Two Lake View students take the next step in their education and baseball careers.
Brayden Borders signed with Francis Marion University. Not only did Borders excel at baseball, he was also good at football. Borders has played baseball for 14 years and looks forward to continuing his career at Francis Marion University.
Borders was influenced by his father, Coach Kip Herlong, and is other current coaches as well as his previous coaches, James McDonald and Carlos Moncrief.
Borders believes hie will be a good fit at Francis Marion University as the university has the degree program, Broadcast Journalism, that he wants plus Francis Marion University is a great baseball organization, is close to home, and has a FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes so he can continue his walk with God.
The one item that Borders recalls most about his career in baseball is from 2015 during spring training. Kris Bryant gave Borders his batting gloves. Bryant has been an inspiration to borders throughout his baseball career.
As Borders transitions from high school to college, he will carry his strong work ethic and willingness to learn. He has seen how important it is to stay consistent, listen to feedback, and put in the effort even when things get tough, whether in the classroom, on the field, or working on a broadcast, he has learned that growth comes from being dedicated and staying open to improvement. That mindset is something that he will take with him to Francis Marion University.
At Lake View, Borders is a catcher. However, he is a utility player.
In Borders’ junior year, he received the 2nd Team All Region award.
Borders’ career stats at Lake View: 196 at-bats with 61 hits including 5 doubles and a home run with 31 rbi for an average of .311.
Borders will major in the Bachelor Of Arts In Mass Communications With A Specialization In Sports Broadcasting.
When not studying, practicing baseball, or playing baseball, Borders enjoys hunting, fishing, and golfing.
Borders’ parents, Brent and Jalena Borders, remarked “We are incredibly proud of Brayden and all of the hard work he’s put in to reach this milestone. His commitment to Francis Marion University is not just a reflection of his talent, but also of his determination, discipline, love for what he does, and his love for Jesus. FMU offers the perfect environment for him to grow academically and athletically, and we are confident it will be a place where he thrives. As parents, there’s no greater joy than seeing your child chase his dreams, and Brayden is doing just that. We’re excited for this next season of life and look forward to supporting him every step of the way.”
Lake View Head Baseball Coach Kip Herlong stated “Brayden has been a 3-year starter at Lake View, and has done an excellent job catching our young pitchers. He has done a great job controlling the game while leading by example. Brayden has really grown in areas of leadership over the years by showing up early to set up for practice every day and staying late in order to catch pens. Brayden has also been an asset offensively by hitting .311 with 33 rbi including a home run. We wish Brayden the best as he joins the Francis Marion University baseball team next season.”
Chris McGill signed with Claflin University. McGill, like Borders also played football as well as baseball. McGill has played baseball from the eighth through the twelfth grade.
McGill’s Dad was the one who influenced him most.
McGill believes he can be an asset while Claflin is building a baseball program.
McGill will always remember winning the 1 A baseball state championship while in the eighth grade.
Chris will carry the attitude to always give 100% as one must earn what one receives as nothing is given.
During his high school career, McGill has either played first base or pitched. His career stats are as follows: 306 at bats with 103 hits including 22 doubles, 1 triple, 13 home runs, and 109 rbi with an average of .336. He also has pitched 79.2 innings with 15 wins and 2 losses while striking out 115 batters with earned runs of only 15 and an ERA of 1.31.
While playing baseball at Lake View High School, McGill has received awards including 2023 All Region, 2024 Region Player of the Year, 2024 1 A Player of the Year, 2024 All State, and 2024 Morning News Baseball Player of the Year.
While not practicing or playing baseball or football or studying, McGill enjoys spending time with family and his girlfriend and playing video games.
McGill will major in Exercise Science at Claflin University.
Chris’ parents, Neil and Tonya McGill, exclaimed “We are very proud to be his parents. He has grown into a respectable young man and he has given his all to be the best in a game he loves to play. We are so happy he gets to continue his journey.”
Lake View Head Baseball Coach Kip Herlong stated ” Chris has been a cornerstone for Lake View Baseball for the last 6 years. He is responsible for 103 hits, 13 home runs, and 109 rbi. This was accomplished while winning 1 State Championship and playing for 2. He has also pitched us to 15 wins vs. 2 losses while striking out 115 batters and obtaining a 1.31 era. We are excited for him and his future collegiate career at Claflin University and wish him the best of luck. Chris has also been a very humble you man through his career and a great teammate and leader on and off the field.”
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
