Ripley High School senior Paxton Kennamore signs Itawamba baseball papers, committing to continue his academic and athletic career with the Itawamba Community College Indians. The school announced the signing on its Facebook page Friday, Nov. 13, saying Kennamore made it official at Ripley High the day before.
The post celebrated the move with the line “From Tiger to Indian” and called the signing a milestone that reflects years of hard work and commitment to the game. Photos shared by the school showed Kennamore with family members at the ceremony.
Kennamore Signs Itawamba Baseball Deal After Standout Tiger Career
Kennamore has been a familiar name in Ripley athletics across more than one sport. On the diamond, he was part of a strong Tiger lineup last spring. In a 17-0 shutout of East Union on Feb. 28, 2026, he had three hits, drove in the game’s first run with a sacrifice fly, added an RBI double and an RBI single, and led the Ripley defense with nine plays in the field, according to a recap on Tippah Sports.
He has also been a key piece of Ripley’s football special teams. He served as the Tigers’ punter this fall, and as a junior in 2025 he averaged 41 yards on six punts against Lewisburg, pinning the opponent inside its own 20-yard line three times.
What the Signing Means
Itawamba Community College, based in Fulton with a campus in Tupelo, competes in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC). Junior college baseball gives players a chance to develop, compete at a high level and pursue a degree, and many go on to four-year programs after two seasons.
Ripley High School said it is proud of Kennamore’s accomplishment and is looking forward to following the next chapter of his baseball journey. “Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!” the school wrote.
Athlete: Paxton Kennamore, Ripley High School senior
College: Itawamba Community College (Indians)
Sport: Baseball
Signing: Thursday, Nov. 12, at Ripley High School, per the school’s Nov. 13 post
A Busy Signing Week in Tippah County
Kennamore’s signing comes during the same week another Tippah County senior made her college choice official. Walnut volleyball standout Molly-Kate Rolison signed with Northeast Mississippi Community College on Nov. 13. Before Kennamore heads to Fulton, he still has his senior baseball season with the Tigers ahead this spring.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
