James Stoddard, left, a stand-out pitcher on East Mississippi Community College’s 2007-08 baseball team, has signed with the University of Montevallo in Alabama. He is shown with his parents, Marsha and Terry Stoddard, and EMCC head baseball coach Tony Montgomery. James Stoddard posted an 8-1 season this past season for the EMCC Lions, with a 2.98 earned run average. The University of Montevallo competes in the Gulf South Conference, and played in the Division II World Series in 2006. James Stoddard is also a graduate of West Lauderdale High School, where he played under coach Jerry Boatner. For more information about EMCC sports, call Mickey Stokes, vice president for athletics, at (662) 476-5068.

Terrance Bennett, star G from Jackson inks with EMCC!!
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The East Mississippi Lions continued to find outstanding talent out of the area with the signing of Jackson Forest Hill HS star G Terrance Bennett. Bennett, who started the past two years for Coach Clay Norton at Forest Hill, led his team to two straight 25+ win seasons. Bennett, an amazing athlete, and lock down defender, ran both guard spots at Forest Hill, and averaged 9.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, and 3.4 apg.
"Terrance is one of the better athletes in the state of Mississippi, and we are fortunate to have him at East Miss. He has as a lot of upside, a tremendous work ethic, and a motor that never stops." -Head Coach Mark White
Terrance also excels in Track and Field, in the Long Jump and 100m sprint. Terrance recently placed 4th in the State Track Meet in the Long Jump.


Kenneth Hoskins, basketball star and high jump champ signs with Lions!!
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The East Mississippi Lions got one of the better athletes in the State with the addition of 6'4 Jackson Forest Hill Forward Kenneth Hoskins. Hoskins averaged 10.6 ppg and 6.3 rpg for the State-ranked Forest Hill squad this past season. Ken is along, athletic Forward who can go inside and out, and will be a welcome addition to the Lions roster.
"Ken is a kid we feel very fortunate to have signed, and think he has the upside and talent to be a very good player in this league. Ken is also a great kid, who will greatly add to the East Mississippi community off the court as well as on it." -Head Coach Mark White
Ken is also a track star, showing off his amazing athletic ability by winning a number of meets this past year in the High Jump, and finishing 3rd in the State meet.


Ray Knight, State Champion PG from New Hope inks with East Miss!!
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The East Miss Lions continued their trend of signing winners, with the recent addition of PG/2G Ray Knight of 4A State Champions New Hope High School, in Columbus. Knight is a true winner and 3 year starter, and turned down numerous top out of state Junior Colleges to play close to home with the up and coming Lions program. Very good with the ball, Knight is a true PG, but also has the size and scoring ability to play the shooting guard position.

"Ray is an outstanding addition to East Mississippi, and will bring with him great toughness, competitiveness, and a high basketball IQ." -Head Coach Mark White

Ray averaged 12.3 ppg and 7.1 assists per game for New Hope this past year, and was ranked among the Top 30 players in the State, according to a number of recruiting sites.

Softball player Regan Shows, left, has signed with East Mississippi Community College in Scooba. The daughter of Ray and Ruby Shows of Beaumont, Regan Shows is sophomore transfer student from Jones County Junior College. She will join the Lady Lions softball team in the fall as a pitcher and utility player. Shows is pictured on signing day with her mother and EMCC head softball coach Kate Neely. “I heard that Coach Neely was going to be head coach this year,” Shows said, “and I’m ready to get out on my own and live a little farther from home.” Shows will also be a member of the EMCC Dance Team. For more information about EMCC sports, call Mickey Stokes, vice president for athletics, at (662) 476-5068.

Baseball player Derek Beach, center, a stand-out at Heidelberg Academy in Jasper County, has accepted a scholarship to play in the fall for East Mississippi Community College in Scooba. He is shown on signing day with his parents, seated, Barry and Karen Beach. Standing, from left, are Tony Montgomery, EMCC head baseball coach; Josh Snider, EMCC assistant baseball coach; and Jim Fries, baseball and football coach at Heidelberg Academy. Beach will be a member of the first EMCC baseball team to play on a renovated Gerald Poole field. Construction on the project is under way this summer. While at EMCC, Beach will work toward a degree in education; he plans a career as a teacher and coach. For more information about sports at EMCC, call Mickey Stokes, vice president for athletics, at (662) 476-5068.