West Jones’ Cole Tolbert, Kace Matthews, and Morgan Pruitt signed scholarships on Wednesday morning to extend their athletic career beyond high school.
Baseball standouts Tolbert and Matthews signed with Pearl River Community and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, while Pruitt, softball standout for the Lady Mustangs, signed with East Central Community College.
Here is what you need to know about each signee:
Cole Tolbert (PRCC)
Due to a knee injury just before the 2020 baseball season, Tolbert watched the shortened season from the dugout. As a sophomore the year before, Tolbert boasted a .377 batting average in 34 games played. He led the Mustangs in hits (40) and home runs (5).
Tolbert is headed to PRCC on an academic scholarship but was a top choice for PRCC during baseball recruitment. This will allow PRCC to save an athletic scholarship for an extra player during this recruitment cycle.
"Cole has been playing for us since he was a freshman," said West Jones baseball coach Trey Sutton. "He's been an important part of what we've been doing. He's had a rough go for the last 12 months or so. He had surgery on his non-throwing shoulder during the summer of 2019, then had the ACL surgery last year. So, he's gone through a lot yet has persevered through it all.
“From a college standpoint, coaches know what he’s about and the talent that he has. Tolbert has looked good since he’s been released [after surgery rehab]. We’re excited about what he’ll bring to the squad this Spring.
“Cole’s a leader [on and off the field]. He made a 29 on his ACT the other day. He’s just the whole package.”
Kace Matthews (MGCCC)
Before the 2020 season was cut short, Matthews led the Mustangs with a .533 batting average on 15 hits. From the mound, he fanned 12 batters in 27 batters faced.
"Kace has exceeded expectations for us," said Sutton. "He's worked hard to put himself in the position he's in. He's going to a great program. Even in the abbreviated season we had last year; he was arguably our best arm. He has good stuff from the arm slot he's in, and I know the guys down there at Gulf Coast are excited to have him. And we're excited to see what he does for us this year."
Morgan Pruitt (ECCC)
In six games played during the 2020 season, Pruitt tallied five hits and a .333 batting average. She led the team with six runs batted in.
Softball head coach Corey Tolbert spoke high praises when talking about Pruitt.
“I’ve coached some great players over the years,” said Tolbert. “But Morgan probably has the best leadership capability on the field and off the field that I’ve coached.
"I don't think East Central really knows how good of a player and person they are getting. She's an awesome kid and an awesome player."
