By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

DESTREHAN — Destrehan’s Kade Granier is no stranger to the Class 5A All-State team after earning a spot on the team in 2013 as a first baseman. But Granier’s All-State honor comes with different recognition this season — the senior right-hander was named to the 2014 squad as a pitcher after dominating on the hill.

Destrehan’s Ryan Brewer and Hahnville’s Tyler Lamers earned baseball honorable mention while Hahnville’s Lauren Simar was honorable mention in softball. In Class 4A, Lutcher’s Avarie Louque earned honorable mention in softball, and LHS’ Sully Martin was honorable mention in baseball. 

Granier compiled a 0.97 ERA while putting together a perfect 9-0 record. He struck out 70 batters while walking 30. Granier allowed just 10 earned runs over 72 innings pitched. 

“I think going into the season, we knew he’d be our top guy,” said Destrehan coach Marty Luquet. 

“As the season progressed, he just got better and better and by the time we got into district, if he was on the mound we didn’t think we could be beat.”

As a hitter, Granier wasn’t shabby, either. He batted .315 with a team-high five home runs. 

He also collected 27 RBIs. 

Luquet said Granier’s progression as a pitcher was aided when he increased the speed of his fastball, but the true key was a far improved ability to spot his offspeed pitches. 

“He’s so good at spotting it,” said Luquet. “When you can hit your spots consistently with your offspeed stuff, you’ve got a chance to be virtually unhittable.”

Granier signed with Southeastern Louisiana University in November.