#67: Area well-represented at baseball championships

The baseball state finals are underway at Trustmark Park in Pearl, and Northeast Mississippi has a team in each series. Gene Phelps is there, and he has updates and previews.

On Tuesday, Smithville lost Game 1 of its Class 1A series against Nanih Waiya (2:08). Mooreville got off to a good start versus Seminary in 3A (4:33), while defending 5A champ Oxford couldn’t hold a late lead against Pearl River Central (7:56).

Other Game 1s were set for Wednesday, including Tupelo, which must take on a power-hitting Gulfport squad in 6A (9:41). East Union looks to repeat in 2A against Loyd Star (12:44), while Corinth is making its first trip to the finals since 1985 but must face Jerry Boatner’s West Lauderdale powerhouse (15:10).

Gene and Brad also recap the state softball championships from last week. Tupelo won its first title behind the play of Ivy Watts (17:58), and Mooreville repeated as Hallie Donald dominated in the pitcher’s circle (20:22).

In coaching news, Mooreville promoted Jimmy Young to head coach of its football program (21:32). He replaces John Keith, he left after one season to return to the Tupelo staff.

And finally, Brad presents the Athletes of the Week (22:52).