Put a bat in his hand and Dallas County’s Justin Hollis is pretty intimidating. As a hitter Hollis has ripped opposing pitchers.

Put Hollis on the mound and it doesn’t get much better.

Hollis can cut through a lineup like a knife through butter.

But line the senior up in front of a camera, bring his coach, both parents and his brother and the intimidating side of Hollis fades.

Monday morning as Hollis signed to play baseball for Shelton State, the player who seems so intimidating inside the lines was a lot more relaxed and maybe even a little embarrassed by all the attention.

Embarrassed or not, it was attention richly deserved.

Hollis’ outstanding high school career earned him the notice of Shelton State coach Bobby Sprowl and a scholarship.

Sprowl says he expects Hollis, who is best known for his work on the mound, to excel at the plate as well.

Justin said Monday marked the achievement of a dream.

Hollis said Shelton’s campus attracted him to the school.

The day was a little bittersweet for Justin’s mom, Karen.

Of course there’s still some work left to do.

Hollis and the Hornets will host Monroe County Wednesday afternoon in the playoffs.

It’s just another sign of the growth of the Dallas County program, Justin has been a major part of that growth.