Former Putnam City North pitcher Jace James signs with Missouri

With bases loaded and no outs, Putnam City North starting pitcher Jace James (center) gets a mound conference in the 2nd inning of their game against Jenks in the 6A state high school baseball playoffs in Bixby, OK May 11, 2011. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World

Former Putnam City North baseball player Jace James has taken the next step in his baseball career, signing with Missouri last week.

James, a 2011 PC North grad, played last season at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, where he was 4-0 with a 1.59 earned-run average and 10 saves in 23 appearances.

James allowed 18 hits and six walks with 39 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings. He gave up only three extra-base hits, and opponents batted just .171 against him. He will be classified as a sophomore next season at Missouri.

James was a Big All-City first-team selection as a senior at PC North in the spring of 2011, going 8-2 with a 1.77 ERA and 86 strikeouts. He also played infield, hitting five home runs and driving in 46 runs, playing a huge role in getting the Panthers to the state tournament.

In addition, he was a two-year starter at quarterback for the Panthers football team, guiding them to the playoffs in 2009.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK