Kurt Lipscomb / Ragland High School

After graduation:  The standout pitcher has accepted a baseball scholarship from Jacksonville State University.  “They have a very good program.  The coaches were all nice, and the atmosphere was different from everywhere else I looked.”  He remains undecided about his major.

His history with baseball:  “I started when I was four or five, whatever age it is for T-ball.  I’ve always played at shortstop when I’m not pitching.”

Coach’s son:  Kurt’s dad is Rodney Lipscomb, the Purple Devils’ head baseball coach.  “That’s been tough at times.  I probably get yelled at more than anybody.”

Senior baseball season:  He was out of the pitching rotation for much of the season while recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery last year.  “There’s a two-year recovery period, and everything’s going good.  I’m on track, but the worst part about it has been gaining weight.”

Signs of recovery:  His fastball, which was clocked at 92 mph last year, is back up to the mid-80s.  He’s also working on “getting my curve ball back in shape.”

Aspirations beyond college baseball:  “I’d love to play pro ball.  That’s always been a dream.”  He names the Phillies as his favorite team but wouldn’t mind being picked up by the Braves.  “They’re close to home.”