MCC Baseball Celebrates Two Next-Level Signings

MERIDIAN, Miss. – Meridian Community College Baseball celebrated a milestone day on Scaggs Field as two standout sophomores—pitcher Vaiden "Moose" Ellis and catcher Harlin Hovater—officially signed to continue their baseball and academic careers at four-year universities.

Ellis, a right-handed pitcher entering his sophomore season with the Eagles, inked with Louisiana Tech University, where he will join the Bulldogs next fall. He shared that the decision came down to the people and the place.

"I loved the coaching staff and the players at LA Tech," Ellis said. "The whole community just felt right to me, and I knew it was the best place for my future."

An academic standout as well, Ellis will pursue a degree in chemical engineering upon transferring. Last season, he logged 33.2 innings, struck out 31 batters, and finished with a 3–3 record as a freshman.

Hovater, a dependable presence behind the plate for MCC, signed with Mississippi State University, fulfilling a dream he has carried for years.

"I've been a Bulldogs fan my whole life," Hovater said. "When I visited campus, it just felt like home. I loved the coaches, the facilities, and the atmosphere around the program."

He will continue working toward his business degree when he arrives in Starkville next fall. In his freshman season with the Eagles, Hovater recorded 53 hits, a .353 batting average, 35 RBI, and 4 home runs, anchoring the lineup and the defense.

Head coach Dillon Sudduth expressed pride in both players and their opportunity to advance.

"As a coach, your goal is to prepare these guys for the four-year level and for life after baseball," Sudduth said. "Vaiden and Harlin have both been tremendous leaders for us, and they're going to be strong anchors for this year's team. We couldn't be more excited for their futures."

Family, teammates, and coaches gathered on Scaggs Field for a special signing ceremony to celebrate the pair's achievements and support the next step in their journeys.

Ellis and Hovater will complete their sophomore seasons this spring before moving on to Louisiana Tech and Mississippi State. The Eagles will start the 2026 season in late January as they prepare for another competitive year in the MACCC.