players Michael Brisco (senior) and Dillon Williams (junior). Pyles finished with a 3.41 ERA, while Brisco was recognized as a courtesy runner and Williams earned honors for his work at second base and shortstop.
Freshman Tristan Nassar (pitcher), junior Colt Lary (pitcher) and sophomore Aidan Adams (DH) received honorable mention recognition.
Ruston head coach Bryan Beck said the recognition reflects the team’s depth and senior leadership.
“On behalf of our coaching staff, we are very proud of all of our players who represent Ruston High and our baseball team on the District 2-5A all-district list,” Beck said.
Beck also praised Lee’s top honor.
“Couldn’t be more proud for Jackson Lee receiving the District Player of the Year award. He earned that, and certainly the district coaches got that one right,” Beck said.
Beck noted the impact of the senior class, which saw every senior earn either first- or second-team recognition.
“Every senior on our team was represented either in first-team or second-team honors, and that just tells you what kind of group these seniors were,” Beck said. “This group will certainly be missed but never forgotten.”
