ADAMS TWP — Connor McGinnis, Nathan Furl and Sam Williams will all have a say in what kind of season the Mars baseball team turns in next spring.

Each senior also knows where he is headed after it’s over.

McGinnis (Alderson Broaddus), Furl (California, Pa.) and Williams (West Liberty) signed a letter of intent Monday to continue their academic and athletic careers at Division II schools.

“Playing baseball in college has always been a goal of mine,” said McGinnis, an infielder for the Planets. “I’ve always enjoyed it.”

In 2009, McGinnis moved with his family from Kentucky, where he helped his AAU team to three straight state championships. For him, Alderson-Broaddus, located in Philippi, W.Va., was a perfect fit.

Luke Harrigan took over as head coach of the Battlers in December 2011. In the two seasons since then, he has led the program to a combined 52 wins, including a trip to the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship game in 2012.

“He’s turned the program around in just a couple of years,” said McGinnis. “I felt like I fit in well with the team.”

McGinnis played mostly as a third baseman last year, hitting .283 (17-for-60) with 14 runs scored, eight RBI and a pair of stolen bases.

“He batted sixth or seventh in our lineup last year,” said Mars coach Brian Hobaugh. “He’s a solid fielder and we may move him to shortstop.”

Which would be fine with McGinnis.

“Growing up, I was always a middle infielder,” he said. “I was moved to third last year and was comfortable there. I’ll play wherever the team needs me.”

Furl was Mars’ No. 2 pitcher last year behind the graduated David Bednar. The former tallied a 5-1 record and an ERA of 1.81. He added 53 strikeouts and just 10 walks.

“He’s got a good slider and is working on his change-up,” said Hobaugh of Furl. “He will definitely be our No. 1 this season.”

“My velocity has gone up over the last few years,” said Furl. “I was looking to play college baseball in the PSAC and Cal was ranked in the top 10 last season. It’s always a competitive program.”

Hobaugh was present at the signings and is proud to see three of his players commit to the next level of baseball.

“All three of these guys playing in college is the result of them getting a lot of work in outside of the high school team,” he said.

Williams is a perfect example of that. Last spring, he spent most of the season on Mars’ junior varsity squad, for which he batted .308 as a first baseman. It was his play on a summer-league team that spurred interest from West Liberty, located in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia.

“One of their alums noticed my play,” said Williams. “I sent a video (of my play) to them and they were impressed.”

The Hilltoppers’ baseball program is a member of the newly formed Mountain East Conference.

“We’re looking for Sam to be a big part of the varsity team in the spring,” said Hobaugh.

The Planets’ trio still has some unfinished business to take care of in a few months.

“It’s been a long time since Mars baseball won a playoff game,” said Furl. “That’s one of our goals.”