HERNANDO – Northwest baseball grabbed its first official signee on Wednesday for the 2015 season, as right-hander Ian Painter of Hernando High School signed his national letter of intent with the Rangers. 

"Ian has a great arm, is very athletic and can help us in several different capacities," ninth-year assistant coach Bill Selby said. "We're excited that he's decided to extend his career as a Ranger and look forward to watching him and Hernando compete this season."

Painter went 1-1 with a 1.62 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 13 innings pitched last season. 

The Tigers are coming off a 26-10 finish in 2013 and played for the state championship his sophomore year.