Three sign from Central

Harnett Central had a signing ceremony for three baseball players on Wednesday in the media center.

Jackson Jones is heading to Wake Tech, Connor Mangum is going to Methodist and Austin Swan is joining the program at Campbell.

Athletic director Will Gage served as master of ceremonies for the gathering of family, friends and coaches.

Former East Carolina pitcher Lance Honeycutt coaches Central.

“Coach Honeycutt has done so much for us, moving us along,” Jones said. “It’s awesome to be going to the next level and making it official.”

Academics influenced Mangum’s decision. He wants to be an arson investigator, which is offered at Methodist as a forensic science. He also had potential opportunities at Virginia Wesleyan and Brunswick Community College.

“The coaches, I really liked them,” Swan said of his choice of the Camels. He wants to study business.

Honeycutt has overseen the development of the trio.

“Austin is a hard-working kid,” said the Trojans coach. “He’s put the time in outside of the regular baseball requirements. He’s a multi-faceted player. We’ll probably use him as a pitcher when we can. At the moment he’s the leading hitter on the team, hitting .600.

“I’m proud of him. He’s worked hard. He deserves it.”

Mangum has enhanced his exposure playing for the Canes travel team, coached by Jack Martin.

“He’s a good player in all areas,” Honeycutt said. “He’s played a lot of positions and even caught at times. He will be a good fit for Methodist.”

Jones also has worked outside the frame of the HC program.

“He’s a good kid,” Honeycutt said. “He’s just starting to figure out his body. He’ll keep working with Brandon Young (noted pitching instructor) and get his velocity up. He plays first base for me. He keeps his wits about him.”