Dutchtown’s Lewis set to play in LHSCA All-Star games
Dutchtown’s Lewis set to play in LHSCA All-Star games
From the time he was a freshman, Dutchtown High’s Troy Lewis watched intently as older teammates got the chance to play in the Louisiana High School Coaches Association All-Star baseball games.
Lewis, a Coastal Carolina University signee, always wanted to follow in their footsteps. And he gets that chance this weekend.
Members of the LHSCA’s East and West squads report to Alexandria on Friday morning with Lewis being in that number. Game 1 of the LHSCA series is at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bringhurst Field. The second game is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. Saturday at Bringhurst.
“I watched Dillon Day, Jacob Williams and Matt Willis all go play in these games and I knew it was something I wanted to do,” Lewis said. “Who wouldn’t want to do it? It’s a chance to play with and against some of the best guys from around the state.”
Other local players joining Lewis on the East squad include Zachary pitcher Gabe Von Rosenberg, Walker pitcher Dawson Kennard, Maurepas pitcher Ryan Larkey and St. Amant outfielder Tyler Guillory. Both designated hitters, Ponchatoula’s Dylan Meyers and Loranger’s Brennan Catalano, are from Tangipahoa Parish.
West Monroe’s Ross Blankenship is the East head coach. Pitcher Mason Klotz and third baseman Mason Torres, both of Livonia, are part of the West roster of head coach Scott Phillips of Eunice.
Lewis was a four-year starter, a rarity on the Class 5A level, for the Griffins. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound pitcher-infielder made the most of the opportunities he received.
“Troy was one of those guys we heard about, but we never actually saw him play until he enrolled in school,” Dutchtown coach Chris Schexnaydre said. “And we found out pretty quick he was everything people said he was.
“By the time we got eight or 10 games into the season his freshman year he was in the lineup and it was hard to get him out of it. He’s the kind of guy who always did whatever we asked of him and then some, regardless of where he played.”
As a senior, Lewis was voted the District 5-5A MVP. He hit .373 with a home run and 30 RBIs.
On the mound, he was 3-1 with a 1.56 ERA, including a two-hitter in a quarterfinal loss to eventual state champion Barbe-Lake Charles at the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s Class 5A State Tournament.
One key factor that sets Lewis apart from many players is his competitiveness, Schexnaydre said.
“I like to think I’ve done pretty well,” Lewis said. “For me, it’s always been about the competition. I like going out to compete every day. It’s an honor to be listed on the (all-star) squad as a shortstop. But I’m always willing to play any position I can to help the team.”
Lewis said he expects the players to compare notes on baseball and college plans. He said he knows many of the players on both teams either through high school or summer baseball.
Ultimately, Lewis said this weekend’s LHSCA games will come back to what he loves best ... the competition.
“It’s great to get the chance to come together and play one more time with your buddies,” Lewis said. “We all want to play well. Nobody wants to get out-played by their buddy.”