The 2026 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement abounds throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Alabama.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in the Jacksonville/Oxford/Montgomery area at the AISA or AHSAA state championships, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Alabama. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews and by continuing our scheduled podcasts and releasing our preseason top-10 rankings in each AHSAA classification.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state.

Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week, updating the top-10 ranks in each AHSAA classification, as well updating our Power 25 overall rankings. One thing, especially, you don’t want to miss are our scheduled podcasts with guests from across the state, as well as the recaps and previews of the big games we’re covering.

*Please note the information has been gathered from head coaches across the state, based on their replies to the questionnaire we distributed over this offseason.

High School: Brooks Lions
Head Coach: Trent Williams
Classification & Area Number: Class 4A, Area 14
2025 Record (Finish): 10-18 (No Postseason)

 

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• OF/RHP Conner Abston (2026)
• C/RHP Charlie Buttram (2026)
• INF/RHP Gunner Johnson (2027)
• INF/RHP Andrew Edwards (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• UTL Carter Richardson (2028)
• UTL Easton Moody (2029)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Brooks enters the 2026 season looking to take a step forward after a 10-18 finish in 2025 that did not result in a postseason berth. While last spring proved challenging in a competitive Class 4A Area 14, the Lions return a young core that gained valuable varsity experience and now looks to translate that growth into improved results. With pitching depth, athleticism, and team chemistry highlighted as strengths, Brooks heads into 2026 focused on competing more consistently throughout the season.

The Lions are led by a group of returning upperclassmen who are expected to play major roles on both sides of the ball. OF/RHP Conner Abston (2026) returns as a key piece, bringing speed, a strong feel for the barrel at the plate, and strike-throwing ability on the mound while serving as a leader within the lineup. Behind the plate, C/RHP Charlie Buttram (2026) provides experience and competitiveness, factoring into both the catching duties and the pitching staff. The junior class adds additional upside with INF/RHP Gunner Johnson (2027), who returns as a two-way contributor capable of impacting the game at the plate and on the mound, and INF/RHP Andrew Edwards (2027), who brings versatility and an ability to get on base. Underclass depth also factors into Brooks’ 2026 outlook. UTL Carter Richardson (2028) returns as a versatile option who can contribute across multiple positions, while UTL Easton Moody (2029) adds another developing piece to the roster as the Lions continue to build toward the future.

Pitching depth, athleticism, and team chemistry define Brooks’ identity entering the season. With multiple players capable of contributing innings and a roster that has spent time developing together, the Lions expect to be more competitive as roles solidify. As head coach Trent Williams noted, “We have a great group of young men and some really good baseball players who are hungry to win. We look forward to putting it all together and competing at a high level.” With returning contributors and continued development, Brooks enters the 2026 season aiming to turn experience into progress in Class 4A.

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Find more information on the 2026 Brooks program below:

+ Follow them on X or Facebook: @BrooksHighLions | Brooks High School Baseball
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Alabama, 2026 HS Team Previews

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FOLLOW PREP BASEBALL ALABAMA THROUGHOUT THE SPRING

+ Prep Baseball Alabama on X
+ Prep Baseball Alabama on Instagram
+ Prep Baseball Alabama on Facebook

 

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