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NATCHEZ — Two Class of 2020 seniors recently signed letters of intent to continue playing the sports they love into college.

The two seniors who signed were Zavier Vanderson, from Natchez High School, and Vic Lassiter, from Adams County Christian School.

Vanderson signed on May 22 to continue powerlifting at Blue Mountain College in Blue Mountain (Mississippi).

At Natchez High, Vanderson played both football and powerlifted for the Bulldogs. Vanderson said he began powerlifting three years ago.

“When I first started powerlifting, I didn’t know that you could get a scholarship for powerlifting,” Vanderson said. “Powerlifting is not a well-known sport.”

During Vanderson’s three years of powerlifting for the Bulldogs, he set personal records in both bench pressing and squat categories of lifting. His personal record in bench pressing was 305 lbs. while in squats his personal best was 565 lbs.

Nickie Davis is the powerlifting coach for Natchez High.

Vanderson said one of his favorite memories from powerlifting at Natchez were the rides with his teammates Adam King and Trent Richardson.

Vanderson added he is excited to continue powerlifting and looks forward to joining the Blue Mountain College Toppers.

Another Natchez area senior that signed was Vic Lassiter.

Lassiter signed his letter of intent on April 25 to play college basketball for the Dakota State University Trojans.

Lassiter began playing basketball at 5 years old. Lassiter said it is very important for him to continue his basketball career in college.

“I want to make it big and go as far as God lets me,” Lassiter said. “I just want to support my community and give back. It would be nice to come out of Natchez.”

The Trojans play in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Last season the Trojans finished 8-23 and finished the season on an eight-game losing streak.

During the 2019-20 boys basketball season for the Adams County Rebels, Lassiter averaged 17 points per game, four rebounds per game and three steals per game. He was named to the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools Class 4A District 4 All-District First Team and was voted the No. 1 player in District 4.

Lassiter said his favorite memory from the 2019-20 season was scoring 30 points on Senior Night on Jan. 30 against Amite School Center Rebels. Adams County won 82-25 over Amite School Center.

Matthew Freeman, ACCS head boys basketball coach, said he could not be happier for Lassiter to continue playing basketball.

“I’m very happy for Vic to be able to have this opportunity to go play and make is career last longer,” Freeman said. “Anytime one of your players gets a chance to have the opportunity to play at the next level is big for you as a coach and him as your player. It is big for your school too. A lot of people stop at high school and anytime you have someone go play at least one more year is a blessing.”