Decatur, MS – The #10 East Central Community College Warriors are entering the 2023-2024 season with high hopes after a successful 2023 season. As the reigning Region 23 Champs, they secured their first NJCAA World Series bid, overcoming tough interconference competition. Head baseball coach Neal Holliman reflects on the team's achievements and expresses gratitude for their historic bid. "The Region 23 is always a challenge for whoever is in it and wherever it is, and it was no different last year with it being in Eunice, Louisana. Five other quality opponents were there; we were fortunate enough to come out on top. We're very proud of that team for accomplishing that and earning our first bid to the NJCAA Division II World Series in Enid. Oklahoma. We're extremely proud of that group. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. We will forever be grateful for where they've helped this program continue to climb. But it's a new year and on to different things and hopefully, even better things is what we'll continue to strive for", said head baseball coach Neal Holliman.
Looking ahead, Coach Holliman acknowledges the departure of key players like Layton Jenkins (North Alabama) and Eli Collins (Southern Mississippi), who moved on to the university level. Despite the loss, he is optimistic about new players' potential to step into expanded roles. Notable returners include Brady McGee, Mo Little, and Kelby Jordan, while newcomers like Cyrus Rone, Trey Bridges, Nic Arender, Marvin Jackson, and Eli Smith add depth to the outfield. NJCAA All-American Little, a Brandon, Miss. (Brandon HS) sophomore, was the team's leading power hitter in 2023. He led the Warriors with 12 home runs and 70 RBIs, hitting .340 and compiling a .624 slugging percentage. "Kelby Jordan is the lone returner at right field for us; he did a phenomenal job. He's just a grade-A person, competitor, and leader. He just continued to get stronger."
The team's infield showcases talents like Reid Hall, Barrett Rodgers, John Lewis, and others. " You have Reid Hall, who's a 3rd baseman that, quite honestly, is the best defender on the corner that I've ever had the opportunity to coach, said Holliman.
Behind the plate, Liam Gilbert and Jayden Adcox contribute to the team's strength. Pitching-wise, the Warriors boast a mix of experienced arms and promising newcomers, including Luke Cooley, Rex Henderson, Marbin Lezcano, Bryson Goff, Chris Bilingsley, and others." Riley Passman had a phenomenal fall. He did not give up a run. To my knowledge, all fall from the left side. He's a left-handed pitcher transfer in.
Coach Holliman highlights the versatility of players like Parker Martin and Carson Ellis, emphasizing their reliability in various roles. He introduces several freshmen pitchers like Connor Aplin, Rhett Atkinson, Langston Cotten, Hayden Dodson, Evan Folse, Creed Fulton, and Trae Winn, each bringing unique strengths to the staff.
As the Warriors embark on a new season, the focus is on building upon past successes, integrating new talent, and striving for even more outstanding achievements on the field.
As mentioned, the Warriors' conference schedule is stiff with competition, and this season, the Warriors will face national contenders in non-conference play as well. "We have various opponents lined up, including Southern Arkansas and Southeast Iowa, both prominent teams from last year's World Series. Kirkwood, an Illinois-based team, is consistently a World Series contender. Additionally, we've scheduled several out-of-state schools from Alabama and Louisiana. As we transition to our conference, its reputation speaks for itself. We aim to enter conference play well-prepared, having faced diverse challenges in our preseason. We don't aim to pad our schedule; rather, we focus on preparing our team to be the best it can be. To compete at the championship level, facing high-caliber opponents is crucial; our league offers that opportunity. This approach extends into the preseason, setting the stage for a competitive season," said Coach Holliman.
The Diamond Warriors begin their season Friday, February 2nd at 1:30 PM at Clark/Gray Baseball Complex here in Decatur, MS. Fans can find a complete season schedule at www.ecccathletics.com/schedule.