One year ago, the thought of three particular high school baseball players of Charles Henderson High School signing college scholarships seemed a million miles away.

As juniors, Brock Huner broke his ankle sliding into third in a pre-season practice, and missed the entire year, while Chance Pollard, Lawson Scarbrough, and their teammates endured a 12-win season, uncharacteristic of the winning tradition CHHS baseball is accustomed to having.

Fast forward 12 months later, and these three young men, all seniors today, each signed college baseball scholarships following a complete turn-around, as the Trojans won 29 games, spent much of the year ranked as the No. 2 team in Class 5A, and advanced to the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs before their season ended at Bibb County last week.

At Wednesday’s ceremony on the campus of CHHS, Huner inked with the Auburn University of Montgomery, Pollard signed with Wallace of Selma and Scarbrough will play at LBW of Andalusia.

All three players, surrounded by family and friends, were proud this day came, as unlikely as it seemed a year ago.

“We had a great season this year, and I don’t think anyone in the state would expect us to have a 29-win season from having only 12 last year,” said Huner. “And for me to come back and play again this season (after the injury) is just a blessing. Coach (Matt) Whitton did a great job with us this year and I really appreciate it.

“I’m just blessed God has given me the opportunity to play at the next level, and it is a dream come true. Since I was a little kid I’ve dreamed about doing this, and it’s finally here, so I’m just so happy.”

Huner was 9-1 on the year as a pitcher while he, Pollard and Scarbrough were wearing out opposition pitching staffs at the plate all season.

Scarbrough took the time to thank many that made a difference in his life and got him to this point today.

“I would like to thank God first of all because, without Him, I would not be here today,” said Scarbrough. “My dad (Frank Scarbrough) instilled hard work in me at a very young age, and Coach Whitton has just been outstanding ever since he has been here. He has been working with us and believing in us when we did not believe in ourselves.”

Pollard said this senior class was a special group of teammates, and friends, that have played ball together all their lives.

“Most of the guys, we’ve played together a long time,” said Pollard. “It’s always been exciting to play with these guys. Coach Whitton and the rest of the coaches were a big part of the season. Last year we did not have a good season, and this year they brought us together as a family, and as a team. It just really helped, and everything came together.”

Coach Whitton received praise from all three seniors, but completing his first full season as head coach after stepping in the middle of last season, Whitton gave all praise to the entire senior class, as well as these three signees.

“These three guys are being rewarded by going to play college baseball but it really was a whole group effort by every senior we had, they were great leaders for us and set the foundation of what we expect and what Charles Henderson baseball is,” said Whitton.