SUMMIT — The North Pike Jaguar baseball team dominated theDivision 7-3A going undefeated with a 10-0 worksheet and winningthe district title.

On the season, the Jags finished 17-6 after advancing to theSouth State playoffs under the watchful eye of head coach GeorgeLott III.

For his accomplishments, Lott has been named The DAILY LEADER’SAll-Area Baseball Coach of the Year for the 2004 season.

“That is a super honor,” said Lott. “I don’t know if I amworthy. It is a compliment to my players.”

The 36-year-old Lott has been at North Pike for 10 years,serving the last 9 years as head baseball coach. He helps out withthe football team as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.Adam Barron is head football coach.

In the classroom, Lott teaches physical education.

Lott’s father, George, Jr., played professional baseball for8-10 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Los Angeles Dodgers.The senior Lott played in the outfield.

Coach Lott talked about the 2004 season.

“We played real well this year,” stated Lott. “We didn’t havedominant pitching. We lost Dusty Davis (last year’s All-AreaDefensive Player of the Year) to graduation.

“The guys hit the ball real good,” continued Lott. “We had toscore runs to beat people.”

At one time in the season, North Pike was 16-4 and knocking offopponents right and left. “We beat some good people,” addedLott.

Lott explained that some of his players were committed toplaying soccer and basketball so they got a late start. The Jagshad to start the baseball season minus some of their talentedplayers.

“I didn’t get half of the baseball players until halfway duringthe season due to basketball and soccer playoffs,” Lott said.

Lott said and his staff try to teach the athletes more than justwinning on the diamond. “I try to instill in them moral ethics andreligion,” said Lott.

Lott shared his success with assistant coach Jamie Jackson. “Itwouldn’t be possible with out my assistant Jamie Jackson,” stressedLott.

“I coached him (Jackson) the second year I was here,” statedLott. “During his senior year, we played for South State. He was areal good ball player. He is real gritty.”

Jackson returned to North Pike three years ago and has been withLott on the baseball staff.

“He (Jackson) brings a lot of energy,” added Lott. Jacksoncoaches junior varsity football and receivers and defensive backson the varsity.

As a testament to the Jags’ success, two seniors have signedcollege baseball scholarships. Travis Tyler, the 2004 All-Area MVP,signed with Southwest Community College and Jeff West signed JonesCounty Junior College.

Lott is a Pike County native and grew up in McComb. He is agraduate of Parklane Academy. His senior year, Lott played for headcoach Ken Jackson who still resides as the Pioneers head baseballcoach.

“We were decent my senior year,” explained Lott. “I played leftfield in high school.”

Lott attended Southwest for 1 1/2 years before transferring toSouthern Miss. He attained his BS degree in coaching and sportsadministration.

“I student-coached at North Forrest in Hattiesburg,” said Lott.”I was there for 3 years.”

His next job was at North Pike where he has remained.

Lott and his wife, Shannon, have two daughters; Alexis, age 8,and Bailey, age 5. They are Baptist.

He has a younger brother, Dusty, who is in coaching and an oldersister, Lisa Paulk.

For hobbies, Lott likes to hunt and fish in his spare time.