By Robert Griffin

Sports Writer

Jordan Ring found himself in the same situation as a lot of high school seniors.

In his senior year at LaGrange Academy, Ring started looking at colleges not only for academics, but he also wanted to continue playing basketball and baseball.

He didn’t have to look far.

Ring found his new home, and it was only a mile from his current school.

On Monday afternoon, Ring gathered with coaches, family, and friends to announce his intent to play basketball for the LaGrange College Panthers.

Ring, who was a dual athlete for the Warriors in basketball and baseball, said that the college being in town, and the atmosphere, were some of the things that drew him to the school.

“The college had a hometown, family atmosphere,” Ring said. “The coaches and staff were all really good to me, and I just liked the school. “It’s my kind of school, its small.”

Playing at the next level is something that Ring has wanted to do since he first picked up a basketball and started playing with a team in the sixth grade.

“Ever since I was a child I have been wanting to play basketball and baseball at the next level,” Ring said. “LaGrange College really was the perfect fit for me.”

Ring served as an integral part of the Warriors’ team, which reached the semifinals of the GISA basketball tournament this year.

Ring also made his presence known on the diamond for the Warriors, leading the team in home runs, and also playing his part on the mound.

Ring went out in style in his final game on the field for the Warriors, hitting three home runs, including a grand-slam, propelling the team to a victory.

“Baseball has always been one of my passions,” Ring said, “and to be able to go out like that was an awesome feeling. It’s always been my true love along with basketball.”

Warriors’ head coach Matt Dalrymple said that it was Ring’s ability to see what was happening on the court before it happened, as well as his leadership that he will miss the most.

“We called him the X factor because of his size and versatility,” Dalrymple said. “You don’t see too many 6-foot-5 guards that can handle the ball and shoot. He had an ability to see what was going on before it happened on the court. He really was a blessing for our team, and he ended up being a great leader to our younger kids. He had a sense of personality great camaraderie for our team and that’s what we will miss the most about him.”

Ring expressed interest in trying out for the Panthers baseball team once he enrolls in the College and checks out the team, but for now his focus will be on basketball.

The focus and versatility that Ring showed on the court for the Warriors are some of the things that impressed Panthers head coach Warren Haynes.

“I feel like the thing that we do best is that we deal with guys who have some versatility,” Haynes said. “He’s a well-rounded athlete.

“Once we can get him playing with our guys and he can catch up to the pace of the game, just like everyone has to catch up with the speed and physical nature of the conference, once he does that he will be In the situation where he is going to fit in really really well with what we are trying to do.”