From his local paper, the Index-Journal in Greenwood, South Carolina...
ABBEVILLE -- Abbeville High School's Joseph Battle can be called many things. South Carolina's Mr. Basketball. State Gatorade Player of the Year. Football and basketball state champion.
Now, he's earned another moniker: Division I basketball player.
Battle signed with the University of Tulsa on Wednesday, putting an exclamation point on one of the most storied careers in Panthers' history. He ends his Abbeville career as the school leader in points, averaging 31 per game this season.
"This is a blessing from God to be able to have the opportunity to go play at the next level," Battle said. "I just thank God for giving me the opportunity, and I am going to make the best of it."
After Tulsa coach Frank Haith attended Abbeville's Class AA Upper State semifinal game against Blacksburg on Feb. 24, Battle shut down his recruiting process. He committed to the Golden Hurricanes the next day. The Panthers marched on to a Class AA state title with a win against Timberland, where Battle scored 32 points in the 58-55 contest.
Haith's offer was the chance Battle was waiting for.
"Before the game (against Blacksburg), he told me to play like myself and to act like he wasn't even there," Battle said.
"He wants me to come in and be a point guard and learn the point guard role, and it should be a fun and interesting experience."
Since his commitment, Battle made the trip to Tulsa, visiting the campus and the city. It confirmed that he picked the right program.
"I have a good relationship with an assistant coach, Coach (Michael) Schwartz, and I also have a good relationship with the head coach," Battle said. "They made me feel like I was loved and they really cared about me, and that they would be with me and have my back 100 percent."
Battle also started at quarterback for the Abbeville High School football team, leading the squad to the school's seventh state title. Before the school year, the two championships were on Battle's outline to create the ideal senior year. With this signing, Battle has converted those dreams into truths.
"Coming into this season, we had those kind of goals, and we just wanted to put them in play," Battle said. "To be able to do it in both football and basketball, it is a real blessing.
"It just shows that if you can come together, stay together and stay focused, anything is possible."
ABBEVILLE -- Abbeville High School's Joseph Battle can be called many things. South Carolina's Mr. Basketball. State Gatorade Player of the Year. Football and basketball state champion.
Now, he's earned another moniker: Division I basketball player.
Battle signed with the University of Tulsa on Wednesday, putting an exclamation point on one of the most storied careers in Panthers' history. He ends his Abbeville career as the school leader in points, averaging 31 per game this season.
"This is a blessing from God to be able to have the opportunity to go play at the next level," Battle said. "I just thank God for giving me the opportunity, and I am going to make the best of it."
After Tulsa coach Frank Haith attended Abbeville's Class AA Upper State semifinal game against Blacksburg on Feb. 24, Battle shut down his recruiting process. He committed to the Golden Hurricanes the next day. The Panthers marched on to a Class AA state title with a win against Timberland, where Battle scored 32 points in the 58-55 contest.
Haith's offer was the chance Battle was waiting for.
"Before the game (against Blacksburg), he told me to play like myself and to act like he wasn't even there," Battle said.
"He wants me to come in and be a point guard and learn the point guard role, and it should be a fun and interesting experience."
Since his commitment, Battle made the trip to Tulsa, visiting the campus and the city. It confirmed that he picked the right program.
"I have a good relationship with an assistant coach, Coach (Michael) Schwartz, and I also have a good relationship with the head coach," Battle said. "They made me feel like I was loved and they really cared about me, and that they would be with me and have my back 100 percent."
Battle also started at quarterback for the Abbeville High School football team, leading the squad to the school's seventh state title. Before the school year, the two championships were on Battle's outline to create the ideal senior year. With this signing, Battle has converted those dreams into truths.
"Coming into this season, we had those kind of goals, and we just wanted to put them in play," Battle said. "To be able to do it in both football and basketball, it is a real blessing.
"It just shows that if you can come together, stay together and stay focused, anything is possible."
