1

Fresh off the program’s first conference championship in 25 years, four sophomores have committed to Division I schools during the early signing period for the 2026-27 season.

Former Parkway standout and Bossier native Trent Lape has signed with ULL.

Lape began his college career at LSU before transferring to BPCC this fall. Lape’s fastball consistently sat in the upper 90s this fall and is drawing attention from MLB teams.

“We all knew Trent had elite arm talent, but his dedication to his craft has been impressive,” BPCC Head Coach Bobby Gilliam said . “He’s been up to 98 this fall and worked hard to develop complementary stuff to go along with the fastball. Trent had other options from SEC schools, but ULL came in with an offer that was really special. We are counting on him to be a force in Region 14 this spring.”

Former Minden star Brody Bower has committed to McNeese. Bower will join former BPCC players at McNeese as there are currently five BPCC alumni on the Cowboys’ roster.

Bower played a big role for the conference champs last season, pitching 38 innings, striking out 31 and going 3-0.

“Brody is such a versatile and consistent pitcher and great competitor,” Gilliam said. “He can fill so many roles on the staff. He can start or throw high-leverage innings out of the pen. He’s gained a lot of strength since last year and has the fastball well into the 90s with stuff to go along with it.”

Gianluca Montanaro, of Ontario, Canada, has committed to D1 Belmont University. Montanaro hit .316 with 9 doubles and 30 RBI last year for the Cavs.

“G was one of the few freshmen that got at-bats on a potent offense last season,” Gilliam said. “He played corner outfield and DHed last year, but came back this fall much more developed and polished at the catching position and will be our starter behind the plate. He’s a 220-pound guy that runs a 6.7, has a lot of strength, and we need him to be a real middle-of-the-order presence this season.”

Ben McKinnon, from British Columbia, Canada, has committed to D1 Western Kentucky. McKinnon was a workhorse for the Cavs last season, logging 70 innings, collecting 70 strikeouts with a 7-2 record and 3.45 ERA while earning first-team all-conference honors. The 6’1″, 215-pound right-hander has also drawn MLB interest this fall.

“Ben gives us a chance to win every time he gets on the mound,” Gilliam said. “He attacks hitters, has an elite slider and great mental makeup to be successful in this game. He was excellent all year for us last year and has come back with added strength to his game. He had around 10 D1 offers this fall from teams, and Western Kentucky got a good one signing Ben.”

The Cavs were sophomore-heavy last season as they posted a 35-18 record, hosting the school’s first-ever regional and sending 14 players to NCAA programs—10 going to D1. They will be counting on a group of newcomers to step up and be ready to compete in the talented and highly competitive Region 14.