Mitchell signs with Lander University

Fort Mill High standout Tanner Mitchell has signed with Lander University to play college basketball.

Mitchell, 18, picked Lander in Greenwood, S.C., over Erskine, Newberry and Guilford colleges.

“It came down to a few schools, and I really liked that area,” Mitchell said. “...I feel like I can fit in better there.”

Mitchell said Lander’s athletic department renovations also stood out.

“I liked how everything was new,” he said. “They have really renovated everything and the arena is great.”

Mitchell has played at the varsity level for Fort Mill for three seasons. He missed the majority of his junior season because of a knee injury. He started for the team for two seasons. His points per game went from 5.8 as a sophomore to 17 as a senior. He played in all 26 games for Fort Mill his senior season, averaging 17 points per game. He also had 4.5 rebounds a game.

During his three varsity seasons, which consisted of 66 games, he averaged 11.9 points per game and three rebounds per game for the Jackets.

He will continue to play the guard position, and could possibly interchange between point guard and shooting guard. He also could start or redshirt his freshman year.

Mitchell plans to major in sports management or exercise science.

This story was originally published June 17, 2016 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Mitchell signs with Lander University."