Marlboro County High School seniors Michael Norris and Tristan Hunt signed letters of intent on Feb. 4 to play collegiate baseball at the University of South Carolina at Lancaster. Seated, from left, is Head Coach Ryan Pierce, Norris, Hunt, and Coach Nolan Pierce. In back, from left, is Athletic Director Bobby Collins, Coach Brix Cribb, and is Principal Dr. Jamane Watson.
                                 Photo by Jacqueline Hough

Marlboro County High School seniors Michael Norris and Tristan Hunt signed letters of intent on Feb. 4 to play collegiate baseball at the University of South Carolina at Lancaster. Seated, from left, is Head Coach Ryan Pierce, Norris, Hunt, and Coach Nolan Pierce. In back, from left, is Athletic Director Bobby Collins, Coach Brix Cribb, and is Principal Dr. Jamane Watson.

Photo by Jacqueline Hough

Marlboro County High School seniors Michael Norris, second from left, and Tristan Hunt, third from left, signed letters of intent on Feb. 4 to play collegiate baseball at the University of South Carolina at Lancaster.

Norris, who pitches and plays third base, had a .413 batting average as a junior. He pitched 25 innings, two wins and 0 losses with a 4.73 ERA. He was 2021 All Region. During his senior year, he has hit .400 through four games. He has pitched 11 innings with a 1-0 record and .818 ERA.

Coach Ryan Pierce said Norris is a natural leader and a great teammate. “He brings a lot of energy to our ball club and his peers look up to him,” Pierce said. “He has a bulldog mentality on the mound and wants the ball when the game is on the line. I have truly enjoyed coaching him and watching him play the game.”

Hunt, who is a utility player and right-hand pitcher, had a .250 batting average as a junior. He started SS as a sophomore and had a 1.000 fielding percentage as a junior. In his senior year, he is hitting .400 through four games. He has pitched five innings with a 1-0 record.

Pierce said Hunt is their “coach” on the field. “He is a great leader and teammate. His work ethic is unmatched and loves to play the game. When the ball is hit to him, I have no doubt that it’s going to be an out. I have enjoyed watching him grow and mature into the young man he is today.”

Pierce added when other coaches watch Norris and Hunt practice or play, they are amazed with their abilities.

“Both of them have a great work ethic and are both respectful young men,” Pierce said. “It has been a joy to coach them and watch them play.”