Keyes pilots top-notch program

Published 5:00 am Monday, June 4, 2007

MONTICELLO — Three has turned out to be a lucky number forLawrence County head baseball coach Cory Keyes. He continues tohead one of the best baseball programs in south Mississippi.

Keyes just completed his third year as Cougar head coach and hasbeen recognized as The DAILY LEADER’S All-Area Baseball Coach ofthe Year for the 2007 season. This is the third consecutive yearKeyes has been selected as Area Coach of the Year.

Lawrence County finished the season 23-8. Overall, Keys is 79-21in his three years as head coach.

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“It’s a great honor,” said Keyes. “It’s good players that makegood coaches.”

Keyes had 10 seniors returning on this year’s team and waspleased with their contributions. This senior team accounted for 96wins.

“We had a good year,” stated Keyes. “We were 22-6 going into theplayoffs. In the playoffs, we went 1-2. All in all, it was a goodyear.”

Keys includes a 1-0 win over Oak Grove, the eventual Class 4Astate champion, in his team’s list of highlights. He pointed out abig 10-3 Division 6-4A win over eventual division champ Terry.Another big game was against St. Stanislaus when Cougar seniorpitcher McKenzie Woods pitched a 7-inning, perfect game, the firstin LCHS history.

“For three years, the guys have come out and worked hard,”explained Keyes. “I’d like to thank this group of seniors for allthey have accomplished. They’re seen very great things happenhere.”

Keyes said he enjoyed working with veteran assistant coach CraigDavis, plus Lester Magee and Cory Rogers..

Keyes said he tries to help steer the players in the rightdirection on and off the baseball field. He wants to help preparethem for life after high school.

Keyes was pleased with the way the season went and looks forbetter things next year.

“We have five seniors out next year,” stated Keyes. “We havealready started our summer program. They’re continuing the successthe guys have built.”

Keyes, who teaches technology discovery, is a native ofMonticello. He graduated from Lawrence County High School in 1997.He played outfield for former LCHS athletic director and baseballcoach Tony Davis, from 1994-97.

Keyes attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College and obtained hisbachelors degree from Southern Miss. He majored in coaching andsports administration.

He began coaching baseball in 2002. He spent one year withBrookhaven High coach Randy Spring and the Panthers before movingto Lawrence County. He also coaches football and soccer atLCHS.

Keyes is married to the former Jennifer Lambert of Monticello.She is an x-ray technician at Southwest Mississippi RegionalMedical Center in McComb. They are members of Monticello BaptistChurch and parents of a 10 1/2 month-old daughter, ClaireElizabeth.

“I’d like to thank my wife Jennifer,” added Keyes. “And ouradministrator Russell Caldwell, athletic director Mike Davis andprincipal Daniel Scoggins.”

Keyes said the baseball program at LCHS is a community effort.All parties work together and help produce an outstanding producton the diamond.