State Games of Mississippi rosters show talent of area

Team sports have been put on hold for the last few months, but baseball in the summer is going on strong.

Several travel teams are in action around the state, but baseball also goes on for the annual State Games of Mississippi in Meridian and several players from the area are taking part once again.

East Webster baseball coach Jordan Smith is coaching District 4 and he had many players try out for his team on Thursday so he could put his team together.

Among those that made his team are nine players from the area on the 19-player roster made up of rising juniors and seniors.

Smith had four players alone from his team at East Webster as senior catcher and pitcher Gavin Edwards is joined by a trio of juniors in first baseman Hastings Gibson, left-handed pitcher Kainan Reed and infielder Jessie Roberts. The Wolverines' rival at Eupora had three players on the roster. All three are rising seniors as the Eagles prepare for a big season in 2021 as infielders Carter May and Parker Knight will be joined by righthanded pitcher Reed Hale.

Additionally, new Choctaw

County head coach Justin Flake has two seniors on the list as well. Infielder Zavier Coleman and outfielder Justin Jenkins will each be representing Ackerman and District 4 with their talents.

There will be 18 players active on the roster with the State Games rules stating that two players are to be alternates for the team. The games will begin on Wednesday and run through Saturday.