By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

GULFPORT — After reaching the Class 6A state championship series last season, Gulfport is looking for a return to the finals in the first-ever Class 7A title affair in May.
And the play from senior standout Nico Williams will go a long way in determining whether or not the Admirals do so.
The 6-foot-5, 205 pound versatile, multi-sport stalwart has been impressive on both the mound and at the plate for Gulfport so far this season. The Southeastern Louisiana University signee also patrols centerfield when he’s not pitching.
Williams and his Admirals stand 3-0 in Region 4-7A play after sweeping D’Iberville last week. Gulfport begins a three game league series with longtime arch-rival Biloxi on the road Tuesday night.

So far this year, mid-way through the current campaign Williams is a prefect 4-0 on the hill as the ace of the staff with a 1.05 era and 37 strike outs.
“This year on the mound, Nico has been extremely impressive in his starts so far.” veteran Gulfport head coach Jamie McMahon said Monday afternoon after practice. “He helps us so much by setting a tone on the mound.”
When it’s the Admirals’ turn to bat, Williams has a .314 batting average with two home runs and 11 RBIS.
“At the plate, he brings a threat every time he comes up,” McMahon added.
Last week against the Warriors, Williams combined on a one-hit shutout in a 9-0 game one win to open region play and he also drove in three runs in the series.

All of this comes fresh off his time on the gridiron, where as the starting quarterback he guided the Admirals to a runner-up spot in Region 4-7A and a berth in the first-ever Class 7A South State Playoffs.
He made the switch to quarterback after starting his prep career as a wide receiver at Gulfport. He has plans on playing both football and baseball at SLU.
“Nico has great potential at quarterback as he’s early in his development at the position,” Lions head coach Frank Scelfo said recently. “We think the sky’s the limit for Nico as his growth as a player continues.”
Before he heads to Hammond however, Williams looks to help sail the Admirals on a deep journey into the state playoffs just like last season.
“Over the past few years, Nico has got so much better each year,” McMahon concluded. “It’s been awesome to watch him grow. He is a great kid and seeing him have some success is great.”