Local all-stars are in abundance for this Saturday’s MississippiHigh School All-Star Baseball Games at the University of SouthernMississippi’s Pete Taylor Park. Two players, catchers Chase Coleyof Loyd Star and Nathan Cutrer of Bogue Chitto, and Coach MikeHodges of Bogue Chitto will represent Lincoln County.

Franklin County pitcher/infielder Cole Zumbro will join Hodges,Coley and Cutrer in the Class 1A-2A-3A Game which starts at 2 p.m.Also in that game and playing for the South are outfielder MichaelClements and pitcher Buddy Van Norman of North Pike,

Centerfield Fred Perkins was selected to play for the South inthe Class 4A-5A contest but elected to skip the game. A TulaneUniversity signee, Perkins plans to retake the ACT on Saturday. Heleaves Sunday for the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Football Classicin Mobile, Ala.

Hodges, 53, is retiring from coaching and will continue teachingat Bogue Chitto. His Bobcats have won back-to-back Division 7-1Achampionships. Both times they were eliminated from the playoffs byLake, the eventual 1A state champion.

Asked about this weekend’s dream team contest, Hodges said hewas looking forward to coaching the South. Joining him will beCoach Mark Fanning of Class 2A state runner-up St. Andrew’s.

“This team has so much talent, particularly pitching,” saidHodges. “Me and coach Fanning are going to stay out of the way andlet them play.”

The all-star teams reported Thursday for practice. “What can acoach of any caliber do in two days to improve these kids?” askedHodges.

Hodges was instrumental in getting Coley and Cutrer on the team.”We have two very good catchers. I’m going to find the bestpitchers and go to war.

“Coaching this game is an honor for me,” he continued. “It’s athrill.”

Cutrer, a redheaded, 6-foot-1, 145-pound standout, was namedBogue Chitto’s Most Valuable Player. He batted .406, accounted for25 RBIs and hit 6 home runs his senior season.

“It’s an honor to play in this game,” said Cutrer. “I’m reallylooking forward to it.”

Coley (5-10, 170) moved from the infield to catcher this seasonand produced outstanding results for Coach Anthony Hart’s Hornets.They were runners-up to St. Andrew’s in Division 6-2A.

As a senior, Coley batted .390, hitting 11 doubles and 1 homer.He has signed a scholarship with Copiah-Lincoln CommunityCollege.

Coley said pitchers like Zumbro of Franklin County, Van Normanof North Pike, Todd Doolittle of West Lauderdale, Mark David Howardof Biloxi Mercy Cross and Chris Stewart of Purvis were impressive.”The pitchers are bringing a lot of heat. I’m not used tothat.”

Cutrer agreed. “Doolittle is the best I’ve ever seen.” WestLauderdale won the Class 3A state title.

Zumbro (6-2, 190) batted .509 as a senior, hitting 13 homers asthe Bulldogs finished runners-up to North Pike in the Division 6-3Arace. He hit 34 homers in his high school career.

His fastball has been clocked at 92 mph. He has signed ascholarship with Co-Lin.

Van Norman compiled a 10-2 record as the Jaguars won theDivision 6-3A title and advanced to the second round of the stateplayoffs before losing to West Lauderdale Matthews batted .305 as aoutfielder.

All-Star notes: Outfielder Johnathan Cutrer of Bogue Chitto andJared Harris of Poplarville are Class 1A-2A-3A alternates.