Pope John Paul II's Braxton Brinkley has committed to continue his baseball career at Western Kentucky University in 2014.

Brinkley, a three year starter, was named All-State by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association last season and has been a big part of the Knights diamond success the last three seasons. The senior shortstop hit .375 with nine doubles in his junior year and also hit a torrid .471 during conference play.

"I am excited to be able to play in such a great program as Western Kentucky," Brinkley said. "I am happy to get a chance to sign early and relax and focus on my senior year.

"We were one out from the final four last year and I want to get back there again and have a chance to play for a ring,

Brinkley will be a part of a JPII team next year that returns six starters from a 23-10 squad in 2012.

"Ever since his freshman year, we've felt that Braxton had a chance to be a Division I player," said JPII coach Michael Brown. "I am tickled for Braxton; Western Kentucky is a great fit for him and his family."

Brinkley will sign with the Hilltoppers in November during the early signing period.

— From JPII release

File photo by Phil Stauder l THE STANDARD