ELON, N.C. – Elon baseball head coach Mike Kennedy today announced that three players have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Phoenix in 2009. Joining the Phoenix next year will be Jordan Darnell (Charlotte, N.C./Ardrey Kell HS), Grant McCoury (Canton, Ohio/Canton Central Catholic) and Cameron Scales (Chesterfield, Va./The Steward School).
“We are very excited about these three young men joining the Phoenix baseball program,” said Kennedy. “We only lose four seniors off this year’s club and we believe these young men help meet immediate needs for the future of our program. All three of these recruits have great character and the make-up which will allow them to be successful for years to come in an Elon uniform.”
Darnell, a 6-4, 185-pound pitcher and first baseman, has been an all-conference pick for Hal Bagwell at Ardrey Kell High. He has participated in The State Games of North Carolina twice and has also earned Second Team All-Mecklenburg accolades. Jordan is the son of Tony and Lynn Darnell.
Of Darnell, Kennedy says, “Jordan is a two way player who has tremendous upside on the mound and has a bright future ahead of him. He has a chance to make an impact immediately on the mound and at the plate. As he gets stronger, it will be exciting to watch him develop.”
McCoury, a 6-2, 205-pound third baseman and pitcher, was a Puma All-American after batting .402 with six homers and 39 RBI a year ago. While playing for Doug Miller’s Canton Central Catholic squad, McCoury helped the program to a 54-11 record over the past two seasons. In 2006, the team made the state final four and a year ago, the program advanced to the state elite eight. Grant is the son of Michael and Judith McCoury.
Kennedy said this of McCoury, “Grant has a chance to be a middle of the order type hitter and should enjoy some success in our ballpark. It was imperative that we sign right-handed hitting with some pop and Grant fills that void.”
Scales, a 6-2, 180-pound outfielder, has been a four-time all-conference selection as well as a three-time all-state honoree while playing for Bruce Secrest at The Steward School. Scales has been selected team MVP three times as well as team captain three times. Cameron is the son of Richard and Diane Scales.
Of Scales, Kennedy states, “Cameron has a great future ahead of him. He fits our system very nicely as he has very good size and tremendous speed. His work ethic is unmatched.”
Elon University is a NCAA Division I member of the Southern Conference and has advanced to two NCAA Division I Regionals since 2002. Other baseball playing schools in the SoCon include Appalachian State, College of Charleston, The Citadel, Davidson, Furman, Georgia Southern, UNC Greensboro, Western Carolina and Wofford.
– ELON –
