RIPLEY'S STEPHENS SIGNS WITH NEMCC

April 11, 2007

 RIPELY, Miss.-- John Stephens, a senior outfielder for coach Chris Langley at Ripley High School, signed a national baseball letter of intent with Northeast Mississippi Community College on Wednesday, April 11. Stephens is the second signee of the 2007 recruiting class for NEMCC head baseball coach Kent Farris.

“I can describe John in one word: toughness,” said Kent Farris. “He’s one of those kids that has the desire to win every time he steps on the field, and will fight to make it happen. He was a really good football player at Ripley also, and has been in the weight room. We’re excited about getting him on the field next season.”

Stephens is batting .420 so far this baseball season at Ripley, with a .580 slugging percentage, five doubles, a triple, and two homeruns. The four-year Ripley starter sports a .938 fielding percentage in 2007. John was named to the All-Division team following his freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons.

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Caption for photo.--  (standing left-right) Chris Langley, Head Baseball Coach Ripley High School;  Kent Farris, NEMCC Head Baseball Coach;  (seated left – right) Debbie Stephens, John Stephens, Marty Stephens