Sumrall teammates Kros Sivley and Hayden Nored will be facing off against each at the next level as the two pitchers signed with a pair of junior college rivals.
Nored signed with Pearl River Community College while Sivley chose to sign with Jones College.
“These guys are the epitome of hard work,” Sumrall coach Andy Davis said. “Kros and Hayden are the first people to come in and the last ones to leave. I have to run Kros off. As a freshman, he led the state in ERA. He’s had a lot of experience varsity wise. Hayden didn’t get as much (playing time) last year because the season was shortened. He was our No. 2 guy on the mound. I expect big things out of both of them this year.”
Sivley, was previously committed to PRCC, but Jones’ hiring of former Sumrall coach Larry Knight altered his decision to reunite with his coach.
“It’s a big deal for me because he’s done pitching lessons with me since I was nine years old since I moved here in the fourth grade,” Sivley said. “We always had a connection through pitching.”
In his career, Sivley has posted a .81 earned run average while racking up 144 strikeouts. The left-handed pitcher led the state of Mississippi in ERA his freshman season with a .27.
“(Sumrall) has meant the world,” Sivley said. “I started as a freshman and that was my best year yet, so it’s a dream come true to keep going.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nored has had limited time but in his career has posted a 3.88 ERA. Last season, Nored threw 28 strikeouts and walked seven batters while finishing the season with a 3.82 ERA.
In his sophomore year, Nored notably threw a perfect game against Oak Forest Academy. In that game, Nored threw 10 strikeouts in the five inning game run-rule game.
For Nored, PRCC was an easy decision and comfortable fit to play baseball at the next level.
“You look at the guys that they put out year in and year out,” Nored said. “They have guys consistently in Division I. That’s the goal when you go juco. Those coaches are your friends. They are there with you.
“I truly enjoy the atmosphere at Pearl River. It was the only place I truly saw myself playing baseball.”
