A season defined by excellence
The Jackson Sun has released its 2026 All-West Tennessee baseball teams, a who’s‑who of the region’s most impactful players and coaches. The announcement celebrates not only individual brilliance but also the collective rise of programs that have turned the 2026 campaign into a showcase of talent and teamwork.
Carter Winders of Crockett County emerged as the centerpiece of the list, earning Player of the Year honors after a season that blended dominance on the mound with a bat that refused to cool down. His 10‑0 record, 1.04 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 67.1 innings placed him among the most feared pitchers in the state, while his .489 average, 12 home runs and 74 RBIs underscored a rare two‑way prowess.
James Carter from Milan, a key arm for the Class 2A state‑champion Bulldogs, posted a 13‑2 record with a 0.82 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 85.2 innings, forming a potent pitching duo with Will Johnson, who finished 9‑2 with a 1.65 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 76.1 innings. Their combined efforts helped Milan dominate the competition and secure the state title.
Easton Sullivan of Greenfield was crowned Class 1A Mr. Baseball after hitting .634 with six home runs and 50 RBIs, a performance that highlighted his ability to drive runs at will. Teammate Will Edwards matched the offensive output with a .457 average, 45 RBIs and a 10‑2 record on the mound, complemented by a 1.31 ERA and 124 strikeouts.
Braydin Jones from USJ, an Ole Miss commit, earned Division II‑A Mr. Baseball honors by batting .406 while going 8‑1 on the mound with a 1.40 ERA and 97 strikeouts. His dual-threat skill set made him one of the most coveted prospects in the region.
Kohen McWherter of Westview was named District 14‑AA MVP after batting .404 and posting an 8‑3 record with a 2.08 ERA, while Lane Estes from Chester County reached the Class 2A Mr. Baseball final with a .570 average, four home runs and 38 RBIs.
Mason Beers from Scotts Hill played a pivotal role in guiding the Lions to the Class 2A state tournament, posting a .357 batting average and a 7‑2 record on the mound. Meanwhile, Nash Kilburn and Brady Fronabarger from Crockett County contributed to a Cavaliers lineup that outscored opponents 41‑28 over six games in the Class 3A state tournament.
Brad Smith of Crockett County was selected Coach of the Year after steering his team to a 40‑4 record and a state championship. His strategic acumen was evident in the Cavaliers’ explosive offense, which combined power, speed and disciplined hitting to overwhelm rivals throughout the tournament.
The recognition extends beyond individual accolades, reflecting the growing talent pipeline that feeds into collegiate programs. Several of the highlighted players have already committed to schools such as MTSU and Ole Miss, signaling that the next chapter of their careers will be watched closely by scouts and fans alike.