When it comes to talking about his star center fielder, Warren Central coach Conner Douglas is pretty direct.

“He’s the best I’ve ever seen out there,” Douglas said.

Turns out that a lot of people around Mississippi felt the same way.

Ragan was selected to the Class 6A All-State first team in voting done by the state’s coaches. Warren Central’s leadoff hitter had a .414 average this season, with 10 doubles and 19 RBIs.

He also stole 20 bases and scored 34 runs.

In two playoff series against Grenada and eventual Class 6A champion Desoto Central, Ragan went 7-for-17 with six RBIs and five runs scored.

Over the past two seasons, Ragan made a total of three errors on nearly 100 chances. He had one this season. Douglas said Ragan’s everyday excellence made him a joy to not only coach, but watch.

“He wasn’t flashy about it. He got in there, he competed and he just got it done. He wasn’t a ‘me’ guy, ‘look at me, look at me,’” Douglas said. “I don’t know how some of these schools have missed on him. He’s a gem. He’s going to go to juco and turn a lot of heads, just like he did the last two weeks of the season. You had 20 scouts here to look at somebody else and they say, ‘Who’s that center fielder?’ Then the next game there were 20 scouts coming to watch him.”

In February, Ragan signed with East Mississippi Community College. He said that’s an opportunity that excites him.

“Not everybody gets a chance to play at the next level, and I take great joy in knowing I have at least two years of playing baseball, doing something I love. I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

Joining Ragan on the Class 6A All-State team is Warren Central teammate Brooks Boolos, a junior shortstop and relief pitcher. Boolos was selected to the All-State second team.

The three-year starter once again excelled in his dual role.

Boolos hit .337 with 18 RBIs and 15 runs scored while also playing solid defense up the middle.

“He’s been a three-year starter for us at arguably the toughest position on the field,” Douglas said. “Luckily, we have what he brings to the table for one more year.”

Late in games, Boolos often moved from shortstop to the mound to serve as the Vikings’ closer. He pitched in 15 games — 13 of them as a reliever — and earned four saves.

“Boolos is a very deserving young man. He spends endless hours working extra on his game, evolving as one of our leaders,” Douglas said. “He’s a very clutch player for us on the mound and at the plate. He has a bright future in baseball.”