Tensas Academy’s Leake selected as All-Star

Published 12:01 am Thursday, May 17, 2012

st. joseph — Tensas Academy’s David Leake was a jack-of-all-trades on the diamond this season for the Chiefs.

The senior starred on the mound and played shortstop and third base, while providing a consistent bat in both the leadoff spot and the three-hole.

With Leake’s ability to field a variety of positions, it should not be too hard for Heidelberg Academy head coach Jim Fries to find a spot for him to play May 25 for the MAIS Class A South All-Star Team.

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Leake was the only player from Tensas Academy to make the South squad this season, and Tensas head coach Jimmy Comeaux said he is proud of his senior’s accomplishment.

“It is a big honor,” Comeaux said. “There are like 4,000 kids they are choosing from in the league that encompasses all Louisiana and Mississippi schools in MAIS. It’s a well-deserved honor for him.”

Comeaux said playing at a small school like Tensas allowed Leake to show off all his talents.

“Guys all have to play different positions, and he pitched and did a good job, he played shortstop and third base and was our third batter before we moved him to leadoff,” Comeaux said. “He was doing such a good job getting on base, and he was a threat to steal bases.”

Comeaux said Leake finished the season with a .435 average and held a 2.80 ERA on the mound.

“He’s just a good all-around player,” Comeaux said. “He never complained about where he played, and you didn’t have to worry about an attitude because he didn’t have one.

“He played wherever we had to have him. As a coach, it’s good to have somebody like that that doesn’t complain. You don’t have to worry about any negativity at all from him.”

Comeaux said the all-star game would give Leake a chance to show his talents off to scouts that may not have seen him play before.

“It’s a chance for him to showcase his talents in front of college coaches,” Comeaux said. “At smaller schools you don’t have many folks come out to see you. This is a good place for him to get more exposure, and hopefully get him a try out or a good look from college teams.”

Leake’s South A squad will face the all-star team from the North at 2 p.m. May 25 at Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson.

Leake was unavailable for comment Wednesday.