RAYMOND – Hinds Community College baseball coach Sam Temple and his staff are overhauling the Eagles’ roster.

Following the conclusion of Temple’s first season as Eagles coach, the former Warren Central mentor has announced an intial 14-player signing class for the 2007 season.

In order to make room for the large incoming class, eight freshmen off this season’s 13-26 club have opted not to return. The Eagles were set to lose four sophomores and two more players, Drew Carlisle and Marc Basye, died in March in an automobile accident on I-20 near Bovina.

&#8220This is my first recruiting class and we’ve shown the ability to address our needs for the future of this program,” Temple said. &#8220Our recruiting has revolved around pitching, not only to upgrade the quality but its depth.”

Eight players, including four starters, will be returning next season. They include All-State selections Corey Stevens of Clinton and Andrew Parrish out of New Orleans. Stevens, a shortstop, led the Eagles in batting with a .372 average and was named first team All-MACJC. Parrish hit .340 and was a second-team all-state pick.

Other players coming back include starters Jess Shelby and Reed Prewitt. Pitchers Matt Jordan, Jack Craven and William Sprowles will also return.

Two former Warren Central players, Zach Balthrop and Mark Different, are two of the eight who won’t be back. Balthrop is enrolling at Southern Miss and will concentrate on school.

&#8220The decision of the group of kids who are not coming back was mutual, and I’m glad that it worked out for them.”

As for the incoming class, it’s stacked with talent.

Warren Central standouts Nick Carson, Eric Douglas and Josh Gordon signed early with the Eagles. Vicksburg High pitcher/outfielder Steven Price was a spring signee.

Carson went 6-1 with a 1.38 ERA in 55 2/3 innings of work. At the plate, Carson scored 42 runs and had 39 hits, with six home runs.

Douglas, a pitcher and third baseman, batted .430. Gordon, a pitcher and shortstop, hit .413 with seven home runs and 33 RBIs.

Price was the Gators’ ace, leading them to the Class 5A quarterfinals. He was 7-1 with a 1.71 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 45 innings. At the plate, he hit .517 with 27 RBIs.

&#8220We were absolutely looking for kids who could pitch and play in the field. And all of these kids have thrown quality innings,” Temple said.

Temple has added to his Warren County total by also signing Viking second baseman Jonathan Ettinger and pitcher Parker White of Warren Central.

&#8220(Ettinger’s) committed to us and we really like his style of play and we needed a second baseman,” Temple said. &#8220Parker White is coming back from Tommy John surgery and didn’t pitch much this year, but he had a very good junior season.”

Temple has also signed five players from Northwest Rankin, Clinton High pitcher Matt Quick, all-state infielder Neil Barlow and David Mooney from Jackson Academy.

Temple says his recruiting focus will now head out of state.

&#8220We’re allowed four out of state signees and we’ve drawn interest from players in Louisiana, Arkansas, Florida and Texas,” Temple said. &#8220The Houston area is one we’re really hitting hard.”