2/24/2011 4:09:21 PM
This year marks the 7th annual Stephen Richardson Memorial Tournament, a three-day 28 team tournament in the Baton Rouge area featuring some of the top teams and players in the states.
The tournament is named for Richardson, was killed in a car crash returning home from watching parish rival Dutchtown win the Class 4A State Championship in 2004 in Lafayette. Stephen was a player on the East Ascension High School Spartan 5A State Championship Squad in 2003. His parents, Steve and Robin Richardson joined forces with then East Ascension head baseball coach Jamie Morgan and then-Dutchtown head baseball coach Mike Toups to start the tournament.
The tournament kicks off Thursday with 5 pm and 7:30 games at six different high schools while Zachary and Parkview only have a 6 pm game.
The biggest game Thursday pits defending 5A champion Baton RougeCatholic vs. Barbe. Barbe had three players selected in the 2010 Draft (Garin Cecchini-4th round Red Sox, Kevin Berard-22nd round Brewers, Hommy Rosado-11th round Rockies-did not sign). They return a number of talented players including Cecchini’s younger brother Gavin, a top 2012 SS prospect.
Catholic is again the favorite in the state behind senior pitchers Aaron Nola (LSU commit) and Alex Massey (Tulane commit.)
Barbe will start 2012 RHP Taylor Butler in the 5 pm game at Catholic HS, and Catholic will counter with 2011 LHP Jacob Knox (SE Louisiana commit). Barbe has some of the top young talent in the state and might have up to four freshman in the starting lineup.
In the other top 5 pm matchup, Zachary will take on Neville at Zachary HS. Zachary will start 2011 LHP Taylor Guilbeau, an Alabama commit who PG has seen up to 88 mph. Neville features another SEC commit in catcher John Clay Reeves who has committed to Arkansas.
Check back for updates on these games as well as preview of the big 7:30 matchups.