By By Jared Florreich / staff writer
June 11, 2003
HATTIESBURG Several area diamond athletes got a chance to showcase their talents against other players across the state Saturday in the Mississippi High School Class 5A/4A All-Star Game at Pete Taylor Park in Hattiesburg.
Meridian High had two players participate in the All-Star game. Richmond Alexander and Maurice Cole both started, Alexander at second base and Cole in left field as the South defeated the North 5-3.
Cole scored the South's first run, after he doubled in the third inning. Alexander hit into two fielder's choice plays, but made several outstanding defensive plays, including the game clinching double play after the North loaded the bases.
Meridian High head baseball coach Vince McLemore was pleased with the play of both Cole and Alexander.
Cole finished his Wildcat senior season with a team high .450 batting average. He also posted team highs in hits with 46, RBIs with 29, and home runs with five. Alexander wrapped up his senior season hitting at a .412 mark. He recorded team highs with 46 runs scored, and 11 doubles. Both players were named to the First Team All-State 5A baseball team.
Quitman had two representatives, Jonathan Russell and Blake Pippin. Both recorded singles in the fifth inning. Russell pitched two innings and struck out four while being caught behind the plate by Pippin.
According to Cox, much like Meridian High, Quitman has had representation for the last several years in the All-Star game.
In the Mississippi High School 1A-3A All-Star game, the North defeated the South 13-3. Union's Jody Blount went 3-3 with three singes, two runs scored, and a RBI, and was named the game's Best Offensive Player in a losing effort for the South.
West Lauderdale pitcher Jamie Fontan took the pitching loss for the South team, allowing two runs in two innings of relief work.