Following a successful season which included a regional playoff win and 17 victories, Fort White senior Brandon DeMartino is reaping the benefits.

On Tuesday, he signed with Georgia Southwestern State University.

DeMartino was third on the Indians in scoring, averaging 12.6 points per game as a senior, and he led the team in rebounds with 7.4 per game.

“Brandon handles himself like a true professional,” said Fort White boys basketball coach Elven Sheppard. “Very mature for his age. He had a plan and he stuck to it. He put in the work on and off the court. He was consistent with his workouts and getting reps.”

He was also second on the team with 1.6 assists and third with 1.0 steals per game.

“You have to love being in the gym if you’re looking to get to the next level,” Sheppard said. “Brandon was very poised and led by example. He is an excellent shooter, great rebounder and a really good teammate.”

His 39 blocks were first on the team too.

This past season Fort White (17-7) upset Hawthorne in the regional semifinals before losing to eventual state runner-up Hilliard, 64-51, in the 1A-Region 3 Final.

“Brandon added stability to the program,” Sheppard said. “Being that senior presence, his maturity and sense of calmness was very beneficial. His even-keeled demeanor helped the team stay dialed into games when we had to fight from behind or close it out.”

The 6’5 senior also led the team with a 79% free throw percentage, and his 41% shooting from 3-point range (51-of-124) was tops on the team.

“Having Brandon also meant we had the best shooter on the floor each night,” Sheppard said. “Having a guy at his size that could hit shots and open up the lane was a deadly combination. I thought he was the best shooter in the area these last two seasons.”

Sheppard believes DeMartino will be an asset at the next level.

“Every team needs a guy that can hit shots,” he said. “I think he will do just that. He is a gym guy. I think he will continue to work on his game and become an even better shooter.”

He noted his work ethic and said DeMartino will “continue to train and strengthen other areas of his game.”

“Brandon will do whatever his college coaches need him to do and add value to the program,” Sheppard said. “He is that type of young man. We’re so excited for his new journey and we look forward to supporting him and watching him play college basketball.”