Pearl River Central's baseball squad has turned a brush with elimination into a historic run, securing a place in the 2026 MHSAA 5A State Championship game.
A Coach's Present‑Focused Philosophy
Head Coach Buddy Turnage guides the charge with a creed that centers on the single game at hand, regardless of opponent or stakes.
Turnage’s approach has cultivated a culture where every player embraces the moment, allowing the team to stay sharp and resilient under pressure.
Senior pitcher Roman Mitchell echoes this sentiment, describing baseball as an escape from life’s stresses and a chance to give back to the community that raised them.
Freshman pitcher Ayden Radosta adds that the close‑knit relationships within the locker room have been the backbone of their recent surge.
The upcoming championship will pit Pearl River Central against Saltillo, the defending 5A State Champions, in a showdown that promises both rivalry and respect.
A victory would not only validate years of hard work but also serve as a rallying point for the town, reinforcing the notion that collective effort can overcome any obstacle.