STARKVILLE — When Jody Britt took over the Starkville Academy baseball program two years ago, he knew a talented junior class would help the Volunteers turn the corner.

After a season together, a talented senior class is ready to carry Starkville Academy to an elite level in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools. At the same time, these Volunteers are preparing for the next level.

As part of that process, Billy McGee signed a scholarship offer Wednesday to play baseball at Meridian Community College. The signing came a week after teammate Harper Arnold signed with Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C.

“When I got here, we had maybe one or two that had played high school,” Britt said. “Now you go two years later and have two people signing scholarships, and next year hopefully a whole lot more. That shows how they have improved their maturity and how their baseball knowledge has gone way up.”

Historically, Meridian has boasted one of the state’s premier programs.

“I really liked the coaches,” McGee said. “The facilities are nice. In my opinion, they are one of the best JUCO teams in the state, so that played a big part in my decision. I just really liked the school.

“This is something I have always wanted to do. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute at Meridian.”

McGee will follow the lead of Arnold and be used primarily as a pitcher on the next level.

“We look for him when he gets there to be in the mid-80s,” Britt said. “He has really learned how to pitch and how to get people out with other pitches. Already he has two good breaking balls and has developed a changeup. What we are working on now is limiting pitches and getting outs early.”

McGee also expects to catch some with the Eagles. His versatility will be crucial for an experienced Volunteers’ team.

“I am working on learn how to pitch and how to face batters,” McGee said. “That is the biggest thing learning how to go up there with the mind-set of a hitter so you know how to approach them. I am always working to get a little more velocity, but command is the big thing.

“They are going to use me as a pitcher but are going to me an opportunity as catcher, too, so I am excited about that.”

Once last season ended, Britt said he saw a renewed work ethic from McGee. The offseason buy-in has placed the team in a much better place entering this season. The hard work and team togetherness also has netted two scholarship offers.

“Billy is a hard worker,” Britt said. “He grew up on a farm, so he knows what hard work is. You don’t have to worry about him being late. Most of the time he is there early. He is a smart kid and he puts baseball first.”

Follow Dispatch sportswriter Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott

Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.