by Dan Ninham, Contributing Writer
Perry LeBlanc is a member of the Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula. He is a senior at Brimley High School and is the 6-1 and 175 lb. point guard/shooting guard on the basketball team that is coached by his father Jacques LeBlanc Jr. who is also a Bay Mills Indian Community member.
Perry LeBlanc talked about his team and what he can do to help them win after the winter break. He said, “We’re coming up on the best games of our season, all great teams ahead. I am really excited to compete against great players and teams. So I have been working to get in complete control of my game and produce like the leader I am.”
“By putting in extra hours dribbling and shooting and being a student of the game watching film on my games and opponent’s games. And in the classroom this quarter my grades are solid as in honor roll level which is new to me so I’m happy about that. It’s coming to a realization now almost to the halfway mark of the season that there’s not much longer so I have to go and get what I truly want,” added LeBlanc.
“As Perry’s coach and father, I have had a front row seat at his pursuit and journey,” said Jacques LeBlanc Jr. “His journey has not been the easiest of paths. After his freshman year basketball ended, Perry wasn’t sure that he wanted to continue to play sports or even stay in school. There were a lot of insecurities and issues that were weighing on him that eventually led to that summer being at a youth treatment center. It was there that he began training his mind and body to what it has developed to today.”
“Perry is a true leader by example. His work ethic is second to none. That’s kind of his rule, ‘no one will outwork me’. He has embraced that mindset for the past three years and to see the change and growth is inspiring and heartwarming. He’s respectful and courageous while consciously practicing humility, love, and honor,” added Coach LeBlanc Jr.
Coach LeBlanc Jr. continued to talk about his athlete and son. He said, “As a four year varsity starter, his game has grown stride for stride with him. The stronger physically and mentally he gets, the more he produces on the court. He has found peace and purpose in his craft, along with direction for his life. Scoring 1000 career points is just the beginning of the wonderful things he will accomplish in this life.”
During sophomore year, LeBlanc was named to the Second Team EUP All-Conference Varsity Basketball and the Second Team SAC All-Conference Varsity Baseball.
As a junior he was named to the First Team EUP All-Conference Varsity Basketball and led conference in scoring at 21.4 ppg. He was also named to the First Team ALL UP Division-4 Varsity Basketball, the First Team BCAM All-State Division-4 Varsity Basketball, and the First Team SAC All-Conference Varsity Golf; he was also named the Brimley Schools Male Athlete of the Year.
This past senior season in football he tore his calf in the first half of the second football game. He scored seven TD’s through five quarters played as a running back/quarterback. He missed the rest of season.
LeBlanc scored his 1000th career varsity basketball points while breaking the school record for points in a game with 46. He is currently averaging 22 ppg this season.
“I tore my gastrocnemius muscle which is the biggest part of the calf in my second football game and was not certain I was going to get to play this whole basketball season,” said Perry LeBlanc. “Thankfully with the help of physical therapy and continuing to work on my body, I was able to start with my team on day one of practice and have been in the lab everyday improving my game.”
As an Ojibwe young man, LeBlanc knows his responsibilities to his culture through the teachings. He said, “Growing up in my community I have always respected the Seven Grandfather teachings, and mainly love because I am surrounded with an amazing family and community. Respect because I respect my body enough to push it past its limits when working to be better. Humility because I am always striving to be the very best while never looking down on anyone unless I am helping them up.”
“Growing up as the second boy in the family to my brother Jacques LeBlanc III, who is three years older than me I was always competing against him and his friends,” said LeBlanc. “They didn’t take it easy on me which gave me that drive to be the best.”
“Since freshman year, I have always finished first or second in any running or defensive drills because that’s respecting the game, because that’s just heart. I truly enjoy the work and grind to improve my mind and body along with my skills,” added LeBlanc.
“Scoring my 1000th point was really special, because it brought my team, family, and community together,” said LeBlanc. “I was told that I am the first male tribal member in our community to reach the milestone. I have bigger dreams and goals that I am working on such as trying to lead my team to a win in our last game.”
“One thing that gives me tremendous pride are the words of praise and admiration I receive from other coaches, fans, players, and officials about him,” said Coach LeBlanc Jr. “Some have gone so far to gift him continued success cards and letters. To say I’m proud is an understatement.”
