Dexter, Missouri - Colton Averett, well known catcher for the Dexter High School Bearcats and for the Charleston Fighting Squirrels summer ball, has committed to playing for the Shawnee Community College Saints in Ulin, Illinois.

Colton is the son of Marty and Lynn Averett of Dexter.

"I'm just thrilled these guys are getting to play together at the next level," Dexter baseball coach Brian Becker said. "These guys have been friends and teammates their whole life. I'm extremely happy for them. They deserve it."

"We had Brad Potts from Dexter who just graduated from our program this year.  He had a good spring for us and a good two years," stated Shawnee baseball coach Greg Sheppard.  "I talked to these guys last year when they were playing summer ball for the Charleston Fighting Squirrels and got the ball rolling off of that." 

"Two areas we are going to need as we graduated pitchers and catchers," commented Sheppard.  "We talked to them several times, had them in and they are two great kids.  We are very pleased at what we are getting."

Sheppard is speaking of two athletes that signed with Shawnee on Wednesday.  Both Colton and Jason Mattison signed to play baseball for the Shawnee Saints. (You can read Jason's article by clicking HERE.)

Colton Averett received the Dexter High School Batting Average Award.  He had a .494 batting average entering District competition.

“He almost got to .500,” stated Dexter baseball coach Brian Becker.  “I started looking back at the last 15 or so seasons and I haven’t had anyone reach .500 yet and he’s so close to it.”

The Dexter High School  Most Valuable Player Award also went to Averett.

“This award is voted on by the players,” commented coach Becker.  “Not only did he bat .494 he had 38 hits, 13 RBIs, was 15 of 16 on stolen bases and threw out 12 base runners as catcher.  He’s had a great season for the Dexter Bearcats.”

"Coach Sheppard is a real nice guy," commented Averett.  "He talked to us a few times and we went there and checked it out."

"I think it will be good for both of us," continued Averett.  "I have been catching for Jason and have been on the same teams since I was 8 or 9 years old.  He trusts me back there and I know what he likes to throw."

When asked about his powerhouse hitting his senior year, he said, "I had a great senior season hitting.  I have to remember to put down the bat and continue working and take nothing for granted."

Colton has decided to pursue a degree in Ag Business.  His dad is a farmer and that he may try his hand at farming after college.

When asked about his most memorable times on the ball field, he said, "hitting that home run against Campbell and beating the undefeated Greenville team!"

Shown in the photo are Lynn Averett, Colton Averett, and Marty Averett.  Back row are Dexter Baseball Coach Brian Becker and Shawnee Baseball Coach Greg Sheppard.