CLINTON – Presbyterian Christian’s baseball state championship marked the end of an era for the school.
It’s first-ever state title will also be its last as a member of the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools, which is made up of only private schools.
It was unintentionally symbolic, that PCS final game in the MAIS took place at Mississippi College, as it frequent host for high school organization’s championships. However, the departure from the MAIS is bittersweet, with travel costs playing a large role in the school’s decision.
“For us, it’s no hard feelings,” PCS coach Jarrett Hoffpauir said. “We love this league, and we love the competition. We love playing in these types of games day in and day out once conference play starts. Every game is tough, and you feel like anybody can win any game. We are going to miss that part of.”
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTO GALLERY OF PCS' WIN OVER HARTFIELD ACADEMY
The Bobcats will trade out longtime district foes Hartifeld Academy, Jackson Prep, Jackson Academy and Madison-Ridgeland Academy for St. Patrick, St. Stanislaus, Tylerterown and West Marion in the Mississippi High School Activities Association. Due to MHSAA rules, PCS will not be allowed to play any MAIS schools for two years.
“There are some things that we are not going to miss, obviously the travel gets tough on us and is hard,” Hoffpauir said. “Whenever we can play them again, we are going to get them on the schedule.”
In a sense, the state championship was a ride off to the sunset as PCS announced its decision to leave the Mississippi High School Activities Association this past August. The Bobcats will be placed in Class 3A in their first year with the new association.
“It’s a big statement in the MAIS,” said sophomore Reed Bridges, who hit a grand slam in the 9-4 win over Hartfield Academy. “We probably get look down by a lot of teams like Jackson Prep and stuff so it was a great way to go out and make a statement.
“I’m probably going to miss the competition and the rivalries, but I’m excited about the new rivalries.”
Tor the baseball team, which graduates only one starter and three seniors in total, it creates one of the most interesting storylines for next season. In its first year in its new league, PCS will be regarded as a favorite for the Class 3A state title.
“We know nothing is going to be given to us,” Hoffpauir said. “Our guys are hungry. We are not going to walk in and walk through it. We know we have to play baseball, but we have the guys to do it.”
Oddly enough, PCS has a chance to earn a rare distinction that could go down as the only team to win back-to-back state championships in separate high school organizations.
“It's going out with a bang,” said junior Bankston Walters, who pitched two complete games in the state title series. “My goal was to win a state championship in MAIS, and then win a state championship in the MHSAA.”
It’s a rare case of one classification featuring two defending state champions, which will feature PCS, and then either Seminary and Mooreville will battle for this year’s Class 3A crown next week.
“I’m looking forward to the competitive rivalries in the MHSAA,” Walters said. “I’m going to miss the competitiveness in MAIS. Hartfield Academy is a good team. There are some dogs. Prep, MRA and JA are all good. They are going to compete with you, and they know that. That’s what I’ll miss with the MAIS. In the MHSAA, I’m looking forward to the local rivalries and not traveling so far and being able to play Seminary and be home in 15 minutes.”
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