Three Monroe athletes take next step with college signings

ALBANY — Three Monroe High School seniors signed letters of intent Wednesday morning to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. During a ceremony held in the school gymnasium, Louis Cobb III, Lorenzo Still, and Nehemiah Tinch each signed to compete in three different sports.

Cobb, who led the Monroe wrestling team, signed with Andrew College in Cuthbert.

“I am grateful for this opportunity, and I plan to make the most of it,” Cobb said before signing his letter.

Cobb won the region championship in the 165-pound weight class and placed fifth at the GHSA state tournament, becoming the first Monroe wrestler in 25 years to place at state.

Cobb thanked his parents and coaches and closed his remarks with a surprise gift for Coach Lawrence Green, who opened a bag to find a University of Alabama sweatshirt and an insulated cup.

Next up was Monroe basketball’s leading scorer, Lorenzo Still, who signed with East Georgia College in Swainsboro.

“I chose East Georgia because it gives me the opportunity for personal development and the chance to eventually move on to a Division I program,” Still said after the event.

Still received multiple honors following Monroe’s run to the Class AAA Final Four, including GACA Class AAA Player of the Year and Albany Herald Offensive Player of the Year.

“It’s been a phenomenal four years with Lorenzo,” said Monroe Head Coach Michael Hoffpauir. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs, but Lorenzo has always given his best. When I spoke with the coach at East Georgia, he told me it was a done deal. Lorenzo visited the campus, loved it, and made his choice.”

Hoffpauir also shared a story from earlier this season, recalling a moment in the locker room when he told each player that none of them could carry the team alone. Then he paused and told the group that Still had carried them—with a 25-point performance in the Elite Eight win over Pickens that sent Monroe to the Final Four.

Nehemiah Tinch wrapped up the ceremony by signing to play baseball at Paine College, a private HBCU Methodist college in Augusta that competes in the National Christian College Athletic Association.

“I felt like it was the best fit for me,” Tinch said.

He thanked his coaches and his mother, saying she always pushed him to “get up and do something.”

Tinch finished his senior season with a .427 batting average and a .970 fielding percentage, committing only six errors in his high school career. He also stole 59 bases.

“Nehemiah is one of the most humble kids I have ever coached,” said Monroe baseball coach Jesse Breedlove. “Whatever I asked him to do, he did it. If it was pitching, he did it. If it was shortstop or third base, he did it. If it was the outfield, he was there.”

Rivals.com listed Tinch among the top utility players in Georgia this season.