Simply put, Carter Martin is an athlete.

The six-foot, 170-pound Martin juggles athletics these days between the baseball diamond and the basketball court.

Martin, a right-handed pitcher who has committed to the University of Missouri, is back on the basketball court this season at Warrenton after taking a year off to focus on baseball.

“Learning to balance basketball has made me appreciate basketball even more,” Martin said. “I’ve had a fun season. It’s been great. When I’m on the court, that’s what’s on my mind. I’m focused on basketball.”

While it’s been great for Martin, the Warriors have also benefited from his return. As a freshman, Martin appeared in two games for Warrenton, averaging three points per game.

This season, Martin’s ability to shoot from outside the 3-point arc has resulted in 53 made threes and a scoring average of 8.1 points per game for Warrenton. He’s also collected 70 rebounds, 30 assists and 24 steals for the Warriors (9-15).

Recently, Martin had a breakout game. In leading Warrenton past Winfield 51-33 on February 17, Martin drilled five 3-pointers on his way to 19 points.

“The confidence was running through my veins today,” Martin said. “I’m usually a shooter, so I saw the open lanes and I had the confidence to take it to the basket tonight.”

Even though he’s doing his best to compete in two sports simultaneously, Warrenton Coach Mark Thomas said Martin goes above and beyond to be ready for basketball.

“He’s always up front and forthcoming,” said Thomas about any scheduling issues that may arise. “If he’s got to miss a little (basketball) practice here or there, he makes up for it. He’s running (to stay in shape for basketball). He works hard because he doesn’t want anybody to think he’s getting special treatment. He’s a good kid and he’s showing that he’s not just a baseball guy. He’s an athlete.”

Martin’s athletic ability led him to Missouri as he chose the Tigers over Creighton, Lindenwood and North Carolina State. Last spring, Martin owned a 7-1 record on the mound to go with 99 strikeouts and a 1.45 earned run average in 48 and one-third innings.

At the plate, he hit .304 and drove in 22 runs.

For Martin, who has been clocked in the low 90s with his fastball, the chance to get out onto the court and compete during the winter has meant a lot.

Sure, baseball and basketball are different but camaraderie is camaraderie.

“We go out and play as a team,” Martin said. “It’s fun to be out there with these guys playing basketball. Sure, baseball is (on my mind) but when I’m out here, basketball is all I think about.”