PHEBA — Setting the tone has come naturally for Channing Tapley.
When you have been in a key role on numerous teams for as many years as Tapley, you come to understand how you need to prepare and how you need to play with confidence to set the example for your teammates.
Hitting the long ball only has helped Tapley accentuate his approach to the game.
Tapley’s third home run of the season — a grand slam — came Monday in the Hebron Christian School baseball team’s victory against Columbus Christian Academy. If you have been to the athletic complex at the school in Steens, you know the baseball field doubles as the school’s soccer field and that there is plenty of room to roam in the outfield, so it takes a pretty good shot to hit the ball over the fence.
“That was the first time I have ever seen somebody get close to hitting one out there,” Tapley said of his drive to left field. “I have always thought of it as being big there.”
Tapley said he was looking for a first-pitch fastball and was rewarded with a grand slam that helped pave the way for another victory. Even though the blast might not have traveled as far as one he hit against Calhoun Academy in Pheba, Tapley said his goal is to continue to deliver at the plate and on the mound to help the Eagles win a state championship.
Last week, Tapley excelled on the mound and at the plate. He threw three innings and struck out seven to get the victory against Central Academy. In that game and in wins against Kemper Academy and Columbus Christian Academy, Tapley hit .714 with four walks, a grand slam, a double, nine RBIs, and nine runs scored. For the season, he is hitting .682 with a 1.455 slugging percentage. He has three home runs, four doubles, 26 RBIs, and has scored 21 runs. He also is 4-0 with 29 strikeouts. He hasn’t allowed a hit in 10 innings.
Tapley’s week comes on the heels of a week in which he went 6-for-7 with two home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored.
For his accomplishments, Tapley is The Dispatch’s Prep Player of the Week.
“I think I have been swinging well,” Tapley said. “I have to work on my pitching some, but as far as my hitting, it is going pretty well.”
In January, Tapley joined longtime teammate Payton Griffin in a signing ceremony to celebrate their decisions to play baseball on the next level. Tapley will play at Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorhead, while Griffin will play at East Central C.C. in Decatur.
“I think it took some of the pressure off,” Tapley said of his signing. “I am good with how the season is going. I think the team has played well.”
Both players have had key roles in Hebron Christian’s 8-2 start to the season. The team is scheduled to play today against Grace Christian.
Tapley said he and his teammates are focused on winning a state championship. Earlier this season, the Eagles took the first step in winning the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class A, District 2 title. Hebron Christian is in the same district as Kemper Academy, Central Academy, Calhoun Academy, and Calvary Christian. To realize that goal, Tapley said the Eagles will have to shore up their defense. He said he anticipates shouldering a bigger load on the mound with Griffin and Clay Faulkner. Tapley said he worked hard in the offseason while he played basketball to get into shape for the baseball season. He said he has continued to work out in Houston where he lives during the baseball season to help him get ready for the stretch run. Tapley anticipates playing third base in college, and will continue to hone his skills after the high school season with the Mississippi Drillers/Rays Scout Team.
The significance of the last month of his high school career isn’t lost on Tapley, who has been a standout quarterback on the school’s football team and a key member of the boys basketball team. Earlier this year, the Hebron Christian boys and girls basketball teams won Class A State titles and advanced to the MAIS Overall State tournament in Clinton. For someone who has played baseball since he was 5 years old and has played with teammates since the third grade, Tapley wants to win a state championship to close his final season. He hopes to play the role of captain and leader as a pitcher and as a catcher to help realize that goal.
“I have always liked baseball more than anything,” Tapley said. “I don’t know why. I think I fit in with it. I think how you set yourself other people will feed off you when they see how you’re going. I think if we keep working hard we will make it (to the state championship).”
Follow Dispatch sports editor Adam Minichino on Twitter @ctsportseditor
Adam Minichino is the former Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.