BPCC Press Release
Following a monumental 2025 season, where Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) clinched their first conference title in 25 years and notched an impressive 35 wins, the Cavaliers are seeing their players rewarded with scholarships to four-year programs. The team’s success has translated into an unprecedented number of NCAA commitments, with the entire starting infield securing Division I offers, alongside standout outfielders, pitchers, and others moving to Division II and NAIA programs.
Division I Commits
The infield quartet led the charge, showcasing elite talent and earning Division I scholarships:
- Hayden Stringfellow (3B) – University of New Orleans: A power-hitting third baseman, Stringfellow smashed 18 home runs, 25 doubles, and drove in 90 RBIs over his BPCC career. His consistent production made him a cornerstone of the Cavaliers’ lineup.
- Tyrus Hall (SS) – West Virginia University: An elite athlete with MLB draft buzz for June 2025, Hall hit .315 with 13 doubles, 7 home runs, 32 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases this season. His speed and defensive prowess at shortstop make him a standout prospect.
- Parker Gwynn (2B) – University of Central Arkansas: A two-time All-Conference selection and First-Team All-Region honoree in 2025, Gwynn batted .365 with 17 doubles, 10 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. His versatility and consistency were vital to BPCC’s success.
- Jacob Gillis (1B) – Ball State University: Despite missing 20 games due to injury, Gillis hit .388 with 4 home runs, 29 RBIs, and an impressive .520 on-base percentage. His ability to anchor the middle of the lineup earned him a Division I opportunity.
The outfield also produced two Division I commits:
- DJ Pinkerton (CF) – McNeese State University: An All-Conference centerfielder, Pinkerton patrolled the outfield with elite defensive skills while hitting .331 with 10 doubles, 11 home runs, and a team-leading 50 RBIs.
- Dylan Biddick (RF) – University of New Orleans: A two-time All-Conference selection and First-Team All-Region honoree in 2025, Biddick was one of the conference’s top hitters, batting .398 with 21 doubles, 10 home runs, 45 RBIs, and a .504 on-base percentage.
On the mound, three pitchers secured Division I offers:
- Jaden Bahl – McNeese State University: The right-hander logged 107 innings with 90 strikeouts and 7 wins over his BPCC career, showcasing durability and command.
- Cameron Williams – McNeese State University: The left-hander threw 37 innings in 2025, striking out 28 and earning 4 wins with his crafty pitching.
- Zander Bretza – San Diego State University: The electric closer struck out 49 batters in 34 innings, recording 4 wins and 5 saves, cementing his role as a high-impact reliever.
Division II Commits
Three Cavaliers earned Division II scholarships, bolstering BPCC’s reputation for developing talent:
- Jake Skelley – University of Arkansas at Monticello: Skelley, a reliable middle reliever, pitched 31 innings with a 2-1 record and a 3.70 ERA, providing consistency out of the bullpen.
- Bennet Mittelsteadt- University of Southern Arkansas: Mittelsteadt hit 306 , 13 doubles , 4 homeruns , drove in 51 runs and stole 22 bases for his career at Bpcc. The versatile outfielder adds value on both sides of the ball.
- Jake Guidry – Southern Arkansas University: Despite battling tendinitis, Guidry pitched 21 innings in 2025. Over his BPCC career, he logged 71 innings, 5 wins, and 54 strikeouts, showing resilience and potential.
- Reid Wilson – Southwestern Oklahoma State University: A local product from Evangel, Wilson pitched 25 innings in his BPCC career, striking out 18 with a 3.60 ERA.
NAIA Commit
- Bryson Menard – John Melvin University: Menard threw 17 innings in 2025, striking out 19 with a 4.58 ERA, earning an NAIA opportunity with his steady contributions.
A Bright Future for Garret Blanchard
Region 14 Pitcher of the Year Garret Blanchard was a standout for BPCC in 2025 but recently underwent UCL surgery, impacting his recruitment. Despite having approximately 10 Division I offers, his immediate path is uncertain. However, Head Coach Bobby Gilliam remains optimistic, stating, “He will still end up D1 at some point this summer when the portal and rosters all shake out.” Blanchard’s potential commitment would bring BPCC’s Division I total to an impressive 10 players.
Gilliam continues “ Andy Roman was our starting catcher and had a share of D2 offers throughout the year. He wanted to see if D1 opportunities would come up. He will be signed at some point during this summer also. He’s a physical strong player and adds a lot of value to any team with his catching and throwing and toughness”
Coach Gilliam’s Perspective
Coach of the Year for Region 14 Bobby Gilliam credited the program’s success to strong recruiting and team chemistry. “When you send this many guys to four-year programs, especially a high number going D1, it’s an impressive feat for the program,” Gilliam said. “It also means you recruited well. Andrew Mercer and Jon Phillips did an outstanding job building this roster
The new landscape of college baseball, with the transfer portal and the new 34-man roster rule in Division I, has made it increasingly challenging for high school players to secure immediate D1 or D2 opportunities. As a result, junior colleges like BPCC have become a critical stepping stone for players to develop and showcase their skills. The success of this year’s Cavaliers is a testament to the program’s ability to prepare players for the next level, with a record number of athletes moving on to four-year schools.
This historic season not only brought BPCC its first conference title in 25 years but also solidified its reputation as a powerhouse for developing NCAA-ready talent. As Coach Gilliam noted, “This was the most complete team we ever had, and it showed on the field with our success.” With 14 players (and potentially 15 and 16 with Roman & Blanchard) moving on to four-year programs, the 2025 BPCC Cavaliers have left an indelible mark on the program’s legacy.