2026 KY High School Team Previews: Volume II

February 2, 2026
Wil Hannah | Jamie Tessoff
KY Assistant Director | KY Scouting Director

Opening day for the KHSAA baseball season is quickly approaching and our staff has shifted focus to preparing for the spring! We’ve submitted a preseason questionnaire to high school head coaches across the state. Their responses have been flooding in, and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis! Read along for our next handful of team previews.

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Marshall County Marshals

Region 1 | District 4
Head Coach: Devin Belt
Twitter/X: @MarshalsBsbl

The Marshall County Marshals enter the 2026 season positioned as one of the premier programs in the First Region. Coming off a strong postseason run and returning nearly their entire pitching staff, the Marshals bring experience, depth, and expectations into year one under head coach Devin Belt. With a roster built around pitching, defense, and proven middle-of-the-order bats, Marshall County projects as a legitimate district and regional contender.

2025 Recap
Marshall County finished the 2025 season 22–9, advancing to the Regional Semifinals. The Marshals consistently played clean, disciplined baseball throughout the year, leaning heavily on a deep pitching staff and a reliable defense to keep pressure on opponents.

Key Departures
The Marshals graduated a group of contributors including:

Maddox Cope
Kash Chiles
Matthew Henderson
Talan Rose
Alex Staples
Clayton Wyatt

Despite those losses, Marshall County returns nearly two-thirds of its innings and a strong offensive core.

Projected Pitching Staff
Pitching is the clear strength of this roster, with multiple experienced arms capable of filling starting and relief roles:

Thomas Bagsby, SR, LHP/1B (WKU Commit) – District Player of the Year and ace of the staff; projects as one of the top arms in the state.

Hayden Gray, SR, RHP/OF – 2.30 ERA with 40 strikeouts; reliable mid-rotation arm.
Kaden Merrick, JR, RHP/C – 0.69 ERA over 51 IP with 49 Ks; potential breakout candidate.
Kamden Story, JR, LHP/OF – 2.67 ERA; left-handed depth with versatility.
Sully Shadowen, SR, RHP/OF – 2.05 ERA; trusted arm with experience.

With nearly all innings returning, Marshall County boasts one of the deepest and most proven pitching staffs in Region 1.

Projected Starting Lineup
1B: Thomas Bagsby

2B/SS: Hudson Doughty

3B: Ayden Clevidence

C: Kaden Merrick

OF: Kannon Dunn

OF: Hayden Gray

OF: Kamden Story

This lineup returns multiple middle-order bats and athletic defenders capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.

Top Returning Players

Thomas Bagsby, SR, LHP/1B (WKU) – District POY and rotation leader; impact bat and arm.
Kannon Dunn, SR, OF/RHP (Kentucky Wesleyan) – .367 average; athletic outfield presence with offensive production.
Hudson Doughty, JR, 2B/SS – .394 AVG; switch hitter with advanced feel for the barrel.
Kaden Merrick, JR, C/RHP – Sub-1.00 ERA arm with durability and command.
Hayden Gray, SR, OF/RHP – Veteran contributor on both sides of the ball.

Top Newcomers / Underclassmen to Watch

Jesse Kinsall, SO, SS/RHP – Athletic middle-infield option with upside.
Mitchell Reid, JR, LHP/OF – Left-handed arm who could carve out a role.
Easton Lovett, FR, 3B/RHP – Young corner infielder with future potential.
Kenton Merrick, FR, IF/RHP – Developing underclassman to monitor long-term.

Team Strengths
Marshall County’s identity starts with pitching and defense. Returning nearly the entire staff provides consistency and depth, while athletic defenders allow the Marshals to play clean baseball. With multiple experienced bats returning to the middle of the lineup, the offense is positioned to continue trending upward.

Outlook for 2026
With internal expectations set at five, the Marshals enter the season expecting to compete for both district and regional titles. In Coach Belt’s first year at the helm, the combination of experience, depth, and talent gives Marshall County one of the highest ceilings in the First Region—and potentially statewide.

