NATCHEZ — If there is a big game to be had for Cathedral High School this season, there is little doubt who will take the mound for the Green Wave.

In perhaps Cathedral’s biggest four games this season — two against Simpson Academy and two more against Columbia Academy — senior Sam Parker has gotten the nod.

Parker has led the Green Wave to a 3-1 mark in the four contests, and has proven to be an integral part in landing Cathedral atop the distring standings, alongside Simpson Academy.

“He’s going to compete, that’s his No. 1 goal,” Cathedral coach Craig Beesley said. “He’s going to stay in the strike zone. As long as he does that, and we play the defense we’re capable of, then we’ll be in the game.”

Parker, an East Central community College signee, had to wait in the wings a season ago behind former Green Wave star and current Hinds Community College standout Quinton Logan, and this year Parker has more than risen to the occasion as Cathedral’s No. 1 pitcher.

“I knew I had some really big shoes to fill when he left,” Parker said. “I feel like I’ve done a good job. (The coaches) always would tell Quinton, ‘You do you.’ So I just think, ‘You do you.’”

In addition to his strong talents on the mound, Beesley said the power pitcher has provided a mature presence in the dugout.

“He’s been a team leader ever since he was in the 10th grade,” Beesley said. “It’s very rare to see a young kid grow up that quickly. He’s really matured a lot in high school, but he’s always been that person that everyone could turn to.”

Parker and the Green Wave are attempting to accomplish a rare feat this season, seeking back-to-back state championships in different leagues. Cathedral is coming off an MHSAA Class 1A state championship in 2015, and have since transitioned to MAIS play, and Parker said there is a notable difference between leagues.

“Teams are just more fundamental and more well-rounded,” Parker said. “A lot of guys in MHSAA play as many as sports they can, but MAIS is kind of pick one sport and play that.”

The right-handed hurler is just one of a slew of seniors that have played together since they were 8 years old, Parker said, when they won a youth state baseball championship together.

“It’s a fantastic group of guys,” Parker said. “It’s always been pretty much everybody in the same positions, the same lineup since forever.”

Yet for Parker and his Green Wave teammates, it all comes down to the ultimate pursuit of a state title as the MAIS playoffs begin the first week of May.

“I love this program,” Parker said. “I love everything Coach Craig and all these guys have been doing for me over the last four years. I just hope I can give our fans and this town something to be proud of.”