Talk:Leona/@comment-5670872-20140227134233/@comment-4591890-20140313210752

It's also worth noting that she can serve as an absolutely terrifying solomid counterpick champion. AP Mids that are dependant on binds for survival due to a lack of flash/dash mechanics get wrecked by her in the laning phase... most notably Lux and Ryze due to Zenith Blade putting you right in the opponents face when it lands regardless of non-Displacement CC. Because you can still attack and cast spells while snared, you'll still be able to stun them once you reach them and collect a few free auto attacks before withdrawing after Eclipse pops for a VERY favorable trade... especially if you have the self restraint to hold onto your Q until the moment the snare comes out.

Another champion she remains effective against are those that are channel dependent. A bit of tenacity and the CC Reduction from the Defensive Tree can make a Fiddlesticks cry in the early game and quick reflexes will make them cry more as you start interrupting their ultimates with your ult... while keeping an ult or two between his ults for your personal use. Karthus typically does pretty well against a solo-mid Leona unless you invest in significant amounts of in-combat MS very early on, but it's hilarious to always interrupt his Ult unless he walks all the way to the mid turret first.

Aside from matchups that require you to rush in some Tenacity, going for early Boots of Mobility and Frozen Mallet can make you terrifying in the late stages of the early game and into the mid game as it allows you to roam, and as many players can confirm, a Leona Gank is one of the most terrifying ganks one can be on the receiving end of.