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2026 Pell City Panthers Team Preview

January 26, 2026
Austin Sharp
Alabama Scouting Director

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: Pell City Panthers
Head Coach: Andrew Tarver
Classification & Area Number: Class 6A, Area 11
2025 Record (Finish): 21-15 (Elite 8)

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

OF/LHP Karter Perry (6/17/25)

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

OF/LHP Mac Nunnally (5/19/24)

OTHER UPPERCLASS FOLLOWS

TEAM OUTLOOK

Pell City enters the 2026 season coming off a strong 21-15 campaign in 2025 that resulted in an Elite 8 appearance, reinforcing the Panthers’ ability to compete deep into the postseason in Class 6A Area 11. With eight starters returning and a senior-led roster, Pell City brings back both experience and continuity as it sets its sights on another playoff run this spring.

The Panthers return a deep group of position players who provide balance throughout the lineup. OF/LHP Karter Perry (Calhoun CC, 2026) returns as a key two-way piece and middle-of-the-order presence, while OF Austin Daniel (2026) brings experience and stability in the outfield. The infield is anchored by UTL Jacob Burgos (Gadsden State CC, 2026) and INF Baylor Fields (Coastal Alabama-North CC, 2026), both of whom provide veteran leadership and versatility. INF JorDon Perry (2026) and INF Cason Smith (2027) add further depth on the dirt, giving Pell City multiple reliable options across the infield. Behind the plate, C Channing Beavers (2027) returns to handle catching duties, while the outfield features additional athleticism from OF/LHP Parker Rice (2027), who also factors into the pitching staff. On the mound, Pell City brings back several experienced arms, led by RHP Thomas Bolton (2026) alongside OF/LHP Karter Perry (Calhoun CC, 2026) and OF/LHP Parker Rice (2027). Additional depth comes from OF/LHP Mac Nunnally (2028), LHP Cohen Hovey (2028) and RHP Drew Stinnett (2028), giving the Panthers multiple options to match up throughout the season.

Competitiveness and resilience define Pell City’s identity entering 2026. With a core group that has battled through adversity and gained postseason experience, the Panthers expect to be tested again in a challenging area. As head coach Andrew Tarver noted, “We are a senior-led team with high expectations. I think they are ready for the battles ahead.” With returning starters, experienced pitching, and a proven competitive mindset, Pell City enters the 2026 season positioned to contend once again in Class 6A.

Find more information on the 2026 Pell City High School program below:

+ Visit the Prep Baseball Alabama, 2026 HS Team Previews

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