Over the years, Porters Chapel Academy has established a firm presence at the Mississippi Private School Association all-star game. For eight straight years, PCA has had at least one player participate in the game.

This time around, it’s taking a convoy.

Outfielder Chris Mixon and designated hitter Dan Ivey – the only two senior starters from the 2006 Class A championship team – along with coach Randy Wright will represent PCA in Saturday’s game at Trustmark Park in Pearl.

&#8220I think it speaks volumes for the program that we’re able to put kids in the all-star game,” Wright said. &#8220It shows we get a lot of respect statewide, and it’s a tribute to the program more than anything.”

For Wright and Mixon, the all-star experience is nothing new. Mixon played in the MPSA football all-star game in December. Wright is coaching in the game for the third time, and has turned down several other opportunities to do it.

Getting the chance to coach two of his own seniors one last time was too good to pass up, he said.

&#8220We had a great year and I have a strong relationship with the two seniors that made it. I felt like I ought to take the opportunity to coach the team,” said Wright, who also coached in the 2001 and 2003 all-star games. &#8220We hate to see them go. They made major contributions to the athletic programs, and not just baseball. They really accomplished a lot here, and it’s a great way to go out.”

Ivey had all-star credentials, but was still a little surprised when he found out he was picked. In his four-year varsity career, Ivey hit .393, threw 87 innings as a part-time pitcher and won two state championship rings.

He spent most of his time in the DH spot, however, and only sparingly played the field. He was looking forward to the chance to play one last game in a PCA uniform.

&#8220I was excited, especially since Mixon was selected,” Ivey said. &#8220I don’t know what to expect. I never played in one, so I’m just going to enjoy the experience.”

Although Mixon excelled in baseball for the Eagles, his future is in football. He signed to play at Hinds Community College next season and will likely be playing his last baseball game on Saturday.

It will end a two-year career at PCA in which Mixon batted .474, hit 11 home runs and went 72-for-73 on stolen base attempts.