By Anvil Welch

awelch@joplinglobe.com

Jordan Kerbs, a four-year starter in the outfield at Nevada High School, has signed a scholarship agreement with Labette Community College of Parsons.

Nevada coach Jared Brown and Labette assistant Denny Vilela, who did the pursuing of the 5-foot-9, 170-pounder for Cardinal head coach Aaron Keal, each used the term “total package” to describe Kerbs.

Said Brown: “Jordan is the total package. He can get it done on offense or defense. He worked hard last summer and developed some power. He’s a competitor and so coachable.”

Said Vilela: “Jordan may be the best defensive outfielder I’ve seen in this area for several years. He has the arm strength and speed.

“Jordan also can swing the bat at the next level,” Vilela said. “He’ll be someone to watch during the next couple of seasons.

“He’s a complete package, too, in regard to his athletic ability and work in the classroom,” Vilela said.

The right-handed Kerbs averaged .448 as a senior on 26-of-58 to trail classmate Jerrod Alexander in total hits (27) and average (.491).

Kerbs, who led off for the Tigers, paced the team in runs scored (27), doubles (10), triples (4) and home runs (3). He drove in 14 runs and swiped 11 bases in 12 tries.

“He was able to ‘read’ the pitchers as well as possessing speed,” Brown said.

Brown said that Kerbs didn’t commit any errors in the outfield as a senior. His lone miscue came while he was pitching.

Said Kerbs: “They (the Labette coaching staff) said I had a good opportunity to compete for a spot in the outfield. They didn’t say any particular position. I played right field as a freshman and sophomore.”

Kerbs, who ranked academically in the top 10 of his senior class, plans to study accounting at Labette.