Catholic High's Thomas Beaullieu makes his way to third base against NISH. 

The 2024 prep baseball season officially began in the Teche Area on Thursday night as New Iberia Senior High hosted the annual Iberia Parish Jamboree.

Teams from Catholic High, Delcambre, Hanson Memorial, Highland Baptist, Loreauville and Westgate took part in the jamboree, which concluded on Friday with two junior varsity contests. 

The first official contests are scheduled for Feb. 19, with games lasting throughout the month of March and April. The LHSAA State Tournament will be held once again at McMurry Park in Sulphur, La. from May 7-11, 2024.

Delcambre 2, Westgate 0

The Panthers outlasted the Tigers in the first game of the night, defeating Westgate 2-0 thanks to two fifth-inning runs.

Shortstop Mason Dreyer’s double proved to be the difference on the night following strong pitching performances by Shawn LeBlanc, Tucker Zager, Cullen Landry and Tallon Guiberteau.

New Iberia Senior High 5, Catholic High 4

The Yellow Jackets battled back from an early deficit to secure an impressive jamboree victory over crosstown rival Catholic High.

After giving up three runs in the third inning, NISH answered back with a three-run inning of their own in the fourth before knocking in two additional runs in the fifth inning to secure the victory. 

NISH used three pitchers to get the win, with Gerald Sonnier recording four crucial strikeouts to help settle the Jackets in the third and fourth innings. Thomas Collins and Evan Migues recorded three strikeouts each. 

Lane Fenske put in a solid shift from the mound for the Panthers, recording five strikeouts in his two-inning appearance. Owen Morris hit a crucial double for Catholic High, while JohnDavid Hidalgo led the team in stolen bases with two.