Jenkins' Pitcher Kyle Hunter Chooses Lake Sumter
Tue. January 24, 2012 at 1:00 a.m. | By Solange Reyner
By SOLANGE REYNER
THE LEDGER
LAKELAND | George Jenkins' pitcher Kyle Hunter will suit up for Lake Sumter Community College next season. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound righty made his decision last Friday at a signing ceremony at the high school.
Hunter went 4-3 last season with three shutouts and a 2.45 ERA. He struck out 49 and gave up 33 hits in 48 innings. Hunter said he chose Lake Sumter because he felt comfortable while on his visit to the campus in Clermont, which is approximately an hour's drive from Lakeland.
"Their coaches made me feel welcome and it was a great atmosphere," said Hunter, who has solid command of three pitches, including an 86 mph fastball.
Jenkins coach Tom Patton said he expects Hunter to compete for a starting spot on the rotation next season.
"He has good control, good mechanics and good demeanor and he's a hard working kid," Patton said.
Patton said Hunter was also getting looks from the University of Jacksonville and Hillsborough Community College.
Girls Begin Regional Soccer Playoffs Tonight
George Jenkins, Frostproof, Auburndale and Lakeland Christian will play host to regional quarterfinal soccer matches tonight at 7 p.m. while Mulberry, Bartow, Santa Fe Catholic and Winter Haven will hit the road for first-round play.
Frostproof, which had a strong performance from goalkeeper Moriah McCullers in the Class 2A, District 10 title win over Mulberry last Thursday, will face St. Petersburg Catholic at Faris Brannen Stadium. Clearwater Central Catholic will welcome Mulberry, which is making its first appearance in regionals since 2007.
Auburndale, which beat Winter Haven for the Class 3A, District 13 title behind two big goals from sophomore Sydney Bailey, will play host to Rockledge (7-1) while Winter Haven travels to Merritt Island.
Tori Abnathy, who had four goals against Bartow in the Class 4A, District 7 championship game, will look to lead George Jenkins again as it plays Freedom (8-7-2). Bartow travels to Steinbrenner (15-3-2).
Lakeland Christian will play Geneva (11-5-1) at home, while Santa Fe Catholic, the team the Vikings beat 6-0 for a second consecutive Class 1A, District 6 title on Friday night travels to play First Academy.
