Christian (Bubba) Keene made it officialFriday morning. The Brookhaven Academy senior signed a baseballscholarship with the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Wolfpackduring a ceremony in BA’s library.

    Keene, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound senior, had voiced his decision lastsummer to play baseball at Co-Lin. A talented wide receiver infootball, he also wants to play football for the Wolves. He wasselected Mr. Football and Most Valuable Player on The DAILYLEADER’s 2011 All-Lincoln County Football Team.

    “I’m read to play ball at the next level,” said Keene. “I also wantto play football.”

    As a senior,  Keene helpedthe Cougar football team post a 10-3 record and win the District5-AA championship. He caught 45 passes for 774 yards and 8touchdowns. He rushed for 267 yards and 2 TD     s.

    On defense, Keene accounted for 112 tackles (28 solo).  He also intercepted 3 passes.

    Named to MAIS South All-Star Team, Keene collected MVP honors inthat game.

    In baseball last spring, Keene batted .461. He had 26 RBIs and 3home runs.

    As a sophomore, Keene helped BA win three state championships:football, basketball and baseball. He has three state championshiprings.

    “I hope to have another season like my sophomore year,” said Keene.He’s a starting post player on BA’s basketball team.

    Co-Lin head baseball coach Keith Case said he was happy to haveKeene on next year’s team. “I don’t think you can say enough aboutBubba’s ability. He has all the tools and he loves the game ofbaseball.

    “He has foot speed and power,” Case noted. “He can play at theprofessional level some day.”

    Keene is keenly interested in June’s Major League Baseball Draft.He has caught the attention of several professional scouts and hasparticipated in a number of  showcases.

    His father, Ronnie Keene, played baseball for Coach Alton Greenleeat Co-Lin in 1985-86, working as a shortstop and pitcher in highschool. He played the outfield at Co-Lin.

    BA baseball coach Casey Edwards smiled with pride as he describedKeene’s future. “I’m very proud of Bubba. He is choosing a greatpath to follow with Coach Case.      We look forward to him doing greatthings up there and beyond.”

    Keene said he plans to pursue a career in industrial maintenance atCo-Lin. Currently, BA products Tripp Jolly (pitcher) and WillGatlin (first base) are on the Co-Lin roster.

    Case said he has signed four other high school seniors. They areJez-Rel Mark, a right-handed pitcher from Tylertown (BowlingGreen); Christopher Perry, a catcher/first baseman from ACCS inNatchez;  and outfielderDominic Savage and shortstop DeVonte’ Tarleton, both of PortGibson.