Hawks second in district; playoffs next

A second-place finish in Region 2-3A means the Holly Springs High School baseball team will face Alcorn Central in an opening round state playoff series.

The Hawks finished 4-2 in the district after a pair of losses last week to Independence, which claimed its fifth straight district championship.

“The competition in our district was very good,” coach Sam Greer said. “We have been working hard to simply compete. Our upperclassmen have helped pave the way.”

Holly Springs swept two games from both North Panola and Coahoma County in district play.

He said senior Braylon Robinson has helped in several positions this season, and his leadership has been a plus.

“Karlo Strickland has been leading us with his awesome attitude and high level hitting,” Greer said about another one of his seniors.

He complimented the “tremendous infield skills” and leadership of senior Joshua Walker. He also has the highest ACT score and GPA on the team, the coach said.

Derwin Hamer is a junior and captain who leads the team from the mound and on the base-path.

“He has over 20 strikeouts this season, and he is one of our leading base-runners,” Greer said.