Donovan Lasalle crushed a grand slam to left field to score the go-ahead runs in the seventh inning of Barbe’s 10-4 win over West Monroe in the Non-Select Division I state championship game.

Lasalle’s blast highlighted a 9-run inning for Barbe (39-1), who entered the final inning trailing 4-1.

“I just didn’t want to let my team down in any way,” Lasalle said. “I just wanted to help my team win and we succeeded. I can’t express what it felt like running the bases. I’m speechless and just give thanks to the Lord.”

Lasalle, named the game’s MVP, said the Bucs put in the work required to become champions.

“We went through everything – all the mornings, all the grind, everything,” he said. “This team is the closest ever. I love Barbe, everything they did for me, coach, all my teammates. We’re not a team, we’re a family.”

Barbe head coach Glenn Cecchini said he was happy to have Lasalle at the plate with the game on the line.

“I’m so happy for him, he is one of the most selfless people and is such a team guy,” Cecchini said. “He’s been our guy. He is the hardest worker and most humble kid. He is the epitome of a great teammate. He is amazing, a Barbe baseball legend and one of the greatest to ever play here.”

Presley Courville, Owen Galt and Grant Trahan singled to load the bases with one out in the seventh. Ashton Quiller was hit by a pitch to make it 4-2, and Lasalle’s blast followed to put Barbe ahead for good at 6-4. The Bucs added insurance runs on two passed balls, an error and a sacrifice fly by Owen Galt.

J.D. Alexander earned the win with 2 ⅔ innings of scoreless relief. Lasalle, J.C. Vanek and Kasen Bellard each had two hits for Barbe.

“It was a total team effort,” Cecchini said. “We would never be here without Landon Victorian, who had one of the most courageous pitching performances I ever witnessed (in the semifinal win over Sulphur). I’m so grateful to coach guys like that. I love them. We coach them hard but they buy into it.”

West Monroe (34-5) built a 4-1 lead on RBI doubles by Jack Cowan and Tyler Roark, a wild pitch and Barbe throwing error. Barbe had just four hits entering the final inning.