WEST MONROE — A 3-0 first round playoff defeat doesn’t reflect the level of talent that shaped this year’s East St. John High baseball team.

The No. 28 Wildcats fell to No. 5 West Monroe Tuesday night, but coach Wendell Henderson sees a new beginning for several seniors slated for college ball next spring.

Wade Williams and Rayvon Joseph are taking their games to Rust College, and Herman Farlough is bringing his baseball talent to Southern University.

A big decision lies ahead for Kevin Breaux, who Henderson considers “by far the best catcher in the state of Louisiana.”

“A lot of people are calling,” Henderson said. “He’ll have a choice to play at whatever school he really wants to.”

Lonnie Ellis returns next season to lead the Wildcats.

Despite the loss, Henderson saw quality pitching and hitting against West Monroe.

“We played to the bitter end,” Henderson said. “We didn’t get a couple of timely hits when the bases were loaded, but I thought we hit the ball just as well as they hit the ball.”