LaBruyere picks the hometown university

~ Central's standout pitcher will head to Southeast Missouri State after his high school career.

Brad LaBruyere has dominated high school batters in Southeast Missouri so far in his career at Central.

LaBruyere will try to extend his pitching dominance throughout the Ohio Valley region when he joins Southeast Missouri State's baseball team next year.

The Tigers right-hander signed a letter of intent with the Redhawks during the early signing period.

"I feel real comfortable here," LaBruyere said. "I think these coaches can get me to the next level. They can teach me. Hopefully, I can do well and help SEMO have some good seasons."

A desire to play at home along with the chance at early playing time helped LaBruyere choose his hometown school.

"Being home's always pretty nice," LaBruyere said. "The playing time I figure I'll get is what I like to hear. I didn't want to go anywhere I couldn't play my freshman year."

As a junior this past spring, LaBruyere earned Southeast Missourian Player of the Year honors following an 11-1 season. LaBruyere finished with a 0.79 ERA in 71 innings with 95 strikeouts and just 15 walks. For his efforts, LaBruyere earned first-team all-state honors.

A varsity starter since his freshman season, LaBruyere had a breakthrough season as a sophomore with an 8-2 campaign in which he finished with a 0.92 ERA and earned second-team all-state honors. In 68 2/3 innings, LaBruyere struck out 94.

"Brad's numbers, by the time he gets out of here, he'll put together one of the top careers at Cape Central," said Central coach Steve Williams, a former Southeast baseball star.

LaBruyere said he had interest in the University of Missouri and the University of Kansas. He looked into the possibility of Jefferson College, a junior college located in Hillsboro, Mo., as well.

"SEMO's a place I feel I can have real success at," LaBruyere said.

The Redhawks will have a pair of local products on the squad this spring. Jackson graduate Josh Parham is heading into his senior season, and Notre Dame graduate Matt Wulfers, a transfer from the University of Missouri, will be a sophomore.

"I think he'll be able to help them," Williams said of LaBruyere. "Pitching is in such high demand at all levels.

"I think Brad will work hard, and if he continues to improve he'll get his opportunities."