North Allegheny third baseman David Duffett may make things look easy on the field, but his road to notoriety was not as simple as he makes things look.

"I faced some problems along my way," Duffett said. "It's always a challenge as you move up to learn from a new coach, but I feel I have done well."

Duffet's father coached him when he was young, and he had a level of consistency with former head coach Tim Banner, but Banner moved on after last season. Like the sound player that he is, Duffett took the change in stride, and fortunately a familiar face surfaced to take over the program. Andy Maddix was hired on as head coach, a coach Duffett knew he could flourish under.

Duffett said that his fielding had improved this season, and added that Maddix stresses sound baseball. Duffett made the move to third from shortstop, a position he had played his whole career until recently.

"I am a versatile player and I can play where ever coach needs me," Duffett said.

His ability to make any throw and his decision making under pressure are definite assets, but perhaps his leadership may be his best quality. He can get his teammates fired up, and he can lead by example. Leadership has been big for the Tigers this season, as they are involved in a very tight section race where every game counts.

"I lead by example," Duffett said. "My teammates look to me in the clutch, and I like to help pull the team through."

The Tigers recently pulled out a close game against North Hills, a game they needed from a confidence standpoint as well as from a section standpoint.

"It was great to get that win," Duffett said. "It got us over the edge as we have played many close games. It helps us believe in ourselves and it was a great win. I am very proud of our team."

To get prepared for each game, Duffett takes ground balls and tries to go into the game mentally relaxed.

"Baseball is more of a mental game," he said. "I am always striving for perfection."

His goal for the season is to play solid defense. By doing that, he feels he can pick the team up.

"If we can help pick each other up out there, we can't be beat," Duffett added. "I do a lot with the juniors because they have a lot of talent and it is helpful to guide them.

"If they make an error, I try to help them forget about it because they will get another chance to make a play and they have to be ready."

Maddix said that he is fortunate to have a player like Duffett, even if it is just for this year.

"David provides the type of leadership and example Jason Duty provided at Vincentian in my first year there," Maddix said. "Jason has been quite successful at Duquesne, and great things are ahead for David as well."

One of those things will be an education at Bucknell University and the opportunity to play baseball.

"It was the perfect mix of academics and athletics," Duffett said. "I want to be a math and science major and possibly major in engineering. They also need a third baseman, so it all worked out."

Maddix is also Duffett's teacher in two honors courses, and added that Duffett works hard in the classroom as well as on the baseball field.

When he jumps from high school to college, Duffett said, he will miss the great school spirit at North Allegheny.

"There is just so much support here," Duffett said. "I go to other games, and it is just so amazing to put on the North Allegheny uniform and be a part of it."

Duffett will leave a distinct mark on the program, a mark of hard work and what it means to be a good role model.

"I like to represent the school well in the public eye," he said.

Duffett would also like to represent the school with another baseball championship.

"Coach Maddix says one game at a time," Duffett said. "Win games, then the section, then the WPIAL. I could care less about my individual accomplishments, I want to go for the title."

Maddix has known Duffett for about six years, when he coached him on the seventh grade basketball team.

"David is one of the most competitive athletes I have ever been around," Maddix said.

With a successful high school baseball career secured, Duffett reflected on the Ingomar 10-12-year-old team that took part in the Little League World Series as one of his favorite baseball moments.

"That was a great memory, it's a shame it had to end," Duffett said.