Bossier Parish Community College continued its upward trajectory in 2026, sending eight players to Division I programs and finishing the season with a 27-23 record. Under Head Coach Bobby Gilliam, the Cavaliers have steadily improved, collecting 252 wins in the past nine years. During this time, the program has experienced six seasons with more wins than losses, five playoff appearances, and its first conference championship in nearly a quarter-century in 2025. More than 60 players have advanced to the Division I level since Gilliam took the helm, a testament to the program's growing reputation.
Pitching coach and recruiting coordinator Andrew Mercer has played a central role in the program's success, especially in attracting top talent. Over his six seasons with BPCC, Mercer has helped produce two Region 14 Pitchers of the Year — Zach Saint Pierre in 2022 and Garett Blanchard in 2025. Gilliam praised Mercer’s contributions, saying, “Recruiting is the lifeblood of any program, and Andrew’s work ethic, eye for talent, connections, and ability to develop relationships with the players is elite.” Mercer’s influence has helped shape the pitching staff into one of the region's most consistent units.
The Cavaliers also strengthened their offensive approach in 2026, hitting .292 as a team and ranking second in Region 14 North with 63 home runs. The arrival of Bryant Bowen, a former standout at Southern Miss and the University of South Carolina, added depth and expertise to the coaching staff. Bowen, a graduate transfer and 2015 Shreveport Times Player of the Year during his high school career, has helped refine the team’s hitting strategies. Gilliam noted that under Bowen’s guidance, the team saw an increase in walks and a decrease in strikeouts as hitters became more disciplined and detail-oriented.
Eight Players Advance to Division I
Among the 2026 Division I signees was Gianluca Montanaro, a second-team All-Conference catcher who hit .339 with 10 home runs, 11 doubles, and 42 RBIs. He signed with Belmont University. Jacob Polleto, who hit .291 with 3 home runs and 22 RBIs, joined the University of Southern Indiana. Both players exemplified the kind of all-around performance BPCC has become known for.
James Reina, an honorable mention All-Conference player, signed with Stephen F. Austin after hitting .327 with 10 doubles, 10 home runs, and 36 RBIs, along with 17 stolen bases. Bryson Pierce, a second-team All-Conference selection, hit .385 and contributed on the mound with 21 innings pitched and 28 strikeouts. Other signees included Chase Randall and Jackson Reifel, who both signed with the University of the Incarnate Word. Randall recorded 24 innings with 26 strikeouts and 8 saves, while Reifel had an 8-2 record, a 5.26 ERA, and pitched 49 innings.
A Landmark Year for the Program
The 2026 season was also marked by a historic achievement for BPCC. Tyrus Hall, a member of the 2025 team, became the first player from the program to reach the College World Series since TJ Forrest, a former Arkansas standout and Haughton High graduate. His journey highlighted the program’s ability to develop players ready for big-stage competition.
Ben McKinnon, another standout from the 2026 class, signed with Louisiana Tech after being named a first-team All-Conference selection in 2025. Over his BPCC career, he pitched 95 innings with 101 strikeouts, a 3.68 ERA, and a 9-4 record. His consistent performance and leadership made him one of the program’s most valuable assets.
In addition to the major Division I signings, BPCC also had several players head to the Division II level and local programs. Cole Patrick signed with Henderson State, recording a 2-1 record with a 5.11 ERA in 24 innings. Brandon Levy, a second-team All-Conference hitter for BPCC, joined LSUS after hitting .382 with 8 doubles, 3 home runs, and 24 RBIs.
Beyond the 2026 class, BPCC players have continued to make waves at the Division I level through the transfer portal and all-conference honors. The program’s focus on player development and strong coaching have helped former Cavaliers maintain high performance and open new opportunities in college baseball.