Seated: David Renfroe and Ethan Bright. Standing: Brad Lightsey, SP’s Assistant Baseball Coach; Laddie Renfroe and Kim Renfroe, David’s parents; Joan and Kenneth Bright, Ethan’s parents; and Patrick Robey, SP’s Head Baseball Coach

South Panola had two of its own sign national letters of intent Wednesday morning, November 11th. Wednesday marked the beginning of the early signing period for NCAA baseball. Having two players from the same high school ink with SEC schools is a rare accomplishment in college baseball.

Ethan Bright, infielder and right-handed pitcher, signed with the John Cohen led Mississippi State Bulldogs. Bright has started for the Tigers since his freshman year. Ethan has received the team’s best offensive player award the past two seasons. Ethan has put up impressive numbers at the plate and also on the mound. Last season Ethan hit .447 with 7 HRs and 38 RBIs while posting a 3-0 record in limited pitching duties. Ethan will attend MSU in August 2009 depending on the June 2009 MLB draft. Ethan has been compared to former MLB great, Larry Walker, with his size and power. Ethan was an all-state selection asa junior, along with selection to the East Coast showcase team that competed in Florida last July. Ethan was also a Team USA Baseball tryout invite.

David Renfroe inked on Wednesday morning with Mike Bianco and the Ole Miss Rebels. Recruiting Coordinator Rob Reinstetle calls this “one of the biggest recruits in Ole Miss history.” David has also had a stellar career while at South Panola. His batting average has been above .500 the past two seasons while posting a 4-3 pitching record as a junior. David was an all-state selection as a junior and chosen as an Under Armour All-American. David will attend Ole Miss next fall. Ole Miss, like MSU, will have to battle the MLB draft. These two young men are both projected to be possible high picks.

With eight returning seniors and twelve returning lettermen, the baseball Tigers look to make a run at the school’s first state baseball title. The Tigers have reached the 5A playoffs two of the past three seasons. Lastyear’s run ended knocking out Southaven before losing to Northwest Rankin.

The division schedule is always tough with Tupelo, Starkville, and Columbus. The 2009 schedule also features contests with perennial 5A power, Madison Central, Terry, and Desoto Central. The Tigers kickoff the spring season in the preseason jamboree February 9th at Madison Central.