Nico Soul emerges as leader for Marvin Ridge baseball

Marvin Ridge senior outfielder Nico Soul had a feeling he would help his team beat higher-seeded Hough on the road Friday to advance the Mavs to the third round of the NCHSAA 4A baseball playoffs.

Soul sent a game-changing home run over the right center-field fence, stole a base, scored twice and made several putouts defensively in the Mavs’ 9-3 win.

“As of late he’s been seeing the ball really well, and he’s always really active on the base paths,” said Marvin Ridge coach Trey Putnam. “He’s one of the leaders on our team. He keeps guys focused and keeps guys engaged and does a good job of both.”

Soul has been in the middle of most everything the Mavs have done of late and his coach thinks those traits will serve him well as a college player.

“He’s very cerebral on the field. He understands what’s going on around him and he can process it very quickly.” Putnam said.”I think he’s very versatile. He’s got great speed and could hit at the top of a lineup, but he has some power, too. He’s a good player.”

Soul had committed to Georgia Tech, but after two of three coaches who recruited him left for other schools, he has reopened his search for a college home.

As of now Michigan, Louisville, UNC Wilmington and Liberty are his top four choices, but he’s not rushing into a decision.

These next couple of weeks are all about Soul and his teammates.

“I do want to see what’s out there for me and find a home (in college),” Soul said. “I think we have a chance. We just need to keep doing what we’re doing and hopefully we’ll make it to the state championship. Our pitchers will be good, me and my teammates just need to have their backs.”