The sleepless nights are over.
Tyler Thompson finally made his decision.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Princeton High School baseball standout inked a national letter of intent with Lenoir Community College.
Thompson said he entertained other offers before settling on the Lancers.
“It feels great, and I’m excited to take my next step in the journey of baseball and just to be able to play two more years,” Thompson said. “When I started playing for Post 11, I talked to a lot of colleges, and I found Lenoir, and I felt that Lenoir really fit me.”
Thompson, who plans to major in sports management, has a career 1.80 earned run average and 124 strikeouts. During his sophomore season, he had a 1.41 ERA, 81 strikeouts and a 4-2 record on the mound.
He also spent the past two summers playing for Wayne County Post 11.
“Coach Pate (Post 11 head coach Adam Pate) really helped me a lot through my recruitment, and it’s been fun playing for Post 11.”
Princeton head coach Noah Edens said Thompson is a hard worker who does what is needed to win, and Edens is excited to have one more season with Thompson on the mound.
“Tyler is ready is go for his senior year, and I’m excited that he gets to play after it’s over,” Edens said. “I think he’ll do really well at Lenoir.”
Thompson was disappointed to lose his junior season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he is excited to play one more season at Princeton.
A versatile pitcher who can throw multiple pitches, Thompson has grown into a player that younger teammates look up to, and he is confident he can fit into the Lancers program next year.
“I throw four pitches,” Thompson said. “A fastball, curveball, a changeup and a slider. My favorite pitch is a slider.”
