Smith and Loper named VDN’s Co-Baseball Players of the Year

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Carson Smith and Hayes Loper shared a defining trait in 2025 — the ability to consistently deliver at the plate. The two standouts have been named VDN’s Co-Baseball Players of the Year after leading their respective teams to district championships this season.

Carson Smith:

Smith capped off his senior year at St. Aloysius as the county leader in hits, tallying 39 while batting .386. His efforts helped guide the Flashes to a breakthrough year, including a district title and a 17-14 record under head coach Jay Harper.

“We accomplished a lot this year, especially more than we did in the past, so I’m very content with it,” Smith said.

One of Smith’s most memorable performances came in a late-season showdown against Cathedral. He hit a game-tying double and finished with four RBIs and two hits, helping St. Al clinch its first district title since joining the MAIS.

“Coach Harper is great. He’s not only a mentor and good coach, but you can ask him for anything whenever you need him. He’s a good guy,” Smith added.

Smith also emphasized his role as a leader for younger teammates. His best individual performance came during his junior year, when he went 4-for-4 with four RBIs, a triple and two doubles against Madison St. Joe.

Now retiring from baseball, Smith plans to study business at the University of Mississippi. He is the son of Carl and Stacey Smith.

“It’s a great honor,” he said of the award. “I’m excited to be a part of history.”

Hayes Loper:

Loper, a senior at Warren Central, helped the Vikings capture their third consecutive district championship and return to the North State playoffs. He finished the season with 38 hits, 10 doubles, .392 batting average, 4 triples and 18 RBIs, improving on his junior year totals of 24 hits and 20 RBIs.

“This year went pretty well — especially getting back to North State,” Loper said. “Even though we wanted to win state, it still wasn’t a bad year.”

Against Center Hill, Loper had his best performance of of his career where went 3 for 4 with two doubles.

Loper credited his success to year-round training and the support of teammates.

“Having the right people around you definitely played a role,” he said. “Having someone there when you needed to be picked up made a difference.”

Despite the strong senior campaign, Loper’s favorite memory remains playing in last year’s state championship.

“Most people don’t get the chance to experience that,” he said. “It was surreal.”

Loper began playing baseball at age four, introduced to the sport by his parents. He went on to compete in recreational and tournament ball before joining Warren Central’s program under head coach Randy Broome.

“It was great on and off the field with Coach Broome,” Loper said. “Whatever you need, you can always talk to him. Just because you’re not a starter, he’s not going to treat you any different.”

This marks Loper’s first time receiving the Co-Player of the Year award.

“It’s a big deal to me,” he said. “I wanted to be the best player in the county, so achieving that goal makes everything pay off.”

Loper is the son of Tony and Holly Loper and plans to sign an athletic scholarship to continue playing baseball at the next level.