West Point's Berry, Oak Hill's Caskey sign scholarships

Two Clay County high school baseball stars signed scholarship letters to play at the next level on Friday.

West Point High School catcher Gray Berry was joined by his family as he signed to play baseball at Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville.

"I visited the campus and bonded with the coaching staff right away,” Berry said. “I feel that I'm a perfect fit with their baseball program."

Berry said Booneville is similar to West Point in its size and has a hometown feel.

"I am really excited to see that all of my hard work is paying off," Berry said. "Today's signing event is very exciting. I'm having a great senior year."

While Berry will likely work behind the plate for the Tigers, Green Wave baseball coach Blake Hutchison said Berry could also pitch.

At 5-10, 190 pounds Berry has been an integral part of the West Point baseball program since his freshman year.

Going into his senior year, Berry has amassed 67 hits over 204 career at-bats, with a career average of .328.

As a junior, Berry batted .304 with 17 hits and four doubles in 73 plate appearances. On the mound, Berry posted a 2.05 earned run average as a junior with a 1-3 record over seven appearances and 41 innings pitched.

Caskey signs with Lions

Oak Hill Academy pitcher Jonah Caskey also signed his scholarship offer in the school's library, surrounded by family and friends as right-hander plans to continue his career at East Mississippi Community College.

“Ive been playing baseball a long time and all of that hard work has finally paid off over the last couple of summers and falls,” Caskey said.

Raider baseball coach Mitch Bohon said he is excited for Caskey to get the opportunity to play college baseball.

“He's worked really hard and developed really good over the last five years,” Bohon said. “He's going to a good program and has the ability to be a two-way guy and he's got a bright future ahead of him.”

As a junior, Caskey batted .330 with three home runs and 25 RBI.

On the mound, Caskey notched a 4-1 record with a 2.10 ERA and 30 strikeouts over 22 innings.