Published: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 / Updated: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 12:29 AM

Bearcats trio to hit diamond in college

The success Rock Hill High School's baseball team had last season continues to pay dividends.

Seniors Josh Bowers (Winthrop), Brantley Rumford (Presbyterian) and Ross Lisee (Erskine) gathered with the families and friends at College Park Baptist Church and signed their letters of intent Monday.

Rock Hill finished 21-7 last season and won the region title. Seth Neely signed and is a freshman at Clemson. Casey Seay is a freshman at Limestone, and Seth Rainey is a freshman at Coker. Bearcats senior Jesse Brewer has committed to Spartanburg Methodist College, and Michael Hill has committed to Florence-Darlington Tech. Neither have signed.

“I picked Winthrop because I wanted to stay close to home,” said Bowers, the son of Jon and Teresa Bowers. “At first I thought about going somewhere away from Rock Hill, but the more I thought about it, I decided this was what's best for me.

“Like everyone who plays baseball, your dream is to play in college and make it to the pros. And if I did make it, I'd want to play for the Boston Red Sox. I was recruited as a pitcher but was told I'd get a chance to play in the outfield.”

Bowers committed last summer and his second choice was The Citadel. He plans to major in sports management.

As a junior, Bowers batted .387. He had three triples, three home runs, knocked in 33 runs and scored 20 runs. He was an honorable mention All-Region 4-AAAA selection, made The Herald All-Area Baseball Team and was the Bearcats' co-MVP.

Rumford is a slick-fielding infielder and has been promised the opportunity to compete for the starting job at second base. He is the son of Russ and Lisa Rumford and plans to major in business. He was named to the Class AAAA S.C. Baseball Coaches all-state and all-region teams.

“I was playing in the Palmetto Games this fall and the PC coaches asked me to come visit,” Rumford said. “They said I should come to Clinton and see what their baseball program is about. The coaches said they needed a middle infielder and offered me during my visits six weeks ago.

“South Pointe's Brad Zebedis signed with them last week. We'll probably be roommates. This is a great opportunity. The school has a good academic reputation and I'll get to continue playing baseball.”

Rumford batted .369, with seven doubles, a home run and 12 RBIs.

Lisee is a power hitter waiting to explode. He hit four home runs last season. He batted .354, with six doubles and 22 RBIs. Lisee's parents are Tony and Marci Lisee. He plans to major in pre-med.

“I'll get a good education at Erskine, and that's one of the reasons I'm going there,” Lisee said. “I had other offers, most from junior colleges, and felt this was the best choice. Erskine's last five catchers got drafted by the pros.

“I signed to be a catcher. They have some catchers graduating this year, and I plan to compete for the starting job when I get there. Erskine saw me at a tournament in Myrtle Beach this summer and made me an offer three weeks ago.”

Lisee was also named to the Class AAAA S.C. Baseball Coaches all-state and all-region teams.