Rebels Win State

    The season got off to a rough start as Central Private lost their season opener to Parklane on a cold rainy night. That would be one of only four losses the Rebels would have on the entire season. Some of the highlights of the season were beating their rival and defending two-time state champions Centreville Academy three times during the regular season and two more times in the playoffs.  Central Private also traveled to Memphis, TN to face some of the top high school teams in the country. CPS won their first three games before losing in the championship game to Christian Brothers of Memphis.  Central Private won their district with an 11 and 1 record in district.   The MAIS plays a best of three series both in district play and throughout the playoffs. Central Private swept each series throughout the playoffs. Head Coach Jason Kinchen was assisted by Jamie Longmire and Travis Rose as they led Central Private to the school's 12th State Championship. Throughout the year the Rebels were led offensively by Brad Miller (.443), Blake Benoit (.393) and Chase Martin (.346).  The pitching staff was led during the regular season by Chase Martin (9-0), Blake Chelette (6-0), and Brennan Fucich (9-1).  

    "I'm extremely proud of the effort that my guys gave all year.  They played with great skill and heart!" said Coach Kinchen. "During the playoffs, we had outstanding pitching performances out of Chase Martin and Brennan Fucich. They were dominant in all of our series that we played. Our offense was kicked off by moving Kris Tamplet into the lead off position and Blake Benoit into the cleanup position. Brad Miller was on fire in the playoffs driving in the majority of our runs. It was a total team effort. End result – State Champs! It was a fun team to coach and watch."

    Central Private has 4 players already signed to play college ball, with more signings to surely come soon.  Chase Martin signed with D1 University of New Orleans, Blake Chelette signed with Bishope State Community College,  Layton Laird signed with Baton Rouge Community College and Brad Miller signed to play with LSU-Alexandria.

    This season was dedicated to and motivated by the loss of senior teammate Brice Harris.  The team was also motivated by Adam Stafford who was severally injured in a car accident during his freshman season.