When Stephen Clements became Morgan Academy baseball coach last year, he knew expectations were high.

Clements, The Selma Times-Journal’s baseball coach of the year, was unfazed by the high standards set with the Senators (30-2) having four SEC players in their starting lineup. All Clements did was guide Morgan Academy (30-2) within three outs of winning the school’s first-ever state baseball championship.

“It is an honor to be recognized for having a great year and I’m truly thankful, but the credit goes to my players and the other coaches on the staff- Lee Jones and Lebo Jones,” Clements said. “I’m truly blessed that God called me to Morgan Academy. Morgan Academy has a great environment.”

Clements also thanked Morgan Academy headmaster Mark Knight, Director of Operation Karim Oaks, Athletic Director Josh Thacker and the players’ parents for their roles in the Senators’ historic run.

“I’m thankful for all of the support of the headmaster, director of operations, athletic director and all of the parents in the Morgan Academy family,” Clements said.

Clements said Morgan Academy falling to Pike Liberal Arts in the AISA State Championship series didn’t ruin a great season, which the Senators were ranked No. 1 all season long. He handled the best-of-3 title series setback with class.

“I hated the way the season ended,” Clements said. “Nobody wants to end their season like that. Jesus knows why we lost. One series doesn’t define a season. This is one of the best teams I’ve been around.”

Clements said he enjoyed watching the growth of the Senators’ entire starting lineup: David Ducote, Brayton Brown, Gunnar Henderson, Jeremy Lee, Joseph Estes, Dione Allen, Xavier Green, Matthew Davis and Milem Turner.

“The season was a blast and so much fun to coach,” Clements said. “Everyone took their roles. There were no selfish players on the team. It was so much fun watching the players develop.”