HUNTSVILLE, TX -- Paul Baxter, a 6-1 point guard from Bowie High School in Austin, has signed a letter-of-intent to attend Sam Houston State University and play men's basketball for head coach Jason Hooten.

Baxter was one of the Austin area's top players, ranking among the Centex leaders in scoring (18.4 points per game), assists (7.0) and steals (2.7). He also pulled down 6.7 rebounds per contest, helping lead the Bulldogs to their first district championship since 2007.

"Having Paul Baxter sign with Sam Houston mark the end of a two-year recruiting effort. We are extremely excited to have Paul become a Bearkat," Hooten said. "He is a complete player, strong and athletic, who will be competing for playing time as a freshman."

Baxter was the All-Central Texas "Newcomer of the Year" as a sophomore. This season he was named both as the top overall player and defensive "Most Valuable Player" in District 15-5A. He is one of only three Centex players to be named to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches all-state squad.

"Paul is a smart player who comes from a strong high school program headed by coach Celester Collier," Hooten said. "He also is an outstanding student and a great kid."

Baxter is the son of Ron Baxter who played for coach Abe Lemons at the University of Texas on the Longhorns' 1979 National Invitational Tournament team.