From Special Reports
The most successful season in Columbus High School baseball history officially ended last week with another flurry of success.
Coming off the first two playoff series victories in school history, Columbus placed three players on the Class 6A All-State team.
On Saturday, five Falcons also played in the Northeast Mississippi Coaches Association for Better Baseball (NEMCABB) All-Star game at Corinth Park.
Senior right-handed pitcher Trace Lee was named first-team Class 6A All-State, while senior first baseman/pitcher Chris McCullough and senior pitcher/outfielder Hunter Mullis were named second-team All-State.
All three players played integral roles in helping Columbus go 23-8 this season. Columbus finished second in Region 3 to Northwest Rankin to earn its fourth-consecutive playoff berth. Columbus then defeated Olive Branch, which eliminated it last season, and Clinton before falling to Tupelo in the semifinals of the North State tournament.
Lee went 5-3 with a 1.62 ERA in 11 games. He also had one complete game and one shutout. In 60 2/3 innings he allowed 49 hits and 24 walks. He struck out 81. He also hit .347, scored 16 runs, had 26 hits, and drove in nine runs. He will attend Northeast Mississippi Community College in the fall.
McCullough hit .420, scored 22 runs, had 37 hits, drove in 34 runs, had nine doubles and hit two home runs. He also was 4-1 with a 2.67 ERA in eight games. In 21 innings he allowed 17 hits and 15 walks. He struck out 36. He will attend East Mississippi C.C. in the fall.
Mullis was 7-3 with a 1.02 ERA. In 68 2/3 innings he surrendered 55 hits and 23 walks. He struck out 78. He also hit .302, scored 22 runs, had 29 hits, drove in 18 runs, and stole 12 bases. He will attend Meridian C.C. in the fall.
In addition to their honors, Lee, McCullough, and Mullis were joined by senior catcher Gevonta Webb and senior infielder Greg Sykes at the NEMCABB game. Lee was named NEMCABB Player of the Year for Classes 3A-6A. He also received the NEMCABB Sportsmanship Award. McCullough was named Best Offensive player for the East squad, while Lee was named the East team’s best defensive player.
Webb went 1-for-3 with two walks and three stolen bases. Sykes was 2-for-2 with a run scored. Mullis was 1-for-2 with two walks and a run scored. He also pitched two innings in relief.
Columbus will celebrate its season at 6 tonight with its annual banquet in the Columbus High. Sturdivant also is expected to have a signing ceremony to celebrate his decision to play baseball at Rust College.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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