By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

When the Natick High boys basketball team began its season, coach Mike Masto’s roster included 14 players, 11 of them in their first year playing significant minutes.

Colby LeBlanc, a senior co-captain in his third year on the Redhawks’ varsity, was one of three veteran players the coach was counting on for leadership and for building confidence in a squad that was young and lacked experience. Masto didn’t label LeBlanc the right person for the situation, he called him “the perfect person for the job.’’

“Colby was our sixth man as a sophomore,’’ said Masto. “Now, he’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever had. He sets an excellent example for the freshmen and jayvees, he knows the vision we have for our program and he does what the coaches ask by going above and beyond.’’

When it comes to LeBlanc’s on-court strengths, Masto is effusive in lauding his captain. “Colby is a hard-worker, he’s mentally and physically tough, his hoop IQ is high and he’s got great instincts,’’ Masto emphasized. “He’s a special kid, leading by example and by being vocal and supportive.’’

So far, Natick’s youth and inexperience hasn’t been a nagging issue. The Redhawks were 9-6 at Local Town Pages deadline and in position to earn a berth in the state tourney. And, LeBlanc couldn’t be happier because as a sophomore, Natick was eliminated in the first round by Franklin and last year there were no winter tournaments because of Covid-19.

“I’m super motivated for the playoffs to start,’’ LeBlanc said. “Our players now have big-game experience. They’ve got their feet wet and that’s led to improvement. They’ve all stepped up and made the playoffs realistic.’’

The 6-foot-4 power forward is quick to credit two veteran teammates — co-captain Ryan Mela and point guard Jason O’Keefe — for helping Natick get on track early.

“It’s been a group effort to build confidence,’’ said the Natick native who started playing basketball at age six. “Ryan and Jason are quality players. Ryan is 6-6 and can play any position. A good rebounder and facilitator, he gets lots of steals because of his instincts. Jason controls our offense and defense. His court vision is excellent, he’s got a high basketball IQ and he scores effectively.’’

A three-sport athlete, the 18-year-old LeBlanc was Natick’s quarterback in football and  he’ll be competing in his fourth year of lacrosse in the spring. He scored 42 goals and had 33 assists from his attack slot last year.

“Lacrosse is my favorite sport,’’ he noted. “It’s fast-paced and requires lots of teamwork and physical toughness. I’ve been playing it for 12 years.’’ LeBlanc will play lacrosse on scholarship next spring for Division 1 Siena College in New York.

But, before that chapter of his life arrives, he’s focused on strong tourney showings this winter in basketball and in lacrosse this spring.’’

“My team goals at the start of the season were to be the best squad we could be, to qualify for the playoffs and go as deep as possible and to win the Carey Division,’’ LeBlanc said. “My individual goals are to improve my rebounding and be a Bay State League all-star.’’

LeBlanc could be in the mix for all-star recognition, especially if he continues to get the kind of results he managed in Natick’s victory over Bishop Feehan in the second game of the season. “I scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds,’’ he noted. “It was my best game on offense, it gave us a 2-0 record and it built confidence. Plus, it was a solid win since we were playing without Ryan who was out because of a shoulder injury.’’

A captain who leads in a variety of way (by example and by being vocal), LeBlanc embraces that role. “I try to be supportive of our younger players and encourage them,’’ he said. “I want them to rely on me and not be afraid to ask questions.

One of his top thrills in basketball occurred in his sophomore year when he played a majority of minutes at center against Framingham. “I got 9 points and 11 rebounds, many of them on offense. I was able to score on a put-back after a rebound and got fouled. That changed the momentum and we won, 71-55.’’

Relying on an aggressive style, LeBlanc likes competing in the frontcourt where he can get position for rebounds and beat his opponents off the dribble. LeBlanc was averaging 11 points and 7 rebounds at Local Town Pages deadline.

LeBlanc’s athletic philosophy focuses on winning, reaching his potential and having fun. “Once you start winning, you get enjoyment, then winning gets easier,’’ he emphasized. “I’ve enjoyed all three sports I’ve played and have learned some valuable life lessons — like how to be a good teammate, how to lead, how to strengthen your work ethic and how to overcome adversity.’’

LeBlanc showed his resiliency when he was injured in football last fall. He suffered a thumb injury and missed Natick’s first three games. He bounced back and helped the Redhawks get to the playoffs. Unfortunately, against Milford in the quarterfinals, he suffered a shoulder injury and was unable to return after the first quarter in a matchup that Milford won.

Calling his father, a lacrosse and football player at Waltham High, a role model for his support and encouragement, LeBlanc has high praise for all of his coaches — Masto, Mark Mortarelli (football) and Nathan Kittler (lacrosse).

“Coach Masto has lots of energy and drive,’’ LeBlanc said. “He’s got passion for basketball and for his players. He’s also a terrific motivator. Coaches (Mark) Mortarelli and (Nathan) Kittler I’ve known for a long time. They’re very knowledgeable, good with x’s and o’s, and strong motivators.’’

LeBlanc possesses many of his coaches’ traits. He, too, is motivated and has passion (lots of it) for whatever sport he’s playing. His playing days at Natick will soon be nearing the finish line. And, if there’s any urgency attached to basketball and lacrosse, he no doubt wants to experience some playoff success. There were limited opportunities in basketball because of Covid, and last spring Natick finished in the final eight in the lacrosse tourney.

LeBlanc deserves to have his high school career end on a positive note.  

As his basketball coach emphasizes: “Corey conducts himself in such a positive manner. He knows the vision we have for our program and he’s the perfect person to be working with our younger players.’’

Colby LeBlanc isn’t sure what career path he’ll follow after college. But, one thing’s for sure — success will be his trademark.