University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Baseball Signs First Three Additions for 2017 Season
11/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss baseball coach Scott Berry announced Thursday the first additions to the program for the 2017 season with the signing of infielder LeeMarcus Boyd (Coldwater, Miss.), outfielder Gabriel Montenegro (Tampa, Fla.) and right-handed pitcher Colt Smith (Myrtle, Miss.).
Boyd (5-foot-10, 165) currently plays at Northwest (Miss.) Community College for former Southern Miss standout pitcher Brad Carson. As a freshman last spring, he collected a .330 batting average with eight doubles, four triples, three home runs and 29 runs batted in to go along with 18 stolen bases. Defensively, Boyd posted a .949 fielding percentage as the Rangers recorded a 33-17 record last spring.
As a prep standout, Boyd played at Independence High School in which he garnered a pair of all-state selections, to go along with being a two-time team MVP, an All-Tate County performer, a four-time all-district pick and a Gold Glove winner. Additionally, he played in the 2014 Mississippi High School All-Star game following an outstanding senior season in which he batted .419 with three doubles, a triple and a homer.
Montenegro (5-foot-10, 170), who will play his senior campaign this spring at Carrollwood Day School, collected a .453 batting average his junior season with seven doubles, three triples, two home runs and 16 RBI as well as 16 stolen bases.
He earned All-Hillsborough County honorable mention in the Tampa area following his season last spring as his team finished 14-10 and reached the Class 3A state quarterfinals.
As for Smith (6-foot-2, 190), another Northwest (Miss.) Community College product, he recorded a 6-2 record over 14 appearances (12 starts) in 2015 on his way to earning second-team All-MACJC as a freshman for the Rangers. In addition, he fanned 49 and walked just 26 over 65 2/3 innings with two complete games.
During his prep career, Smith played at New Albany, Lewisburg and Myrtle High Schools. While at New Albany (9-10th), Smith earned a Super 20 first team All-Division selection.
At Lewisburg for his junior year, Smith earned a first-team all-division and second-team All-DeSoto County honor as part of the Class 4A State and Division Champions. In addition, he enjoyed the accolade of being the 4A Pitcher of the Year honors after going 4-3 with a 2.32 ERA in 48.1 innings pitched, striking out 36 and allowing just three extra-base hit. Offensively he hit .264 with eight doubles, a home run and 19 RBI.
As a senior at Myrtle High, Smith collected 1A-2A Co-Player of the Year, first team all-division, first team all-state and all-area honors He also was award Perfect Game 2014 Southeast Region Honorable Mention on the strength of hitting .476 with 10 doubles, a triple and two home runs to go along with a 7-3 pitching record with a 1.32 ERA and 85 strikeouts.
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