South Plainfield NJ Varsity Baseball Team

NJ Baseball:

Brandon Downes of South Plainfield Signs With Virginia

(High school Baseball news)

THE STAR-LEDGER, November 14, 2010 6:19 p.m.

Brandon Downes of South Plainfield, one of two juniors selected All-State by The Star-Ledger in June, has signed a letter of intent to attend Virginia.The outfielder had 15 home runs and batted .484 with 49 RBI for South Plainfield, which finished the season ranked No. 8 in Tbe Star-Ledger Top 20 with a 25-3 record.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-2872793621720970774/nj-baseball-brandon-downes-of-south-plainfield-signs-with-virginia-high-school-baseball-news/

South Plainfield's Brandon Downes selects Virginia to continue baseball career

By MATT HLADIK • STAFF WRITER • November 12, 2010

Another Middlesex County high school product signed to continue his baseball career at a Division I institution Friday when South Plainfield centerfielder Brandon Downes inked a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Virginia.Downes, a Home News Tribune All-Area First-Team selection in 2010, batted .484 and slugged 1.063 as a junior, driving in 49 runs and belting 15 home runs, both school records. He was the Greater Middlesex Conference coaches' selection for Player of the Year."Brandon is one of the best natural hitters I have ever been around, in both my years as a coach and a player," South Plainfield coach Anthony Guida said. "He is very physically fit and has one of the best work ethics I've been around. He is a five-tool player. I think he will flourish and grow (as a ballplayer) at Virginia."Downes also hit for the cycle against New Brunswick and recorded an 18-game hitting streak last season. He helped lead the Tigers to a 25-3 record and the GMC White division title. His performance in the classroom is equally impressive, as he possesses a 3.9 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20101112/SPORTS0103/11120351/1109