by Malcolm Butler
For as long as he can remember, Kade Luker has dreamed of wearing the purple and gold of LSU and playing baseball for the Tigers.
On Wednesday, the Cedar Creek School standout took a major step toward fulfilling that childhood dream, signing his national letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic career at LSU.
Luker, one of the most decorated high school baseball players in Lincoln Parish history, said the signing represented the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and an unwavering commitment to a goal he set at an early age.
“I think just working hard every day and then achieving a goal that you’ve dreamed of since you were a little kid,” Luker said. “Working hard and staying dedicated.
“I have always watned to be an LSU Tiger. And to play in the big leagues.”
Luker becomes the first Cedar Creek baseball player to sign with a Southeastern Conference program since Brooks Auger signed with Mississippi State after starting his career at Hinds Community College. He becomes the first Cougar athlete in any sport to sign with LSU since football standout K.J. Malone.
The significance of Wednesday’s signing wasn’t lost on Cedar Creek head coach Chad Yates. He has watched Luker develop from a talented young player into one of the nation’s top high school prospects.
“It’s been a long time coming. Seems like it’s been forever,” Yates said. “He’s been on a mission from the time that he said he wanted to do this and play there. Just countless hours and behind-the-scenes stuff that nobody sees that he’s put into it. It’s been fun to watch.”
That dedication has produced some remarkable results.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound left-hander enjoyed a historic junior season last spring, becoming the first Cedar Creek baseball player to earn Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year honors and only the second Lincoln Parish player to receive the award, joining former Ruston High standout Brandon Watts in 1991.
Luker also earned Louisiana Mr. Baseball honors from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and was named the Class 1A Most Outstanding Player.
He compiled a 10-1 record with a 1.04 ERA, striking out 135 batters in 74 innings while issuing just 19 walks. He allowed only 11 earned runs all season and reached 94 mph on the radar gun. At the plate, Luker was equally impressive, batting .531 with 48 runs scored, 36 RBIs and 28 stolen bases while hitting leadoff for the Cougars.
His performance helped Cedar Creek finish 27-6 and reach the Division IV select state semifinals.
Since his freshman year in high school, Luker has compiled a mark of 16-12 with a 2.07 earned run average, striking out 289 batters in 182 innings. Offensively, he has 110 hits, including 26 doubles, nine triples and five home runs, and his batting .389 with 95 runs scored and 61 RBI.
Despite the impressive statistics and individual accolades, Yates believes Luker’s greatest strengths extend beyond his physical abilities.
“There are a lot of guys that talk about what they would like to do or like to see happen, but there’s that unwavering discipline,” Yates said. “You have to be different. You have to be willing to stand out and talk about what you’re wanting to do, and then go do it.”
LSU was always the destination Luker envisioned.
“Everything,” Luker said when asked what attracted him to the Tigers. “The culture, the coaching staff, the environment. Just being in Baton Rouge is awesome.”
Luker said LSU head coach Jay Johnson made the expectations clear during the recruiting process.
“You come to LSU to get better and win a national championship, and then be a first-round pick and a big leaguer,” Luker said of Johnson’s message.
With his senior season at Cedar Creek approaching, he said his immediate focus is on helping the Cougars succeed and setting the right example for his teammates.
“Be a good teammate, be a good leader on and off the field, and just be somebody that somebody can look up to,” Luker said. “And then, obviously, go out there and play hard and win for my team and do what I can to be successful.”
For Luker, Wednesday was about more than recruiting rankings, statistics or future opportunities. His message to his family, coaches and others who supported him throughout the journey was simple.
“Thank you,” Luker said. “To achieve something, you have to go out there and work for it.”
