Eight James Clemens athletes ink fall scholarship signings

MADISON – Eight student athletes at James Clemens High School secured their slots in intercollegiate athletics during fall signings.

Samantha Burns signed to run cross country and track at the University of Montevallo. Burns runs the 5K in 00:20:45 and the mile in 00:05:50. She also runs the 3200/2 mile in 00:12:45.

Burns, a four-year letter winner in cross country at James Clemens, plans to study graphic design, according to Rocky Smith. Smith is Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at James Clemens.

Tommy Crider committed to play baseball at Belmont University. Crider plays catcher for the Jets. In 2016, he was named to the second team in All State selection, and in 2017 he earned All State honorable mention.

Adrian Grant decided to sign for women’s basketball with the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Grant plays forward for the Jets. She plans to study pre-med in college.

Laken Lansdell will play baseball with the University of North Alabama as a left-handed pitcher and an outfielder. Lansdell recorded 4 wins on the mound last year and accounted for 31 runs batted in at the plate. He plans to major in engineering.

Another UAH signee, Eve Mallard excels in softball. She catches for the Jets. However, Mallard could play multiple positions as a utility player in college.

Jordan McMeans signed to play softball for Wallace State Community College as an outfielder or utility player. She will major in physical therapy.

Katie Sharp will join UAH’s volleyball squad as play setter, the position she played for four years at James Clemens. Sharp was team captain for this year’s squad that advanced to super regionals. She has 2,735 assists, 977 digs, 102 blocks, 500 kills and 231 aces in her career. She plans to study physical therapy or engineering.

Zach Toth signed to play baseball at the University of Montevallo as a right-handed pitcher. Toth was voted varsity pitcher of the year last year by his teammates.