Cole Newell said he is looking forward to playing baseball forthe Southwest Mississippi Community College Bears. The BrookhavenHigh School senior happily signed a scholarship with Southwest.

“I’m excited about a chance to continue playing baseball at thecollege level,” said Newell. The lanky, 6-foot-1, 175-poundpitcher/infielder is the son of Marc and Ava Jane Newell.

As a senior, Newell compiled a 3-4 pitching record and a 2.10ERA. He struck out 36 batters and walked 9, helping lead the OleBrook Panthers to a runners-up finish in the Division 6-4ATournament and a berth in the state playoffs. At the plate, Newellbated .315. He scored a team-best 35 runs. He had 21 RBIs and hit 6doubles and 4 homers.

“We are happy to have Cole with us,” said Southwest coach ButchHolmes. “We have seen him play and then he came and worked out withus. He can help us in a couple of areas: third base, pitcher andbackup catcher.”

Newell said he wants to pursue a career in biologicalengineering.

Cole is a good student, too,” said Holmes. “He will gain armstrength in our weightlifting program. That will increase thevelocity on his pitches.”

Newell was one of six seniors on the Coach Randy Spring’s BHSsquad. He received the Panther Award and Permanent Team CaptainAwards at the team’s banquet. The Panthers finished 20-13.

“Cole improved as much as any player I’ve coached,” said CoachSpring. “He has improved tremendously since he was a freshman.”

Southwest posted a 20-22 record this past season. SophomoreRichard Field signed with Southeastern Louisiana University.

Holmes said he has a solid group of pitchers returning. Recentlysigning pacts with Southwest were catchers Bubba Boggs of ParklaneAcademy and Ryan Havard of Columbia Academy, infielders AlonzoHarris of McComb and Mitchell Young of North Pike;, outfielderSteven Bowman of Hammond, La. and pitcher Ben Colona of St. ThomasAquinas, (La.).

Brookhaven has three more players who have signed scholarships:shortstop Elliott Warren with Mississippi College and catcher MitchPappas and infielder Josh Coone with Copiah-Lincoln CommunityCollege.