2015

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Academy and Zach Mowdy of Union; and pitcher/catcher Lane Fazende, a product of Pearl River Central High School. "Cooley played part time as a freshman, but is really growing into his ability as a sophomore," Holliman said. "Warren red– shirted last season and has con– tinued to get stronger. Eaves returns after red-shirting due to injury and should be a main factor on the mound. Myers, Fazende and Mowdy are the only returning pitchers and all are expected lo make a contribution either as starters or in relief appearances." Freshman players and their respective high schools include pitchers Channing Wall, Louhwille; Peyon Lott, Seminary; Jonathan Simpson, Monroe Academy (Ala.); Peyton Owen, Stone; Peyton Cain. Newton County; and Josh Carpenter, Winona; pitcher/ third baseman Taylor Creighton, Quitman; pitcher I outfielder Matthew Mitchell, Lake; outfielders John– trell Pickens, Philadelphia; Jacob Huff, Puckett; and T.J. Lockett, Bibb County High School (Ala.) catcher Michael Davis, Clinton; short stop Dylan Snypes, Wayne County; third baseman/second baseman Billy Cameron, Menden– hall; and second baseman/catcher Will Kennedy, Union. "We expect significant contribu– tions from many of our freshman players and will rely heavily on some quality innings from our young pitchers," Holliman said.

DECATUR - Building on lhe success of last year's ttam, which advanced to the Region 23 and MACJC Conference tournaments. head coach Neal Holliman expects his 2015 East Central Community College Diamond Warriors to be competitors. "Our expectations have grown to where we expect to be a con– tender each year, but we don't take that for granted. We under– stand there are many talented and well-coached learns in this league and you have to be willing to pre– pare, be committed and be able to execute under pressure to be one of the last team's standing," said Holliman, now in his ninth season at the helm. The Diamond Warriors begin season action Tuesday, Feb. 10, as they travel to Lawson State Com– munity College in Birmingham, Ala., in doubleheader action starting at noon. The home opener is scheduled Friday, Feb. 13 against St. Louis Community College. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. at the Clark-Gay Baseball Complex. Although the Warriors will have a few hurdles to overcome, including.a mostly freshman pitching staff. Holliman said he believes his team has the talent to put themselves in position for another championship run. "This team has already experi· enced some growing pains; how– ever, they continue to strive for what they have set as individual and team goals," Holliman said. ,,

The ECCC baseball team had an average 3. 11 grade·point average in the fall.

In addition to their objectives on the field, the Diamond War– riors are also working to maintain the high academic standards for which they have become known. "Our team once again posted a 3.11 GPA (grade point average) this fall, which will help us main– tain our national academic ranking. We have been in the top 25 academically for the past five years." Holliman said. Top returnees for ECCC include third baseman Dylan Little, a product of Mar y G. Mont– gomery High School in Mobile, Ala.: short stop/second baseman Hunter Thrower of Southeast Lauderdale; designated hitter/first baseman Cody Daigle of Parkview Baptist High School in Baton Rouge, La.; first baseman/outfielder Chance Whitten, a product of South Panola High School; right fielder Kyle McCullouch of Madison– Ridgeland Academy; and catcher Todd H,ughes of Clarkdale High School. "All of these young men were starters for us last year and we expect their experience and lead– ership to really pay dividends," Holliman said. Other returnees include out– fielders Ben Cooley of South Jones and Reagan Warren of Newton

AP

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CARTHAGINIAN

NESHOBA DEMOCRAT ----~---=- ... SCOTT COUNTY TIMES ------ - WINSTON COUNTY JOURNAL --- CLARION-LEDGER ------- -

NEWTON COUNTY APPEAL ---- SPIRIT OF MORTON

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MERIDIAN STAR

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