By Powell Cobb

Managing editor

Senior Bainbridge pitcher Noah Bryant will continue his baseball career next year at the University of North Georgia, where he signed a scholarship to Wednesday morning among friends, family and teammates.

“I just really like it because it was really homey,” Bryant said. “It’s a small campus, so I’ll get to know everybody. I’m just excited to play. I connected with them.”

Bryant’s batting average was .308 throughout 29 games during the 2016 season, getting 45 hits and 20 RBIs.

He had one start on the mound in 2016, but will have a big opportunity to make a mark for the 2017 Bearcats.

Coach Brian McCorkle, who has been coaching Bryant since he was a seventh grader, praised Bryant’s arm strength.

“He is blessed with a tremendous arm,” McCorkle said. “He is a good student. He’ll do well anywhere and he’ll do well at North Georgia. He’ll fit right in there as a college student athlete.”

Bryant’s mother, Lisa Taylor, is also a big fan of the school and its baseball program.

“When we went to visit North Georgia, the coaches welcomed him with open arms,” Taylor said. “It was a very nice organization with all the facilities as well as the school. So we’re excited for him to have the next chapter of his life there.”

In North Georgia’s 16 baseball seasons, the Nighthawks have gone 609-377.