Brookhaven’s Houston Case will showcase his baseball skills with the Hinds Community College Eagles for the next two years. Case signed a scholarship Friday morning in the Roach Wing of the BHS library as family, friends and teammates witnessed the occasion.

Case, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound right-handed pitcher and shortstop, is the 17-year-old son of Jerry and Virginia Case. He was recognized as the 2012 Athlete of the Year in the State Games of Mississippi, which were held at Meridian. He also was voted Ole Brook’s Best Defensive Player after making only 6 errors at shortstop in his team’s 24-6-1 season. He batted .307.

On the mound, Case compiled a 3-2 pitching record and 3.756 ERA.

“Hinds is the best team for me to get to the next level,” said Case. “They have a championship tradition and a great program.”

He plans to major in mechanical engineering. His favorite Major League Baseball player is New York Yankees star Derek Jeter. His favorite team is the Atlanta Braves.

Case also plays midfielder in soccer. He helped the Panthers reach the Class 5A state playoffs last week. His father, Jerry, a 1961 BHS graduate, was a 4-sport letterman, starring in football, basketball, baseball and track.

“Houston is one of the most talented players I’ve coached,” said BHS baseball coach Randy Spring. “He has natural ability, with a great future ahead of him.”

Hinds head coach Sam Temple has directed his Eagles to a pair of state championships in the last 3 years. A Vicksburg native, he has been coaching Hinds for 8 years. He played for Porter’s Chapel, Hinds and Delta State.

“I have been blessed to have had great players over the years,” said Temple. “Houston can become one of the best players in the state. He has the ability to play the infield or the outfield, and pitch, too.”

Temple’s Eagles launch their 2013 season Feb. 12, when they meet Panola, Texas Community College on the Louisiana Tech University diamond in Ruston.