Richlands' Bynes, Dixon's Schoonover are college bound

 Two of the area's best soccer defenders will take their talents to the next level.

Richlands goalkeeper Horatio Bynes signed a national letter of intent to play at North Carolina-Pembroke on Tuesday and Dixon defender J.J. Schoonover will soon join Mount Olive.

Both players spearheaded solid defenses at the high school level.

It was difficult to score on the athletic Bynes and his efforts garnered him a share of The Daily News Defensive Player of the year honors in the fall. Schoonover was the backbone of the Bulldogs' backfield and his presence landed him a spot in the 1-A all-state team.

Both are excited to be playing at a higher level.

"I like the coach, I didn't want to go too far from him," said Schoonover. "Mt. Olive is a nice school."

And as for Bynes?

"Pembroke had been hawking me for two years and when I visited I liked the university feel to it," said Bynes, who turns 18 on Monday. "The coach is nice and I also know a lot of people from Pembroke."

Bynes, the son of Michelle Bynes and the grandson of Evelyn White of Richlands, will receive financial aid. He will also have an opportunity to start in his first season as well as walk on for the UNCP basketball team.

"I am looking forward to that," Bynes said. "That means a lot because I have worked hard for four years.

"Pembroke had a rough season last year, but I think I can be a good leader because I am always talking to my team and I am always positive."

Schoonover, the 18-year-old son of James and Marie Schoonover of Sneads Ferry, signed in December. He said he liked the coach and the fact Mount Olive wasn't too far from home. Schoonover will also receive financial aid.

"I can be a team player and help them get more wins," he said. "Defending is my strength and I am able to win 50-50 balls by being physical and because of my height."

Both players know there are things they need to improve before joining their new clubs.

"I need to work on my size (in terms of strength)," Schoonover said. "We have had to do a lot of running."

Added Bynes: "I need to work on my foot work so when balls come back to me (I can handle it well). I have been playing at free play at the school."