East Webster senior Samuel Turner has signed to play tennis at East Central Community College.
“I like the school. I like the academics,” he said. “They are one of the best at preparing people for a four-year college. I love their coach (Jay Pacelli) and their campus. It’s really nice.”
Turner has played mostly doubles for East Webster, partnering with fellow senior Will Burton to go 12-1 in the spring and reach the semifinals of 1A/2A boys doubles where they were defeated by the top seeded Resurrection duo of Jameson Cook and Hudson Hans.
As a team, East Webster lost 6-1 in the semifinals to state champion Tupelo Christian with Turner and Burton picking up East Webster’s only point.
East Webster coach Robbie Brown said Turner's greatest asset is his work ethic. “Anybody can show up to practice when the coach calls it, but he puts in a lot of time with his partner or just on his own. I'm very proud of him and look forward to watching him grow as a tennis player and succeed at the next level.”
On the court, Turner has a strong serve and a strong forehand, according to his coach.
At the junior college level, Turner will be expected to play singles and doubles. Although he has played very limited singles for the Wolverines, Brown feels that won't be a problem. “He is just as good in singles as he is at doubles.”
Turner has singles experience outside of the school competition and looks forward to playing wherever needed at the junior college level.
He would like to go on to Mississippi State after East Central but is undecided about a field of study.
