WINONA – Three Winona Christian Stars received statewide honors for exceptional performance during the 2017 baseball season.
Austin Huggins was named Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) AA Player of the Year, and Parker Morgan was named MAIS AA Infielder, according to Stars Head Coach Shannon Self.
Self said a committee of MAIS coaches from across the state selected 11 Mississippi players for state honors, two of which from Winona Christian.
“It was none of my choosing. They did their research and chose them. That means a lot,” said Self.
He said he did not know Huggins and Morgan were being considered for the honors until he received notification that they had won.
Both players were considerable contributors for the Stars throughout the season.
“Austin was our number one pitcher. He pitched number one in our three-game series,” said Self.
A senior this year, Huggins is ever working with the team, seeking improvement, according to Self.
“Austin is very coachable and a very respectful player. He’s not a kid you have to get on to,” said Self. “He’s always going to do what he’s supposed to.”
Morgan, who graduated in May, proved to be a formidable contender at the plate, according to Self.
“Parker is one of the better hitters in the state of Mississippi. He’s been one of the top hitters we’ve had since I’ve been [at Winona Christian]. He rarely strikes out. He’s always done well,” said Self. “He was a well-respected hitter. He got pitched around a lot. Teams didn’t want to pitch to him. It was very evident, during the playoffs.”
The Stars won the 2017 MAIS AA State Championship, and Self was named MAIS AA Coach of the Year.
“That comes from coaching a good team,” said Self.
