Petal appeared poised to make a run at the Region 5-6A District Championship in 2020 and a deep playoff run as they had rattled off seven-straight wins before splitting games between the Warriors from Oak Grove, but their season never returned after spring break. Still, head coach Shane Kelly understood just how talented his Panthers team was with their senior class.
“This was my second season as head coach here, so these guys were my guys coming into the season. We were trying to get back to where we wanted to be as a program and I think we were getting there being at 8-2 overall. The pitching staff was doing well and the seniors had been leading the charge in the weight room and having good leadership on and off the field.”
Kelly understands how important it was for each Petal senior to be able to finish their season, but he hopes that they understand that they are not defined by this season and can cherish the memories made while in a Petal uniform.
“I have talked to our guys about several things, and we thought we had a really good opportunity to play for a State Championship this year with how deep our pitching staff was, but we aren’t defined by those things. You are defined by the type of work you put into everything, the leadership you have, and who you are. There are so many good things that can come out of this year, and in the previous years, these young men have been with the program. It isn’t fun to not be able to finish their senior year of baseball, but they have a lot of good memories to look back on and I hope they cherish those,” said Kelly.
Some Petal seniors will have the chance to play at the next level of baseball, while Kelly stated that all of his senior class might get one last game to play if the Crossroads Diamond Club can get the ok to put on a “Senior Showcase” game this summer.
“Matt Mercer and Logan Walters are going to Pearl River to play, and Josh Cary will be headed to Mississippi Gulf Coast. Cole Sellers was a guy that was getting looked at by some junior colleges. I hope when this stuff dies down colleges will look at him because he has been a good pitcher for us. I believe the Crossroads Diamond Club is trying to have a final game for the ones who want to participate in and all of my seniors are going to plan to play. At least they will have one more game, hopefully, and colleges will get to see all of these seniors.”
