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: Northside Methodist Academy Knights
Head Coach: Hunter Falls
Classification & Area Number: Class 3A, Area 2
2025 Record (Finish): 0-20 (No Postseason)

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• SS/RHP Eli Smith (2026)
• C Chase Collins (2026)
• OF/RHP Isaac Hancock (2026)
• UTL Isaac Sullivan (2026)
• OF Brody Black (2027)
• INF Briggs Mendheim (2027)
• UTL/RHP Johnny Townsend (2026)

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OTHER UPPERCLASS FOLLOWS

• 1B/RHP Collins Martin (2027)
• INF/RHP Jeremy Jeffcoat (2027)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Northside Methodist Academy enters the 2026 season focused on growth and development after a 2025 campaign that provided valuable experience across the roster. With a large group of returning players and first-year head coach Hunter Falls taking over the program, the Knights are looking to build on what they learned a year ago and take positive steps forward in Class 3A, Area 2. The emphasis this spring will be on playing cleaner, more consistent baseball and establishing an identity rooted in effort, confidence, and execution.

The strength of this year’s club lies in a deep group of upperclassmen who have logged meaningful varsity innings. SS/RHP Eli Smith (2026) returns as a key piece up the middle and on the mound, while C Chase Collins (2026) provides stability behind the plate. OF/RHP Isaac Hancock (2026) adds a two-way presence, and UTL Isaac Sullivan (2026) gives the Knights versatility across the field. OF Brody Black (2027) and INF Briggs Mendheim (2027) bring additional athleticism and depth, while UTL/RHP Johnny Townsend (2026) offers another reliable option in multiple roles. The supporting cast includes 1B/RHP Collins Martin (2027) and INF/RHP Jeremy Jeffcoat (2027), giving Northside Methodist more options and competition throughout the lineup and pitching staff as they look to improve their overall consistency on both sides of the ball.

Looking ahead, the focus for the Knights is on continuing to develop a confident, disciplined brand of baseball built around defense, execution, and steady pitching. With an experienced group of returners and an emphasis on fundamentals, this team aims to be more competitive throughout the season and take measurable steps forward. As Falls put it, “Building a new culture built on effort, confidence and playing the game the right way. Working to get back to the basics and win with strong defense, strategic pitching and timely hitting. Will have success by leaning on the upperclassmen in 2026.”

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Find more information below:

+ 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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