CLINTON'S PHILLIP CHAPMAN INKS WITH NEMCC

May 8, 2007

 CLINTON, Miss.-- Northeast Mississippi Community College head baseball coach Kent Farris announced on Tuesday that Clinton (Miss.) High School catcher Phillip Chapman signed a letter of intent with NEMCC and will begin playing baseball for the Tigers in the fall of 2007.

As a senior, Chapman led the Arrows to the quarterfinals of the 5-A State Playoffs. The highlight of that experience for the catcher was going 4-for-4 with two homeruns, including a walk-off game winner against Tupelo.

"We're so excited Phillip chose us," says NEMCC head coach Kent Farris. "He is not only solid at the plate but is one of the best defensive catchers in the state, if not the best. He will improve our program immediately, and I expect him to be a leader the day he sets foot on our campus."

From behind the plate, Chapman threw out 85% of runners trying to steal this season. He also batted .383 with ten doubles, one triple, five home runs, and 34 RBI. Chapman carried a 604 slugging % to the plate this year.

"Phillip was outstanding for us," said Clinton H.S. head coach Eddie Lofton. "He came up with big hit after big hit. Behind the plate he was a rock, and one of the big reasons why we were able to make a run deep into the playoffs."

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