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PRAIRIEVILLE — The Louisiana Power 9U AAA baseball team features a close-knit group of 10 kids who have played ball together for most of their lives. Their brotherhood on the field is reflected in the camaraderie of the coaches who have been an integral part of athletics in the River Parishes.

Head coach Keshawn Bullock, an East St. John alum, said Louisiana Power has some big games coming up this month. First up is the state tournament in Baton Rouge, followed by the 2021 Gulf Coast World Series being held June 16-19 in Orange Beach, Alabama.

The farthest the team traveled this year was to Houston, Texas for the Baseball USA tournament, where the boys claimed third place out of 18 teams. Recently released National Power Rankings designated Louisiana Power as the No. 9 team in Louisiana for 9U AAA baseball.

Coach Bullock played baseball at Coahoma Community College after graduating from East St. John, and he wants to share his experiences with the next generation of young athletes. Game by game, weekend by weekend, he sees Louisiana Power improve as the boys learn more about the fundamentals of the sport.

“They are learning the game of baseball, getting stronger, throwing the ball faster, running the ball and learning what to do in situations without us having to tell them. We’re trying to really get consistent with hitting the ball and getting them to understand the game,” Bullock said.

He added that this team is providing the boys with a solid foundation in the sport.

“It’s pretty much the same plays and the same skills, but you get faster and stronger as you get older,” he said.

While Louisiana Power is based in Ascension Parish, most of the boys are from St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes, and they could very well be the future baseball stars of the River Region.

Bullock believes Louisiana Power team members Daylon Smith and Logan Le are among the top 9U pitchers in Louisiana. Daylon is also an outstanding shortstop, and Logan does a phenomenal job manning the infield.

According to Bullock, each of the boys brings something special to the team.
First baseman and pitcher Madden Gathers knows how to swing the bat and send the ball flying.

“You really don’t find many bigger kids with the athletic ability that he has,” Bullock said.

Outfielder Kobe Brown is a true speedster who can run down the ball no matter how hard it’s hit. Meanwhile, Sy’ Jackson is a playmaker in the infield who can easily shift between positions.

According to Bullock, Brayden Robertson is another phenomenal pitcher for Louisiana Power known for throwing strikes. He’s also a great athlete in the outfield.

Pitcher/catcher Kelly LeDuff is considered the “heartbeat of the team” because of his positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges, Bullock said.

Kayden Relaford is one of the youngest on the team, and he’s come the farthest this year in learning the game of baseball while making impressive plays in the outfield.

Bullock said infielder/pitcher Camdyn Bullock and outfielder/second baseman Jace Butler have shown mental fortitude and perseverance. Despite battling health struggles and injury, these boys have continued to play their hearts out and support the team.

The boys on the team are also stellar students who perform well in school.

The Louisiana Power coaching staff includes President Kelly LeDuff, Head Coach Keshawn Bullock, and assistant coaches Donald Brown, Demmtray Harry, Brad Robertson and Greg Gathers. Together, the coaches bring a unique mix of energy, team spirit and age-appropriate discipline to the team.

“I believe we have the best coaching staff in travel baseball because we are all so tight, just like the boys are so tight,” Bullock said.