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: St. John Paul II Catholic Falcons
Head Coach: Tyson Ward
Classification & Area Number: Class 4A, Area 16
2025 Record (Finish): 6-18 (No Postseason)

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• LHP/1B Mark Andrzejewski (2026)
• RHP/UTL Joey Ross (2026)
• RHP/UTL Jack Smotrys (2028)
• C Parker Wilson (2029)
• RHP/INF Lucas Kelly (2026)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• RHP/UTL Max Basila (2029)
• INF Hartwell Eleazer (2029)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

St. John Paul II Catholic enters the 2026 season looking to take a step forward after a 6-18 finish in 2025 that did not result in a postseason appearance. With Tyson Ward taking over as first-year head coach, the Falcons head into the spring focused on growth, development, and building consistency within Class 4A Area 16. Experience returning across the roster, particularly on the mound, provides a foundation as the program works toward improved results.

The Falcons return several upperclass contributors expected to play key roles. LHP/1B Mark Andrzejewski (2026) returns as a primary option both on the mound and at first base, while RHP/UTL Joey Ross (2026) and RHP/INF Lucas Kelly (2026) add senior experience and versatility across the diamond. RHP/UTL Jack Smotrys (2028) returns as another arm who factors into the pitching staff and lineup, and C Parker Wilson (2029) brings back experience behind the plate after gaining varsity time as an underclassman. Younger contributors continue to add depth as the season progresses. RHP/UTL Max Basila (2029) and INF Hartwell Eleazer (2029) return as underclass options who can fill multiple roles while gaining valuable varsity experience.

Experience and pitching stand out as St. John Paul II Catholic’s primary strengths entering the 2026 season. With multiple arms returning and several players capable of contributing in different roles, the Falcons look to build continuity throughout the spring. As they turn the page to 2026, the focus remains on development and translating returning experience into improved results in Class 4A Area 16.

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Find more information on the 2026 St. John Paul II Catholic program below:

+ Follow them on X: @JPIIFalconsBSBL
+ 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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