Lions pick up pair of Wildcats

By By Jared Florreich / staff writer
May 21, 2003
Two Meridian High Wildcats, Tyler Maxwell and Lance Burnham, signed to play baseball for East Mississippi Community College Tuesday.
Both Maxwell and Burnham have a degree of familarity with head East Mississippi Community College baseball coach Bill Baldner.
Maxwell and Burnham were big contributers in the Wildcats' 28-8 season that saw Meridian High become Division 5-5A Champions for the third consecutive year. The Wildcats also finished undefeated in division play for the second consecutive year.
The Wildcats advanced to the 5A semifinals, winning two playoff series before falling to eventual state champion Oak Grove.
Maxwell and Burnham said knowing Baldner helped their decision.
Maxwell was Meridian High's top pitcher in 2003. He was Division 5-5A MVP and player of the year. He was named 5A first team all-state, 2003 Wildcat MVP and was a member of the 2003 Meridian High .300 club. He posted team bests with an 11-1 record and 1.38 earned run average, recording 87 strikeouts.
At the plate, Maxwell posted a .336 average, recording 39 hits and 21 RBIs, and finished second on the team with 10 doubles.
Burnham recorded a .348 average. He finished the season with 21 runs scored, 31 hits, and 17 RBIs. He led Meridian High with 26 walks and an on base percentage of .520. He was named to the 2003 All-Division 5-5A team, was a member of the 2003 .300 club.