AHOSKIE – A trio of Hertford County High School football players made commitments during National Signing Day last week.

The trio committed to a pair of schools in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Willie Bass will move on to play football at Elizabeth City State University while Montel Lewter and Kendall Scott-Ridley each will play locally at Chowan University.

“I think these are good situations for all these young men,” third-year HCHS Head Football Coach Scott Privott said. “I think they will all do well at the next level.”

Bass chose Elizabeth City over Winston-Salem State University and Fayetteville State University. He will play on the offensive line for the Vikings after having anchored the left tackle slot for the Bears.

“I think I will fit in well,” Bass said of heading to Elizabeth City. “Everyone there seemed welcoming. It also isn’t that far away from home, so it’s more convenient for the family.”

Bass said he had enjoyed playing at Hertford County and had learned from his time at the school.

“I learned playing at Hertford County that the program is big and the tradition is strong,” he said. “I also learned that to never let anyone tell you what you can’t do.”

Privott said Bass will do well.

“I think what Willie brought to us is that he shored up the left side of our line,” the coach said. “I think at the college level his size and foot work will make him successful.”

Bass said his inspiration was his grandfather, who passed away.

“He always taught me to work hard and never let what people say get you down,” he said.

Bass is the son of Willie Bass Jr. and Angelique Sessoms. He is from Ahoskie.

It’s possible that next season Bass will get to meet his high school teammate on the field as Lewter will be on the defensive side of the ball at CIAA rival Chowan University.

“The reason I chose Chowan is because they came from this little school filled with talent,” he said. “I also liked Chowan because of the home feel and the fact it is close to home which will let me continue to enjoy my mother’s Sunday dinner.”

Lewter played linebacker for the Bears and will be anchoring that same position when he exchanges his home field at Bear Stadium in Ahoskie a few miles up the road to James G. Garrison Stadium in Murfreesboro.

He said he is excited about the change, but also grateful for the things he’s learned at HCHS.

“I’ve learned that a good attitude and leadership will take you far and I will always have my ‘Bear pride’,” he said.

Privott said Lewter had been a good player for HCHS and would be missed.

“Overall, his aggressiveness helped us so much,” Privott said. “Montel has been a good defensive leader. I think the tenacity he plays with will serve him well next year.”

Lewter said his role model has been his mother.

“She is my rock,” he said. “She is always there for me when I’m down. My brother is another one because he works hard to show me what’s right and wrong.”

Lewter is the son of Cindy Tobin of Ahoskie.

Also choosing to make the short trek to Murfreesboro is Scott-Ridley, who started for three years for the Bears.

“I chose Chowan because when I went it just had a really great atmosphere,” he said. “Everyone was walking around smiling and saying hello. I knew it was the perfect place for me.”

Scott-Ridley chose Chowan after also considering Elon University and Old Dominion University.

His coach said he would be effective playing for the Hawks.

“He is a total hard worker,” Privott said. “He started for us for three years and has a lot of experience and playing time which will serve him well.”

Scott-Ridley credited his coaches and several others for being role models in his life.

“The people that have helped me get to this point are my coaches, my mother, my AAU basketball coach, my granddaddy, my uncle and close family members.

Scott-Ridley is the son of Kimberly Scott of Winton.

Privott said he was pleased to see the two heading to Chowan because of the close distance between HCHS and the university.

“I think we are very fortunate to have those kids playing locally,” he said. “I think it’s a win-win for Chowan and Hertford County High School.”