For Renee Reed, a mother's pride is easily seen when talking about her son, Dequaris Reed, a 2005 Luverne High School graduate who now plays baseball for the Alabama State University Hornets.

&#8220He's played baseball for several years, at least six years,” she said. &#8220He plays first base, and he pitches.”

The 19-year-old Luverne native is a freshman at ASU.

The ASU Hornets lost their season opener to the Western Illinois Leathernecks 9-4 at Patterson Field earlier this season.

Reed gave up two runs in four innings of relief in his pitching debut during the game.

ASU baseball coach Larry Watkins said that he was particularly impressed by Reed's pitching.

&#8220He was tremendous for us,” Watkins said. &#8220Not only was he getting his first action at this level, but we were behind when he came in. It was a tough spot, and he gave us a chance to get back into the game.”

Renee Reed said that her son was active not only in baseball at LHS, but also in basketball and football.

&#8220He was an honor student in addition to everything else he was active in,” she said.

Reed is presently majoring in math and then plans to transfer to Auburn University to pursue a degree in civil engineering.