Eunice High senior Gunner Fontenot signed on Monday to continue his baseball career at LSU-Shreveport. Fontenot, who has been selected to play in the LHSAA All-Star Game in May, is expected to catch for LSU-S next season according to LSU-Shreveport head coach Brent Lavalee.
“Gunner has all the qualities needed to be a great catcher. He has great leadership, can manage pitchers, and has great athleticism,” commented Lavalee, who is in his first year as head coach of the Pilots.
Fontenot will join a team which Lavalee said has 16 freshmen and 16 juniors on their roster.
“Gunner is joining a group that should be together for a long time,” said Lavalee.
The Pilots have an impressive history of post-season success, including 8 NAIA Baseball National Championship Opening Round Appearances from 2009-2016 and 3 NAIA World Series Appearances.
The Pilots have also claimed 9 Conference Tournament Championships in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016.
Eunice High head coach Scott Phillips praised Fontenot’s unselfish attitude during this season. “He is a true team player, embracing his role; whether he was playing outfield, catcher, or pitcher.”
Fontenot’s versatility showed all season.
Heading into the state playoffs, Fontenot has a batting average of .417 with 27 RBI.
He finished the regular season with a pitching record of 3-3.
In the Bobcats’ 15-1 win over Marksville to open the playoffs, Fontenot went 4-for-4 with four RBI.
He closed the final two shut out innings on the mound as he walked one and struck out three with out allowing a hit.