Magnolia Heights celebrates seven athletes signing

Photo: Seven Magnolia Heights student athletes introduced before signing college scholarships during an event on Thursday afternoon. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)

SENATOBIA, Miss. – Magnolia Heights School celebrated seven student-athletes who signed national letters of intent on Thursday, continuing the school’s tradition of producing collegiate-level talent.

The signing day was headlined by five players from the school’s powerhouse baseball program, including two bound for the Southeastern Conference. The signees included Cole Prosek (Ole Miss), Christian Doty (Ole Miss), Tre Miller (Liberty University), Cayden Prestage (University of North Alabama), and Christian Hare (Lyon College).

Head baseball coach Chris McMinn, who has led the Chiefs to 11 MAIS state titles, called the group one of the best to come through the program.

“This is an exciting group. Every senior that we have is having a chance to play college baseball, which is most kids’ dream,” McMinn said. “This group will be a special group, one of the best that will come out of here.”

McMinn noted this class ranks “right up there” with his 2023 class, which featured multiple high-profile signees, including sixth-round MLB draft pick Cooper Pratt. The program’s sustained success has made Magnolia Heights a routine stop for college scouts from across the country.

“We’ve been fortunate to have some good players, and we have had a lot of colleges come through the last several years,” McMinn said. “We’re having the opportunity to put kids in different parts of the United States.”

Baseball was not the only sport represented on Thursday. Athletic Director Cliff Long announced two additional signees from the girls’ athletic programs.

Softball standout Brianna Coleman signed with Itawamba Community College, and girls’ soccer player Meredith Nickels signed with East Mississippi Community College.

“It’s a smaller group, senior wise, than the previous two years… but again, from a numbers standpoint, it’s right there on par,” Long said.

Long praised the contributions of both athletes.

“Bree was a two-time all-conference player, both in the circle and at the plate. She’s been a tremendous asset to our softball program,” Long said. “Meredith is a really skilled soccer player… we’re excited that she’ll get the opportunity to do that.”

Long said the signing class is a testament to the school’s overall athletic environment, which attracts families from across North Mississippi.

“It just shows that we have quality players in the state of Mississippi at all levels, public and private,” Long said. “I think from an athletic standpoint, the products that we’re putting out make us appealing… it shows that families choose to come here.”