Pitcher Brandt Hinton is taking his strong right arm toCopiah-Lincoln Community College. The Brookhaven senior has signeda scholarship with Coach Keith Case’s Co-Lin Wolfpack.

Hinton (6-5, 190) has compiled a 6-0 record thus far thisseason, helping the Panthers to a berth in the Class 4A stateplayoffs. He has an impressive 0.37 ERA. In 38 innings, he has 10strikeouts and 6 walks to his credit, allowing 20 hits and just 2earned runs.

“I’m excited about going to Co-Lin,” said Hinton. “I like CoachCase.”

Previously signed by Case this spring are infielder Jordan Toneyof Mendenhall, outfielder Montez Chatman of Magee, catcher TylerWilliford of Loyd Star, outfielder/first baseman Paul Davis ofBrookhaven Academy, and pitcher/outfielder Marty Ballard, pitcherJake Russell and outfielder Jonathan Stephens of LawrenceCounty.

“We are excited about signing Brandt,” said Case. “For two yearshe has been very successful on the mound. He has a very good earnedrun average.

“When Brandt pitches in big games, he does real well,” saidCase.

“His size is good,” Case continued. “He throws downhillextremely well,” continued Case. “He throws a good breaking ballwith a lot of velocity on it. He has a lot of potential because ofhis size and velocity. He’s a smart kid in the class room and takescare of his business.”

Case said Hinton comes from a strong baseball program. “CoachRandy Spring runs a quality program at Brookhaven. They’ve beenvery successful.”

Sophomore outfielder Xavier Qualls of Brookhaven is currentlystarting for the Wolves. Former Ole Brook pitcher Scotty Smithstarred on the team last year when Co-Lin advanced to the NJCAADivision II World Series and finished fourth.

Ole Brook won the Class 4A state championship in 2004. ThePanthers have advanced to the state playoffs the past twoseasons.

Hinton’s fastball has been clocked in the mid 80s. He alsothrows a changeup and a curveball.

“I’ve really enjoyed playing for Coach Spring,” said Hinton.”I’ve learned a lot over the years.”

Hinton’s Ole Brook pitching coaches have been Jaymie Palmer andErik Stokes. Hinton serve as a punter/wide receiver on Ole Brook’s2004 state championship football team before decided to concentratestrictly on baseball the last two seasons.

“Brandt has a bright future ahead of him,” said Spring. “A(major league) scout would call it a high ceiling. Brandt is tall,so he can develop a higher velocity as he becomes stronger.

Spring said a year-round college baseball program would helpHinton develop. “Being able to go at it year round will help Brandttremendously.”

At the plate, Hinton is batting .304, with 2 homers and 14 RBIs.He has 3 triples to his credit.