Three more high school baseball stars are plotting their futureswith the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Wolfpack. OutfielderKeith Franklin of Brookhaven Academy and catcher Mitch Pappas andpitcher/infielder Josh Coone of Brookhaven have signed scholarshipswith Co-Lin.

Already joining Co-Lin coach Keith Case’s list of signees werepitcher Jarred Rogers of Loyd Star and pitcher/infielders JosephEvans and Trent Hartzog of Lawrence County.

Franklin (5-9, 150) helped Coach Stephen Cooksey’s Cougars winthe District 4-AA title last year as a junior. He batted .444,collected 27 RBI and hit 3 homers, earning all-district and TheDAILY LEADER’s All-Lincoln County Baseball Team honors. Theversatile athlete also earned all-district and All-County honors asa defensive back in football.

“I’m looking forward to my future at Co-Lin and playing forCoach Case,” said Franklin. He is considering a future career inreal estate.

He is the son of Tommy and Holly Franklin. He throws right andbats left.

“Keith really did big things for us in the playoffs last year,”said Cooksey. “He does a great job bunting the ball.”

Coach Case said Franklin will be an asset to his team. “Keith isone of those guys who bats from the left side. He’s a contact-typehitter and he’s a pesky-type hitter who drives pitchers crazy. Hecan play the outfield. Hopefully, he will get stronger body-wiseand grow from there.”

Pappas (6-1, 173) has been an anchor behind the plate for CoachRandy Spring’s BHS Panthers. He batted .360 last season and hit 4homers, accounting for 30 RBI. This year he is averaging .343.

He is the son of Terry and Hollie Pappas.

“Mitch is a real good receiver and he has a strong arm,” saidSpring. “He can become a good catcher at the next level.”

Asked about his future plans, Pappas said he plans to major inaccounting and business administration. “I’m excited about going toCo-Lin and playing for Coach Case.”

Case said Pappas has a bright future on the collegiate level.”Mitch works real hard with the pitchers. He’s a great defensivecatcher and has a strong arm. He does a good job offensively withhis bat, too.”

Coone (6-4, 210) is batting .414 with 1 homer this season. Hehas a 1-1 pitching record. Last season, the lanky right-handercompiled a 5-3 record and had a 2.30 ERA. At the plate he batted.370 and hit 5 homers.

“I hope Mitch and I can be roommates,” said Coone. “I’m excitedabout signing with Co-Lin and playing for Coach Case.” He is theson of Kerry and Melissa Coone.

Coone suffered a fractured bone in his left hand last week. Hishand could be in a cast for 6 weeks. He is considering a career inreal estate.

Pappas and Coone were both members of last year’s All-Countysquad, helping the Panthers reach the Class 4A state playoffs.

“Mitch and Josh have worked very hard to get the opportunity toplay at the next level,” said Spring. “They have sacrificed a lotand helped us win a lot of games.

“They are good students and good kids,” Spring added. “They havedone a lot for our school and the baseball program.”

Spring said Coone and Pappas are among his 6 seniors who havehelped compile an 81-31 record in three years. His team won theClass 4A state championship in 2004.

“Josh is a good outfielder and a third baseman,” said Spring.”He has not made an error at third base. He runs well and has goodpower at the plate.”

Case said Coone’s versatility would be an asset. “Josh is a dualposition guy. I’m not sure if he will pitch or be a utility player.He has a lot of pop in his bat. The ball really jumps off hisbat.”

Wolf Tails: Coone and Pappas will join formerBHS pitcher Brandt Hinton on the Co-Lin squad next fall. InfielderCole Hodges is a sophomore and a former BA player on the Co-Linteam.