Schedule Notes

Opens the season at PRP Tournament (Louisville)
Spring Break trip to Panama City
Key rivalry matchups vs. McCracken County on March 31 and May 14

Harlan Green Dragons

Region 13 | District 52
Head Coach: Lee Freyer
Twitter/X: @hhsbaseball643

The Harlan Green Dragons enter the 2026 season as a veteran-laden group with momentum and belief after consecutive trips to the regional semifinals. With a roster built around athletic, multi-position players and a pitching staff that returns significant innings, Harlan looks primed to take another step forward in Region 13.

2025 Recap
Harlan finished the 2025 campaign 16–13, once again advancing to the Regional Semifinals. The Green Dragons leaned on speed, versatility, and a steady rotation to remain competitive throughout the year, gaining valuable postseason experience that now fuels expectations heading into 2026.

Key Departure

Jared Moore

Despite the loss, the Dragons return the bulk of their offensive production and pitching depth.

Projected Pitching Staff
Harlan’s pitching staff features several arms capable of handling both starting and relief roles, giving the Dragons flexibility throughout the season:

Baylor Varner, JR, P/IF – Leadoff catalyst and staff leader; logged 49 IP with 84 Ks while impacting the game offensively and on the bases.

Luke Luttrell, SO, P/OF – One of the most reliable arms last season; 46 Ks in 33 IP with swing-and-miss stuff.
Brody Owens, JR, P/C/IF – Versatile contributor who can impact games behind the plate or on the mound.
Eli Freyer, SO, P/IF – Efficient strike-thrower with strong feel for the zone and emerging upside.

Jake Brewer, SO, P/UTL – Athletic depth arm with sub-2.00 ERA potential.

This staff brings strikeout ability, positional flexibility, and postseason experience.

Projected Lineup

IF: Baylor Varner

IF: Eli Freyer

C: Brody Owens

OF: Luke Luttrell

UTL: Jake Brewer

OF: Braxton Bowen

IF/C: Caiden Jackson

Harlan’s lineup is built on contact, speed, and situational awareness rather than pure power, allowing them to pressure defenses consistently.

Top Returning Players

Baylor Varner, JR, P/IF (2026) – .353 AVG, 20 SB, 36 runs scored; sets the tone at the top of the order while leading the pitching staff.
Eli Freyer, SO, P/IF (2027) – .414 AVG with a 1.014 OPS; advanced approach with minimal swing-and-miss and growing impact on the mound.
Brody Owens, JR, P/C/IF (2026) – .337 AVG with elite defensive production behind the plate (.988 FP); reliable two-way contributor.
Luke Luttrell, SO, P/OF (2027) – Middle-order bat with extra-base pop and strong outfield defense.
Jake Brewer, SO, P/UTL (2027) – Speed-driven athlete with 17 stolen bases and mound versatility.

Newcomers / Players to Watch

Caiden Jackson, SO, C/IF (2028) – Stepping into a larger role; development behind the plate will be key.
Grant Shelton – Expected to see increased responsibility this season.
Braxton Bowen, SO, OF/1B (2027) – Transfer with bat-to-ball skills who will compete for everyday reps.
Jaxson Perry, Caiden Jackson, Chris Rouse – Provide additional depth across the diamond.

Team Identity & Strengths
Harlan’s strength lies in chemistry, versatility, and experience. This is a tight-knit group that plays hard for one another and understands how to win in postseason environments. The Dragons can mix and match defensively, run the bases aggressively, and rely on multiple arms to cover innings without overexposure.

Outlook for 2026
With expectations set at five, the Green Dragons enter the season hungry to push past the regional semifinal ceiling. Returning a veteran core with two years of postseason experience gives Harlan a legitimate chance to contend for a district title and make a deeper regional run if pitching consistency holds.

Schedule Highlights

Bell County District Series
Matchups vs. Whitley County
Lakeway Christian Academy (TN)
All “A” Tournament

Martha Layne Collins Titans

Region 8 | District 30
Head Coach: Mike Hammond
Twitter/X: @MLCHSBaseball

The Collins Titans enter the season positioned as one of the more intriguing teams in Region 8, bringing back a battle-tested core with upside on both sides of the ball. After a 20-win season and a trip to the regional tournament a year ago, Collins returns experience, velocity, and positional versatility that gives them a chance to make noise again in a deep region.

