By Robert Wilson
Madison Central – considered one of the top high school baseball programs in Mississippi – is having a down year, and has a losing record, a rarity at the tradition rich program, which was ranked No. 1 in the nation just two years ago.
While the team has been struggling most of the season, Madison Central junior right-hander/infielder and Southern Miss commitment Chase Russell has had a solid year, especially last week.
Russell, who plays third base and first base when he doesn’t pitch, hit .667 (4 for 6 at-bats) with 1 home run and 2 runs batted in and pitched three scoreless innings of relief in wins over MSHAA Class 6A, Region 6 champion Warren Central and defending 6A state champion Northwest Rankin.
For his performance, Russell has been named the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Baseball Player of the Week.
Russell had an RBI to help Madison Central defeat Warren Central 9-4 and had a solo home run and pitched the final three innings in a 5-1 win over Northwest Rankin.
Russell has a 3-2 record with a 2.53 earned run average, 55 strikeouts and only 9 walks in 47 innings this season. He is tied for the team in wins and leads the team in ERA and strikeouts. Russell is hitting .425 with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 7 home runs, 26 runs scored and 17 RBIs. Russell leads the team in batting average, on base percentage (.525), slugging percentage (.787), home runs and runs scored.
“Chase has been good this year,” said Madison Central Patrick Robey, who was named the National Coach of the Year two years ago. “He has kind of been that guy that has gotten us going at times. Chase always gives you a competitive bat. He makes pitchers have to throw more than one pitch for a strike. Chase has gained confidence as the season has progressed and his numbers speak for themselves. He has gotten stronger each outing on the mound. Chase’s velocity has gone up, it’s sometimes the opposite for some pitchers later in the season. He is really throwing a lot of strikes, just pitching well.”
Madison Central – the No. 3 seed from Region 4, with a 12-14 and winners of six games in a row – plays host to Southaven, the No. 2 seed from Region 3, Friday at 6 p.m. in Game 2 of the best of three series in the first round of the 6A state playoffs. Madison Central won Game 1 11-0 in five innings Monday. Russell pitched a no hitter and hit a two-run home run. Game 3, if necessary, is scheduled for Saturday at Southaven.
Coaches can nominate their players by calling or texting Robert Wilson at 601.506.2276. Only players who play for teams in Hinds, Madison and Rankin Counties are eligible.
