The Nacogdoches High School boys' golf team has advanced to regionals the last two years.

A big reason for that success was Basey Swearingen.

Now, the senior will take his golf game to the next level. Swearingen signed to play at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville.

"It's a good school," Swearingen said. "They are a good junior college golf program, which should help me get noticed, so I can play for a Division I school. I like the coach, who was all for me going there."

"Lon Morris is traditionally good," NHS golf coach Brent Harris said. "He will get to play a lot of golf and will have to battle for a spot on the team. It will give him a good chance to play at the Division I level."

Swearingen finished eighth at the District 12-4A meet this season and shot a two-round total of 168 (79-89) at the regional meet.

Harris said Swearingen, who has played golf since he was 12, has always had a long drive, but his improvement of his overall game has helped him reach the next level.

"Basey is a solid player who has been a fixture in our Top 5 for the last three years," Harris said. "If you can average in the 70s in high school, you have a chance to advance.

"I am impressed how he has matured physically and mentally on the course. He always had the ability to overpower the course, but he has learned how to manage his game. I think going to junior college will help him progress and continue to improve. His distance is impressive, and if he keeps it in play, he sets up opportunities for birdies, which is what college coaches look for."

Another plus about Lon Morris is the distance from Nacogdoches.

"I like how it is close enough to home, where I can see my family, but also far enough away," Swearingen said.

He is the son of John and Sally Ann Swearingen.