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2026 Sparkman Senators Team Preview

January 7, 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: Sparkman Senators
Head Coach: Ben Stevenson
Classification & Area Number: Class 7A, Area 7
2025 Record (Finish): 20-21 (1st Round)

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

LHP/1B Brenner VanDeWynckel (6/17/25)

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

TEAM OUTLOOK

Sparkman enters the 2026 season coming off a 20-21 campaign in 2025 that ended with a first-round playoff loss to Hewitt-Trussville in Class 7A. Despite the early postseason exit, the Senators return a large portion of their core, particularly on the mound, along with several all-area performers and experienced starters. With that foundation in place, Sparkman heads into 2026 focused on taking the next step in a competitive 7A Area 7.

The Senators are led by a strong group of returning upperclassmen who have logged significant varsity experience. LHP/1B Brenner VanDeWynckel (2026) returns as the ace of the pitching staff for the third straight season after earning all-area honors twice and being selected to Team North at the AHSAA All-Star Game. Behind the plate, C Will Peccia (Wabash Valley CC, 2026) brings stability and production after leading the team in batting average at .358 while also earning all-area recognition for the second time. In the infield, 3B/RHP Braxton Williams (2027) returns as a multi-year starter who hit .344 with a .963 OPS and tied for the team lead in doubles, while SS Mark Bundy (2027) earned all-area honors in his first varsity season after hitting .314 and leading the team in triples. On the mound, Sparkman brings back several experienced arms capable of handling major innings. In addition to VanDeWynckel (2026), RHP/OF Tripp Morris (2029) returns after earning all-area honors as an eighth grader, leading the team in strike percentage and finishing second in innings pitched. Morris is expected to continue contributing on the mound while also expanding his role offensively. The Senators also expect added depth from younger arms, including RHP/INF Rowdy Castor (2028) and RHP/INF Isaac Watson (2028), both of whom factor into the pitching mix and can provide relief innings as needed. Positionally, Sparkman welcomes contributions from a group of underclassmen expected to step into larger roles. OF Vincent Randolph (2028) returns as an outfield option projected to cover center field, while C Johnathon Mitch (2028) provides depth behind the plate and is expected to see at-bats throughout the season. The combination of returning starters and developing younger pieces gives Sparkman flexibility as it works through lineup and rotation roles early in the spring.

Pitching depth stands out as a defining strength for the Senators entering 2026, supported by an experienced core and additional arms ready to fill larger roles. As head coach Ben Stevenson noted, “We bring back an experienced team of guys who have put in the work to take the next step. That experience coupled with some new young pieces has us excited about the upcoming season.” With returning arms, experienced position players, and a deeper roster than a year ago, Sparkman enters the 2026 season aiming to turn experience into postseason progress in Class 7A.

Find more information on the 2026 Sparkman High School program below:

+ Follow them on X: @Sparkman_RBI
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Alabama, 2026 HS Team Previews

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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