BAY MINETTE, Alabama—Baldwin County High guard Justin Mayes signed to play basketball for Jeff Davis Community College of Brewton Wednesday along with teammate Xavier Dortch who signed to play for juco conference and Hwy. 31 rival Faulkner State in Bay Minette.

Coach Lorenzo Hunter said there was much more to both young men than basketball skills.

“They may not be the biggest kids on the court but they definitely make up for that with the size of their hearts. They say dynamite comes in small packages and Justin and Xavier are just that way. It’s always important to remember that they worked hard for this award today. They may have come from different directions, but both came full circle to this point here today. Even if a kid doesn’t make it to the next level, it’s just as important to me to educate them the importance of hard work and putting others or a team goal first sometimes. That’s the big lesson.

“I believe basketball and sports in general are a great tool for getting that idea across. It may seem to some like I get a little too passionate about that at practice or a game. But of course, I’m also really happy when a dream does come true like it has for these two today. And I believe passion is a big part of making dreams come true. It’s a big day. Not just for Xavier and Justin, but for all of us, and I mean coaches, teachers, administrators, family and the whole community who are proud of what Justin and Xavier have accomplished. Both schools got two quality players. Two quality young men who are going to continue to represent Baldwin County High School well and make us all proud.”

Veteran WarHawks coach Allen Gainer said his program needed a point guard much like Mayes to round out his team next season.

“We’re very excited about Justin. We think he is going to be the key to the puzzle as our point guard. First and foremost is what a great competitor he is. From the opening whistle ‘til the final horn and no matter what the scoreboard says, he’s trying to win. We think we have most of the other positions in place and have a good idea of what everybody’s role is. But we still need someone with that competitive edge who can get the ball up the court and get it to whomever we need to in different situations. I think he has that ability to get us into our offense, plus he can score. But we’re not putting that burden on him right away.

“He knows how to run an offense under pressure and of course coach Hunter knows how to bring out the best and prepare his players. And also gets them ready to contribute as college freshman. We’re are always looking for good players to come out of Baldwin County High School. We’re losing our point guard so I think Justin will be playing a lot minutes right off the bat. We also know he is a young man of high character who works hard in the classroom as well and cares about other people. That’s what we want in our athletes, not just athletic skill.”

Mayes will join Blount forward Anthony Bell who will be a sophomore for JDCC next season. He said he was happy for the opportunity and excited about playing the college game.

“I’m very excited. Looking forward to the test,” Mayes said. “It’s what I’ve been working hard for a long time to get to. I believe hard work pays off like this and I plan to keep working hard at the next level, too, to be the best I can. Coach Gainer wants me at point and to control the tempo like I’ve been doing. I’m glad he has confidence in me to get the job done. I won’t let him down. Just keep on focusing on ball control and passing. I plan to keep on working and get better and better to help the team get better and better. Like coach Hunter said, that’s what it’s all about.”

Undecided on a course of study he plans to focus on getting the basic classes out of the way before declaring a major.

The WarHawks and FSCC Sun Chiefs compete in the Southern Division of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Gainer, a Demopolis native, has coached at Jeff Davis for 15 seasons.