Three Lake City High School student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent Wednesday, Feb. 1, to play their respective sports at the college level next year.
Receiver and defensive back Jalen Barr signed to play football at The Citadel. Barr caught 48 passes for 824 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior season. He was selected to play in the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives’ North-South All Star game and was named as the South’s Offensive MVP after catching five passes for 124 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown reception.
As a defensive back, Barr, a two-time All-Region player, made 13 tackles, including three tackles for loss, intercepted two passes, recovered one fumble and scored one defensive touchdown.
“The Citadel is getting a premiere athlete and student in Jalen Barr,” said Lake City head coach Terrell Fleming. “He is an explosive playmaker that has only begun to scratch the surface of his potential.”
Running back Tyshawn Baines signed to play football at South Carolina State University. Baines rushed for 993 yards on 132 carries and scored 12 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 32 passes for 460 yards and 12 touchdowns. Baines, a two-time All-Region selection, scored another three touchdowns as a punt returner, averaging 24.5 yards per return. He also scored one touchdown on kickoff returns where he averaged 33.4 yards per return.
“Tyshawn is the best back in this area and South Carolina State is getting a steal,” Fleming commented. “He can score from any place on the field and combines speed, power and quickness to make him dangerous with the ball in his hands.”
Bill Hanna signed his letter of intent to play baseball at USC-Sumter. Through his junior season, the four-year starting shortstop and lead-off hitter averaged .360 at the plate with 72 hits, 43 runs scored, 12 doubles, 54 stolen bases and 26 RBIs. He is a three-time All-Region player and was named to the High School Sports Report’s All-State team twice.
“I knew Bill was going to be a special player the first time I watched him years ago at one of our youth camps,” said Lake City head coach Matt Apicella. “He is fearless, plays the game hard at all times, has an insatiable desire for competition, and always has the dirtiest uniform on the field. Bill has been the sparkplug of our program for four years and I am positive he will be an asset to an already great program at USC-Sumter.”