Cameron Horton, Ryne Ray commit to UL baseball
New Baseball Commitments
Benton's Cameron Horton
Evangel's Ryne Ray
Cameron Horton and Ryne Ray had one major goal growing up on the baseball diamond together – playing at the same college.
Horton and Ray realized those dreams Monday when they both committed to UL, a program that hosted an NCAA Super Regional this past season and spent time as the top-ranked team in the nation.
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Cameron Horton and Ryne Ray had one major goal growing up on the baseball diamond together – playing at the same college.
Horton and Ray realized those dreams Monday when they both committed to UL-Lafayette, a program that hosted an NCAA Super Regional this past season and spent time as the top-ranked team in the nation.
"It means the world. This is something we've talked about for awhile," said Horton, who was traveling to the gym with Ray for their workout. "We both talked about where we wanted to go, and we weren't going to different places. It was a dead-set plan."
Ray, a rising senior catcher who's helped Evangel to two straight state baseball championships, was a Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 3A All-State selection while hitting .386 with six home runs and 28 RBIs.
He played travel baseball with Horton since both were eight years old, and he said there never was a question of whether the pair would split to play college baseball.
"We're like brothers ... and it means a lot," Ray said. "We've been talking about it since we were nine (years old), and we always wanted to go to the same school and room with each other."
The two will reunite after attending different high schools. Horton is a rising senior infielder at Benton and helped the Tigers to the Class 4A quarterfinals two straight seasons.
Horton brings plenty of power to the plate as The Times All-City selection hit .392 with eight home runs and 44 RBIs.
Both players were being recruited by Northwestern State and Alabama while Horton mentioned Ole Miss as another suitor. But for Ray, ULL has been a front-runner for most of the summer.
"I've been on a couple visits this summer, and when I left there, I couldn't get them off my mind," said Ray, who took his latest on-campus visit with Horton on July 23. "The way they play ball, it's like it should be.
"It's not too far from home ... and the (No. 1 ranking) means a lot. There is no point in going to play to lose. I hate losing just as much as like winning."
Both players liked ULL's high powered offense, which ranked in the top four in the nation in runs scored (7.8 per game), home runs (68) and batting average (.317). The Ragin' Cajuns compiled a 58-10 record en route to an eventual Super Regional loss to Ole Miss in Lafayette.
"The main thing for me was how they win and how they hit," Horton said. "Hitting is a big part of how I play. It's crazy what they've done there.
"My strong suit is hitting, but they told me I'm good at defense, too. I have to work on my speed and agility."
Horton spent the past two seasons at third base, and he said he will likely play third or first at ULL. He will be a shortstop in his senior season at Benton, a spot he's played earlier in his career.
Ray's specialty is his defensive abilities behind the plate as a catcher, and he said improved offensive consistency is a goal.
Both players say they push each other in regular workouts and in summer ball play with East Coast Baseball Organziation.
But they spend plenty of time together away from baseball, too.
One Twitter picture earlier this week depicted 60 frogs harvested from a productive night.
"We like to go bow fishing, hog hunting, frog gigging or fishing," said Ray, who said he spends just about every day with Horton.
Horton added that both families are close, and he considers Ray's parents as a "second family."
Horton and Ray will spend one more high school baseball season apart and will likely face each other as Benton and Evangel are two of northwest Louisiana's best baseball programs.
But it won't be long before the two best friends pack their baseball equipment and hunt for more Sun Belt Conference titles, NCAA tournament appearances and national championships.
Maybe the outdoor enthusiasts will sneak in a little fishin' and giggin.'
Twitter:@MattRVines
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Re: Benton's Cameron Horton, Evangel's Ryne Ray commit to UL baseball
As hard as it is to believe, I think this team's best days are NOT in the rear view mirror.
Re: Benton's Cameron Horton, Evangel's Ryne Ray commit to UL baseball
We have to get this Tier 2 Athletic Expansion and Renovation going so baseball and Football get what they deserve in facilities! Geaux Robe, and company!
Re: Benton's Cameron Horton, Evangel's Ryne Ray commit to UL baseball
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Originally Posted by
NewsCopy
Cameron Horton and Ryne Ray had one major goal growing up on the baseball diamond together – playing at the same college.
Horton and Ray realized those dreams Monday when they both committed to UL, a program that hosted an NCAA Super Regional this past season and spent time as the top-ranked team in the nation.
This is good stuff. The roster is loaded with talent already!! Good times!!!
Re: Benton's Cameron Horton, Evangel's Ryne Ray commit to UL baseball
That number one ranking and hosting that super regional were huge. We are seeing the benefits!
Re: Benton's Cameron Horton, Evangel's Ryne Ray commit to UL baseball
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Originally Posted by
DaddyCajun
We have to get this Tier 2 Athletic Expansion and Renovation going so baseball and Football get what they deserve in facilities! Geaux Robe, and company!
We need to hire a fund raiser for RCAF to get the millions raised that are needed. We have been screwing around with this for a year and no hire, no significant funds raised, and all of this lack at a time when UL athletics is at its highest peak ever. Makes no sense.
Re: Benton's Cameron Horton, Evangel's Ryne Ray commit to UL baseball
I can't argue with you on that.
