JC’s ‘Eight Is Enough’ Scholarship Signings

MADISON- With the stroke of a pen, James Clemens High had its own version of ‘Eight Is Enough’ at a recent college signing at the school. Eight student-athletes used their ink pen to place their names on commitment papers for scholarships for the college of their choice.

The sports of cross country, volleyball, women’s basketball, softball and baseball were represented at the recent signing day.

Samantha Burns- Montevallo: Having been a part of the cross country program since seventh grade and the first squad in the school history, Burns has been the No. 3 and No. 4 runner for the Jets. “Her best skill is helping other runners on the team stay in a pack during races,” said Drew Bell, head coach of James Clemens. Her best time in the 5K was 20-minutes, 45 seconds and 5:50 in the mile. She will study graphic design.

Katie Sharp- UAH: “She will do great and I cannot wait to see her thrive at the Div. II level of play,” said Amanda Wood head coach of James Clemens volleyball team. “Besides, it doesn’t hurt as I played at UAH, too.” Sharp was team captain for the Jets and a four-year starter. She had career marks that were outstanding, including, 2,735 assists, 977 digs, 102 blocks, 500 kills and 231 aces. She will study physical therapy or engineering at UAH.

Adrian Grant-UAH: Grant heads into her senior season for the Lady Jets basketball program as leading scorer (9 points per game) and rebounder (6 per game) from a season ago. She will play for the Lady Chargers while studying Pre-Med. “Adrian has been a core player in our program and immediately bought into our culture and is a leader for us through her work ethic,” said Amber Deline head coach of James Clemens. “Beyond her athleticism and her accomplishments as a basketball player, she is respectful and a kindhearted individual.”

Jordan McMeans-Wallace State: In her junior season a year ago, McMeans hit .347 with 4 homers and 42 RBIs along with scoring 32 runs for the Jets softball team. She is expected to play either outfield or utility player for Wallace State where she will study physical therapy. “Jordan is a great leader for the Jets’ softball team and a wonderful example and representative of James Clemens High,” said Travis Barnes head coach of James Clemens. “She is an outstanding student-athlete with a great work ethic on the field and in the classroom. I’m happy she’s got the opportunity to play at the next level.”

Eve Mallard-UAH: A versatile player for the Jets came into her own as catcher a season ago where she batted .332, had 3 homers, 38 RBIs and scored 31 runs. She posted a .429 on-base percentage. “She is gritty, very vocal and second to none in work ethic,” said Travis Barnes head coach of James Clemens. “She has a perfect personality for that position.” A leader on and off the field and superb role model for the younger players on the team, Mallard is undecided on her choice of study while at UAH and could play multiple positions for the Chargers.

Tommy Crider-Belmont University: Regarded as the rock of the baseball program, Crider committed four years of hard work to become one of the leaders for the Jets. “He is the epitome of a team leader and I believe Belmont is getting an unbelievable young man with a high ceiling in baseball and in life,” said Cory Hamrick head coach of James Clemens. Crider batted .293 with 22 RBIs while posting a .992 fielding percentage a season ago as catcher and was a 2016 second team All-State pick and a 2017 All-State honorable mention performer.

Laken Lansdell-North Alabama: Lansdell batted .293 with 7 RBIs a season ago for the Jets while playing outfield and pitcher. He’s expected to be a left-handed pitcher for the UNA Lions where he will study engineering. He is mentally driven both in the classroom and on the playing field to be the top of the class. “Laken has the upside and the physical tools to be able to play baseball at the highest level and is a motivated young man on a mission to compete and win,” said Cory Hamrick head coach of James Clemens. “We will rely heavily on him this upcoming season in order to reach our program goals.”

Zach Toth- Montevallo: Voted as Varsity Pitcher of the Year by his teammates last season, Toth will be a good recruit as a right handed pitcher for Montevallo. He had the second most innings pitched (48) and strikeouts (36) a year ago, but led the team with a 1.88 ERA while a starter and relief pitcher. According to head coach Cory Hamrick, Toth made a personal commitment to be a collegiate pitcher and laid out a plan to meet that goal. Hamrick added, “Every day he made it a priority to himself and this program to do whatever it takes to reach his goal and because of this drive for greatness Zach will be very successful.”