Parsons signs letter with Texarkana Junior College
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S JUSTIN PARSONS signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Texarkana Junior college. Pictured, seated, are Coach Shawn Mixon, Justin Parsons, assistant coach Steve Smith; standing, parents Todd and Molly Parsons.

When Justin Parsons was a freshman, Jasper was facing Kirbyville in a game they had to win. Coach Shawn Mixon put the small, skinny left-hander on the mound and told him to "just give us one inning." But Parsons did more than that. He went the distance, threw seven innings and got the win.

"He's got icewater in his veins," Mixon remarked after the game.

That remark proved prophetic for Justin has continued to be unflappable in four years of high school baseball, often facing some tough pitching situations.

Last week, he signed a letter of intent to play ball at Texarkana Junior College where he will remain a Bulldog, he said, because that is also their mascot.

He was named three times to the All-District team and was All-State Tournament pitcher in 2007. In addition, he finished the season last year with the Bulldogs' top batting average of .412.

"He's been as good as he can be for four years," Coach Shawn Mixon said. "Texarkana has a good program and this will be a good fit for him."

Justin is the son of Molly and Todd Parsons.