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2026 Team Preview: Destrehan High School

January 22, 2026
Alex Armand
Louisiana Scouting Director

The 2026 high school baseball season is right around the corner, and as always, excitement is building across the Bayou State. Programs from every corner of Louisiana have been hard at work this offseason—honing skills, building chemistry, and setting their sights on a return trip to Sulphur for the LHSAA State Championships. As is tradition, the state is once again loaded with talent, from seasoned veterans to rising underclassmen ready to make their mark.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll take an in-depth look at teams from every region as part of our comprehensive season preview series. These previews will lead right up to Opening Day, followed by the release of our Power 25 Rankings and the return of our always-popular Game of the Week feature.

Throughout the spring, Prep Baseball Louisiana will continue to be your one-stop source for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Be sure to check back weekly for our Player and Pitcher of the Week honors, updated Power 25 Rankings, and plenty of additional coverage highlighting the stories, performances, and programs that make Louisiana baseball special.

*Please note that all information is based on team preview questionnaires that were sent out and returned by the participating high school coaches.  If you have not received a questionnaire and would like to fill one out, please email State Director Alex Armand at [email protected]

 

High School Name: Destrehan High School

Head Coach: Christopher Mire

Classification: Class 5A (Non-Select D-I)

District: 8-5A

2025 Record: 21-14

2025 Playoff Finish: Bi-District Finalist 

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 3

No. of Returning Pitchers: 4

Team Strengths: Depth, Team Speed, and Talented Underclassmen

Top Upperclassmen (2026 & 2027 Class): 2026 C/RHP Chase Mire, 2026 OF/RHP Brady Carter, 2027 1B/LHP Larry Rodrigue, 2027 C/RHP Chase Marcotte, 2027 OF/RHP Frank Harding III

Top Underclassmen (2028 & 2029 Class): 2028 SS/RHP Josh Muller, 2028 OF Derek Lucas, 2028 RHP/UTL Joseph Banquer, 2029 RHP/UTL Landyn Dugas, 2029 RHP/1B Kohen Nunez

 

Team Preview

The Destrehan Wildcats enter the 2026 season with renewed confidence and a deep, balanced roster that’s built around versatility, athleticism, and competition. Head Coach Chris Mire returns a group that’s hungry to make a deeper postseason run after falling in the first round of last year’s playoffs, and this year’s motto — “12-Strong” — perfectly captures the collective mentality of a team that believes its greatest strength lies in its togetherness.

The Wildcats boast one of the deepest rosters in Class 5A, with 14–15 players capable of starting and producing at the varsity level. Pitching depth and team speed will be major assets, as 10–12 arms are expected to log meaningful innings, and several position players bring athleticism and defensive versatility to the table. While there are still questions to answer — particularly in finding a true staff ace and identifying consistent middle-of-the-order run producers beyond star catcher Chase Marcotte — the overall talent and depth give Destrehan plenty of optimism.

Team Strengths

-Overall depth and competition across all positions.

-Young, talented underclassmen ready to contribute.

-Pitching depth with 10–12 varsity-quality arms.

-Team speed and athleticism.

Key Returners

-Junior C/RHP Chase Marcotte

The clear leader and centerpiece of the Wildcats’ lineup, Marcotte is coming off a monster sophomore campaign in which he hit .415 with 19 extra-base hits, 7 home runs, and 37 RBI. A true next-level player with advanced offensive ability and a high baseball IQ, he sets the tone on both sides of the ball and is the emotional heartbeat of this club.

 

-Sophomore SS/RHP Josh Muller

Muller led the pitching staff in 2025, posting a 1.57 ERA with 51 strikeouts and just 15 walks in 44 innings. The sophomore will take on an even larger role this spring as both the team’s shortstop and one of its most trusted arms. He’s mature beyond his years and gives Destrehan a dependable presence in all phases of the game.

-Senior UTIL Chase Mire

A three-year starter who has filled virtually every position at some point in his career — 3B, 2B, 1B, catcher, and pitcher — Mire brings invaluable experience and leadership. His consistency and ability to steady the team in key moments make him one of the Wildcats’ most trusted veterans.

 

-Senior OF/RHP Brady Carter

Carter threw 22 innings a season ago and is expected to step into an everyday role in 2026. After an impressive summer offensively, he’s poised to contribute both on the mound and in the lineup as an athletic two-way option.

 

-Junior 1B/LHP Larry Rodrigue

Rodrigue started all 36 games last year and has established himself as one of the key power bats in Destrehan’s lineup. He’s capable of driving the baseball to all fields and is a solid defender at first base. On the mound, his mid-to-upper 80s fastball and physical left-handed frame give him intriguing upside.

 

-Junior OF Frank Harding III

A prototypical centerfielder with plus instincts and range, Harding stepped up when injuries hit late last season, starting all three playoff games and reaching base in each. His offensive game continues to evolve, and he projects as a doubles-type hitter who can impact games with his speed and energy.

Underclassmen to Watch

-Sophomore OF Derek Lucas – A consistent barrel-finder who uses the whole field and runs well. Coming off a standout summer with the Knights, Lucas is still growing into his frame and could become a big offensive piece moving forward.

 

-Sophomore RHP/UTL Joseph Banquer – A fierce competitor who throws multiple pitches for strikes. Banquer got a taste of varsity action as a freshman and could carve out innings this spring while continuing to refine his role defensively.

 

-Freshman RHP/INF Landyn Dugas – One of the top young names in the program. Up to 88 mph on the mound and ranked by Perfect Game, Dugas will get an early opportunity to make an impact as a freshman once he transitions back from football.

-Freshman RHP/1B Kohen Nunez – A long, athletic two-way freshman with real upside. Offensively, he swings it from the left side with emerging power potential. On the mound, he’s been up to 84 mph and is continuing to refine his command. A name to remember for the future.

 

Kohen Nunez - (01/22/2026)

Coach's Outlook

Coach Mire describes this year’s group as “a bunch of nobodies who show up to work every day and can’t wait to get after it.” The Wildcats take pride in their blue-collar approach, team-first mentality, and love for competition. The focus will be on defending at a high level, pounding the strike zone with multiple pitches, and using their speed and aggressiveness to pressure opponents offensively.

With a veteran senior core, a dynamic duo in Marcotte and Muller, and a talented wave of young players ready to emerge, Destrehan has the makeup of a team that could surprise many in Class 5A this spring.

Bottom Line

The “12-Strong” Wildcats are built on depth, chemistry, and competition. If they can solidify their pitching rotation behind Muller and find consistent run production throughout the lineup, Destrehan has the tools to make noise in 2026, as one of the top programs in southeast Louisiana.

2026 Destrehan Baseball Schedule

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