Baseball Game Preview: Independence Wildcats vs. North Panola Cougars

Wildcats

Runs

03/12/25 vs Tupelo Christian Prep	7
03/11/25 @ West Point	3
03/11/25 @ Pelahatchie	5
03/10/25 @ Central Hinds Academy	2
03/06/25 @ Greenville	16
+ 7 more games

Independence is a perfect 10-0 against North Panola since April of 2019 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Tuesday. A feisty cat fight will be fought as Independence Wildcats challenge North Panola Cougars at 5:00 p.m. Independence is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.6 runs per game this season.

Independence took a seven-run defeat the last time they faced off against Tupelo Christian Prep, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. Independence won by a run and slipped past Tupelo Christian Prep 7-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Wildcats have posted since February 10th.

Eli Stepp was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. That's the first time he hasn't allowed a single hit since back in April of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 3-for-4.

Stepp wasn't the only one making solid contact as six players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Miller Owens, who went 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI. That's the most hits Owens has posted since back in March of 2024.

Independence was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .379. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Tupelo Christian Prep only posted a batting average of .226.

Meanwhile, North Panola came into Friday's match having lost seven straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. Everything went their way against Coahoma County last Friday as North Panola made off with a 16-6 win. The Cougars not only won last Friday, but they posted their biggest win since April 5, 2024.

North Panola's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-2. As for Independence, they moved to 5-7 with that win, which also ended their three-game losing streak.

Independence took their victory against North Panola in their previous meeting back in March of 2024 by a conclusive 19-1. Does Independence have another victory up their sleeve, or will North Panola turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.