[WATCH] Fayetteville High School duo Cantrell and Jones sign to play baseball at Lawson State

FAYETTEVILLE, Ala. – Two Fayetteville High School seniors cemented their baseball futures Wednesday, Dec. 10, signing letters of intent with Lawson State Community College. Brenton Cantrell and Ethan Jones, key contributors for the Wolves, became the first players to sign collegiate baseball scholarships under head coach Matt Collier.

Jones, a right-handed pitcher and productive slugger at the plate that also split time at third base and first base, was the first to commit to Lawson State. He said the decision came easily after getting a feel for the program’s “laid-back community.” Once on board, Jones began helping the Lawson State coaching staff recruit his teammate.

“I’m glad to have the recruiting process behind me,” Jones said, adding that he expects the Wolves to field their best team “in a long time” this spring. He thanked his parents for the hours, miles, and resources they invested in his baseball journey.

Cantrell, who competed in this summer’s AHSAA North-South All-Star Baseball Game, said he entered the recruiting process determined to keep an open mind. Ultimately, he and Jones both said second-year Lawson State head coach Wes Riley played a major role in earning their commitments.

Cantrell will begin his college career as a catcher but is also expected to get opportunities in the outfield. He credited his parents and coaches for their support and guidance.

Coach Collier praised both players for their work ethic on and off the field.

“These two do things right. They do all the extra things,” Collier said. “They are what I want Fayetteville athletics to look like.”

Collier said he believes both seniors have the potential to compete for starting roles immediately with the Lawson State Cougars, who compete in the Alabama Community College Conference.

He added that he expects Cantrell and Jones to be the first of many Wolves to make the jump to college baseball in the coming years.

RadioAlabama Sports’ David McCurley interviews both players and Coach Collier in the video below: