Five WC baseball players signed collegiate scholarships

Five Warren Central High School baseball players signed collegiate scholarships on Wednesday. Conner Watkins, Cade Fairley, Brooks Willoughby, Ryan Nelson, and Cole Autrey will all be playing on the next level after wrapping up a successful season last week.

All five athletes played under Head Coach Randy Broome who led the Vikings to a 6A Championship appearance.

Ryan Nelson:

Ryan Nelson made a true name for himself in 2024 as he reached a base in every single game. He capped off his senior year with 27 hits and 11 RBIs while also earning a .922 fielding percentage. Nelson chose to sign with East Central CC.

“They were the first ones to offer me and I feel that I have a good chance to play there and they have a great coaching staff,” Nelson said. “I’m excited, it’s a dream that I had since I was a kid to play college ball and I’m blessed to have this opportunity.”

One of Nelson’s best performances was in the playoffs against Saltillo when he went 2 for 3 with three RBIs. 

Ryan is the son of Omar and Melanie Nelson and he will be majoring in Political Science. 

Brooks Willoughby:

Star pitcher Brooks Willoughby made everything official as he signed with the University of Southern Mississippi. 

“I prayed a lot about it and I knew I wanted to play in Mississippi and it’s a great school and my sisters went there,” Willoughby said. 

Scared by injuries in both his junior and senior years, Willoughby fought through the pain and found a way to win. In his final high school game, he threw 11 strikeouts in the 3-2 loss.

Over the years, Willoughby’s name has earned nothing but respect, especially after throwing a no-hitter at North State to send WC to the championship. He wrapped up 2024 with 87 strikeouts 

Brooks is the son of David and Stacey Willoughby and he will major in business administration.

Cole Autrey:

After transferring to WC for his senior year, Autrey made an impact on the 2024 season. He chose to sign with Mississippi Gulf Coast CC. 

“I love the school and coaching staff out there,” Autrey said.”I’m super excited to continue my career and start a new grind.”

Autrey wrapped up his final season with 19 hits and 19 RBIs. Later in the season, Autrey proved he could play with elites, especially after hitting a home run against Saltillo that gave WC the 1-0 win that advanced them to North State.

Although that game was special, Autrey recalls that his best performance was as a junior at St. Aloysius when he hit two home runs and six RBIs against Central Hinds.

Cole is the son of Loyd and Lee Autrey.

Conner Watkins:

When the name “Conner Watkins” appears, nearly every batter could plan on returning to the dugout upset after striking out. Watkins chose to take his talents to Co-Lin CC. where he plans to continue his success.

“I chose a spot that I felt was best for me,” Watkins said. “I had multiple offers but after my visit and the support I had from my dad and teammates I knew I chose the right place.”

Watkins mentioned that playing at Trustmark Park was one of his fondest memories as a Viking. His true athleticism was shown before the championship series with many dominating performances such as when he struck out nine batters against Ridgeland and turned around two days later to go 3 for 4 at the plate.

Watkins finished the year with 30 hits and 24 RBIs while also striking out 73 batters.

Conner is the son of Curt Watkins.

Cade Fairley:

Cade Fairley had a swing of gold that came in clutch on my occasions for WC. He chose to play on the next level at Hinds CC.

“The coaches are really focused on getting their players to the next level and I can’t wait to play for them,” Fairley said.

Fairley made big things happen all season with his hitting ability especially at North State when he went 2 for 4 with a double and a single. He ended the year with 26 hits and 30 RBIs as well as smashing two home runs. 

Although the wins and recognition were special, Fairley mentioned that he loved the bus ride home with his teammates the most.

Cade is the son of Josh and Katie Fairley.