For Corey Dickerson and Nick Helmstetter, playing at MeridianCommunity College means a lot of time away from home. On Saturdaythe two Brookhaven natives will have a homecoming of sorts as MCCtravels to Summit to take on Southwest’s Bears. First pitch is at 2p.m. for the doubleheader.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Dickerson, who is leading theMeridian team in hitting with a .470 batting average and 17 homeruns. “I know a lot of family and friends are going to bethere.”

Originally scheduled for late February, the contest was moved toApril 24. MCC is currently 25-15 overall. The Eagles are thedefending Region 23 champions among Division One communitycolleges.

Helmstetter, The DAILY LEADER’s 2009 Lincoln County Player of theYear, graduated from Brookhaven High last May. He is a reliefpitcher on the Meridian staff, with a fastball that has reachedspeeds of 92 miles-per-hour.

Dickerson, a Mississippi State signee, is the startingcenterfielder for the Eagles. He also bats leadoff, and is expectedto be one of the top draft picks in the nation during June’s MLBDraft.

Dickerson, the 2008 Lincoln County Offensive Player of the Year,had a standout career at Brookhaven Academy. He was drafted by theColorado Rockies last year in the 29th round but elected to returnto school. He has been selected to play for Team USA this summer inthe Netherlands.

“I’m just going out and giving my best every game,” said Dickerson.”I’m hoping we can turn things around and make it to theplayoffs.”

Meridian lost three games to region rival Delgado Community Collegelast weekend. Dickerson went 5-for-9 in the series with threeRBIs.

Southwest, coached by Lee Kurykendall and assisted by formerParklane Academy head coach Ken Jackson, stands 22-20 overall. TheBears recently swept Co-Lin in South Division play and will playthe Wolves again on May 1 in Wesson as part of the Coca-ColaChallenge.