Hornets from Hurley go back-to-back as 5A State Champions

PEARL, Miss. — East Central left no doubt as to who is the state’s best 5A baseball team for 2023, clinching its second straight MHSAA state crown on Saturday with an 11-0 five-inning run rule victory over Saltillo in Game 3 at Trustmark Park in Pearl.

The Hornets jumped all over the Tigers early, scoring six runs in a top of the first inning that saw the defending state champions bring 12 batters to the plate. East Central followed that up with a three-run second inning, and a two-run third inning, punctuated by an Andrew Marble two-run triple.

On the mound, Brayson Owenby went the distance while allowing just one hit across the five-inning game. Three-hole hitter Logan Terry was named MVP of the 5A State Championship series, producing the first RBI in Game 3.

This is the first time the Hornets have won back-to-back baseball state titles.

When asked about the legacy of the class of ’23, Owenby said, “It changes everything. First time in school history to go back-to-back. I mean it’s a great feeling. There’s nothing like it.”