Mississippi's Southern Baptist Educational Center (or SBEC) in Southaven claimed a Tennessee state baseball championship in Division II-A during last week’s “Spring Fling” of state prep finals at Murfreesboro. SBEC won its first state title in its second straight trip to the Volunteer State baseball finals.
The Trojans claimed the championship with a 17-5 thrashing of Tipton-Rosemark (Millington, Tenn.) in the championship game. The win was also the first state crown for first-year coach Ryan Porter.
SBEC raced to a 10-1 lead going into the Rebels’ sixth inning, when T-R plated four runs. That thrust seemed to re-ignite the Trojans, who then responded with seven runs in the seventh frame to cap off the victory. Chris Casto and Josh Hopkins provided four RBI each for SBEC.
The Trojans finished with a 29-10 record, while Tipton-Rosemark ended its first state tournament visit with a losing record at 13-24.
The Mississippi school is a member of the TSSAA after a constitutional change allowed it to return to the organization SBEC was a member of when it initially was located in south Memphis.
Softball: SBEC falls in Tennessee finals
While the SBEC baseball team was winning the Tennessee state championship, the Trojan softball team was trying to accomplish the same feat at another location in Murfreesboro. But, it wasn’t meant to be, as SBEC lost the Division II-A finals to Davidson Academy by a score of 3-1.
A throwing error resulted in Davidson Academy’s first run.
Adding to the troubles was Davidson Academy’s freshman pitcher Holly Hockaday, who struck out 15, including setting down the side in the first, third and sixth innings.
The only run of the game for the Trojans came in the final inning, when Sara Carpenter singled home losing pitcher Morgan Mosby. Morgan had reached base on an error.
Mosby held her end of the bargain after giving up the run-scoring error in the first, striking out 10 batters for the contest. She will continue her softball career at the University of Memphis.
Bayou Academy wins private school Class A All-Sports Trophy
The Mississippi Private School Association has awarded its annual All-Sports Trophy in Class A to Bayou Academy.
Based on a point system for state finishes in the association’s sanctioned sports, Bayou Academy out-pointed Desoto 28-25. The two schools tied for the title last year.
Bayou Academy’s strong showing was aided by three of its teams that played for state championships. The group included the school’s softball team, a third-straight state championship squad that finished the season with a record of 40-9-1.
Girls basketball and baseball teams also competed for state championships, while the girls soccer team qualified for the state playoffs.
Football: Kosciusko seeking new coach
While several schools in the Magnolia State were involved with spring football this month, fans of Kosciusko High School were more concerned about who their new football coach would be.
Interviews were about to get underway after Trey Rolison surprisingly left the position after just one year on the sideline.
Rolison reportedly resigned after a meeting with school superintendent Dr. David Sistrunk, assistant superintendent Tony McGee, and principal Jonathan Carnes.
Making the issue more complex is that Rolison’s possible departure was leaked on a statewide sports message board before it became officially announced. Officials and Rolison have not commented further about the coach’s abrupt departure.
McGee, who is taking over as school superintendent in July, says it’s hoped a new coach would be hired in early to middle June.
Also Of Note…..
* Laurel swimmer Ethan Barrow has signed a scholarship offer to Delta State University. Ethan is the current state champion in both the 400-yard and 400-meter individual medley events.
* Candice Brashear of Hernando has committed to Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia for softball. Brashear led the Tigers this spring in home runs, doubles, batting and slugging percentage. She was also the team’s stolen base leader and pitched her way to a 1.96 ERA with 108 strikeouts.
