The Clarion Ledger has unveiled its 2026 large‑class all‑state baseball teams, recognizing the top performers from Mississippi high schools in Classes 5A‑7A and MAIS Class 4A. The announcement follows the conclusion of the MHSAA championships at Trustmark Park in Pearl on May 23, where the state’s elite converged to crown champions.
Mound mastery
A handful of pitchers turned in seasons that will be remembered for years. Reid Garrett of Caledonia posted a 1.64 ERA, struck out 81 batters in 64 innings and finished 7‑1 while also contributing eight home runs and 28 RBIs at the plate. Bradyn Havard from George County was equally imposing, going 10‑1 with a 1.30 ERA and 134 strikeouts over 75.1 innings. Jackson Meehan of Northwest Rankin combined a 2.87 ERA and a 6‑2 record with a .347 batting average and 22 RBIs, underscoring a rare two‑way impact.
The depth of talent extended beyond the headline names. Nelson Barthel of Northwest Rankin, though better known for his bat, still contributed a .400 average and 29 RBIs, while Cayden Prestage from Magnolia Heights added a 6‑2 record, a 2.67 ERA and 71 strikeouts to his .435 average. Brody Wilson of Tupelo rounded out the rotation with a 2.33 ERA and 63 strikeouts, illustrating the breadth of pitching excellence across the classifications.
Offensive firepower
At the plate, several seniors posted numbers that rivaled their pitching counterparts. Drew Davis of Sumrall led the way with a .521 average, 50 hits, 48 RBIs and 11 home runs, guiding his team to an MHSAA 5A title. Christian Doty of Magnolia Heights posted a .492 average, 71 runs scored and six home runs, helping the Chiefs capture the MAIS 4A‑DI crown. Cole Prosek, also from Magnolia Heights, earned Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year honors with a .585 average, 76 hits and 54 RBIs, while Justin Word of Jackson Academy combined a .504 average with 29 RBIs and eight homers.
The offensive surge was not limited to the seniors. Junior Trey Barnes of Petal hit .380 with 27 RBIs and six homers, contributing to Petal’s MHSAA 7A championship, while Deuce Jenkins of Jackson Academy posted a .500 average, 63 RBIs and 11 home runs. Eric EJ Booth Jr. of Oak Grove added a .481 average, a .922 slugging percentage and 23 stolen bases, rounding out a season rich in individual milestones.
Beyond statistics, the all‑state selections reflect a pipeline that feeds directly into prominent collegiate programs. Many of the honorees have already committed to institutions such as Liberty University, Southern Miss, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, the University of Florida and the University of North Alabama, signaling the next chapter of their careers.
The 2026 season will be remembered not only for the championships celebrated at Trustmark Park but also for the way these young athletes elevated the sport across Mississippi. Their performances set a high bar for future generations and reinforced the Clarion Ledger’s role in chronicling the state’s rich baseball heritage.