Destrehan’s Watkins named to Class 5A All-State team
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, June 3, 2008
By RYAN ARENA
Sports Editor
Destrehan’s Trey Watkins has had a way with making opposing coaches feel helpless in 2008.
Take, for example, his final at bat against Jesuit, on Mar. 15. After already having hit three home runs that day, Jesuit Coach Tim Parenton elected to pitch to Watkins in a tie game.
“He asked me after the game, ‘What could I do, walk him? He’s one of the best base stealers around. He’d probably just steal second and third,’” said Destrehan Coach Marty Luquet.
Watkins made Jesuit pay, regardless. His fourth home run of the day was a walk-off shot, leaving Destrehan with a 13-12 victory and Watkins with a career best nine RBIs.
The senior centerfielder came up in big spots all season for the Wildcats, and he represents the school on the 2008 LSWA Class 5A All-State baseball team.
Watkins hit a school-record 13 home runs this season to go along with 26 RBIs and a .374 batting average. He scored 48 runs in 36 games, and he stole 35 bases in 38 attempts.
“He is,” says Luquet, “really the ultimate leadoff man.”
A signee with LSU-Eunice, Watkins has scored 40 or more runs in each of the last three seasons while leading off for Destrehan. In his freshman year, he scored 25 runs as the team’s designated runner.
“He’ll obviously be very tough to replace,” said Luquet.
Watkins was the only player from the River Parishes selected to the squad. Other metro area names on the squad include catcher Kyle Maldonado (Brother Martin), third baseman Nathan Katz (Jesuit), and utility selection Kevin Berry (Brother Martin).
Barbe’s Ryan Doiron was named Outstanding Player, and Acadiana’s Scott McCullough was named coach of the Year.
Hahnville’s John Gomez and Garrett Loupe were each named honorable mention.
Mount Carmel’s Meghan Patterson was named Outstanding Player and Mount Carmel Coach Jerry Nugent was named Coach of the Year on the 5A softball team.
Among metro area players, MCA infielder Monica Zeringue and Meghan Patterson joined them, as well as Chalmette’s Dana Martin, selected to the utility spot.
