Christopher Rayborn found himself in a number of pressure situations as a sophomore pitcher for the Adams County Christian School baseball team this past season.

So having to throw 10 pitches in a tryout for the State Games of Mississippi last weekend was nothing new.

The State Games are being held in Meridian over the next two weeks.

&uot;I was a little nervous, but I was on,&uot; Rayborn said. &uot;I was throwing hard and everything was working. We had to throw four fastballs and I threw them as hard as I could. The thing about it was that I didn’t have to pace myself like in a game.&uot;

Rayborn saw a lot of action in the playoffs, as the Rebels advanced to the MPSA&160;AAAA&160;semifinals before falling to Pillow in a three-game series.

&uot;As a sophomore I pitched in some big games,&uot; he said. &uot;I think that helped a lot. At the beginning of the year I was wondering if I could shut some of those teams we played down.&160;At the end I knew I could do it. The first game of the year against Central Private really helped my confidence because they were the No. 1 team in the state and only beat us by one run.&uot;

Rayborn was selected for the District 7 team, which is being coached by Brookhaven baseball coach Randy Spring.

Cole Zumbro of Franklin County was the only other local baseball player to make the team.

The squads are made up of returning high school juniors and seniors.

District 7 will face District 6, a Jackson-based team Thursday at 7 p.m.

Today, District 7 will hold practice at 11 a.m. The players will attend a pro/college scouting camp at 4 p.m. today

Rayborn, who reported Tuesday, is one of seven pitchers picked for the team.

&uot;I talked with the coach said we will be playing doubleheaders, so I don’t know if I will be starting or pitching in relief,&uot; Rayborn said. &uot;He also told me I may play a little infield.&uot;

Rayborn said competing at the State Games will give him a lot of exposure.

&uot;There is going to be a lot of scouts and college coaches there,&uot; he said. &uot;If I go out and do good, I can really help myself.&uot;

ACCS&160;will be coached by former Natchez High baseball coach Gill Morris next year.

&uot;Coach Morris has really helped my pitching a lot already,&uot; Rayborn said. &uot;He knows a lot about the game. I think we’re going to have another great year next year.&uot;