2025 Recap
Collins finished 20–16, advancing to the regional tournament before seeing their season come to an end. The Titans leaned heavily on a strong senior class and consistent pitching to stay competitive throughout the spring, setting a solid foundation for the group returning in 2026.

Key Departures

While those losses are notable, Collins returns the bulk of its innings on the mound and several everyday bats.

Projected Pitching Staff
The strength of this Collins team begins on the mound, where they return four of their top six arms and approximately 125 innings from last season:

Preston Miller, JR, RHP – Frontier Community College commit; premium arm with velocity that climbed to 92 mph this fall.

Carter Poole, SR, RHP/LHP – Four-year starter and true Swiss Army knife; mid-to-upper 80s velocity with athleticism to impact games in multiple roles.

Brady Gaither, SR, LHP/OF – Physical growth has led to a velocity jump into the mid-to-upper 80s; breakout potential this spring.
Trey Floden, SR, RHP/SS – Low-to-mid ¾ arm slot with sink and cut in the low-to-mid 80s; polished feel for pitching and pitchability.

This group gives Collins multiple looks, left-right balance, and the ability to match up effectively throughout the season.

Projected Lineup

C: Lukas Cox

INF: Carter Poole

INF: Trey Floden

INF: Max Wise

OF: Brady Gaither

OF: TBD

The Titans return the majority of their everyday starters, with versatility allowing multiple lineup combinations.

Top Returning Players

Preston Miller, JR, RHP – Power arm with high-end velocity and frontline upside.
Carter Poole, SR, UTL/P – Four-year starter who can play anywhere on the field; impacts the game with athleticism, speed, and arm strength.
Brady Gaither, SR, CF/LHP – Athletic center fielder with emerging power and a rapidly improving arm; upside two-way threat.
Trey Floden, SR, SS/P – Slick-fielding middle infielder with elite instincts and reliability on the mound.
Lukas Cox, SR, C (Transylvania Commit) – Veteran backstop with strong slug and RBI numbers; threw out 30% of runners and handles the pitching staff at a high level.
Max Wise, SR, INF – Missed time with injuries last season but profiles as a potential leading hitter; athletic defender with speed and consistency.

Newcomers / Players to Watch

Owen Alvey, FR, INF/P – 6-foot-3 freshman already touching the mid-80s on the mound; strong fall offensively with positional flexibility.
Braden Schwartz, FR, OF/C – Transfer with varsity experience; switch-hitter with multi-positional value.
Carter James, JR, INF – Gained varsity reps last season and could see an expanded role.
Rylan James, FR, INF/P – Physical left-handed bat with projection on both sides of the ball.

Team Identity & Strengths
Collins’ identity is built around pitching depth, defensive versatility, and experience. The Titans can run multiple arms at opposing lineups while maintaining athleticism across the field. Returning veteran starters provide stability, while younger talent brings upside that could elevate the ceiling of this group.

Outlook for 2026
With expectations set at three, Collins has the pieces to outperform projections if the pitching staff continues its upward trajectory and the offense remains healthy. The combination of returning innings, increased velocity, and positional depth gives the Titans a realistic path to another regional appearance—and possibly more.

Schedule Highlights

3/17 vs St. Xavier
3/19 vs South Oldham
3/25 vs Eastern
3/28 & 4/30 vs Ballard
4/20 vs Trinity
4/7–4/8 vs Spencer County
5/1 vs Lexington Catholic

Paintsville Tigers

Region 15 | District 57
Head Coach: Tommy McCormick
Twitter/X: @PaintsvilleBSB

Paintsville enters the 2026 season coming off one of its strongest campaigns in recent years, returning a productive core that blends varsity experience, pitching depth, and a steady offensive approach. After a 25-win season and a trip to the regional tournament a year ago, the Tigers look well-positioned to remain a factor in Region 15.

2025 Recap
Paintsville finished 25–9, earning a district runner-up finish and advancing to the Region 15 quarterfinals. The Tigers consistently competed against quality competition, leaning on reliable pitching and timely offense throughout the spring.

Key Departures

Alex Kimbler
Brock Horne

While those losses will need to be replaced, Paintsville returns multiple impact arms and several middle-of-the-order bats.

Projected Pitching Staff
Paintsville should again be competitive on the mound with a mix of proven varsity arms and young upside:

Dixon Kincheloe, SR, RHP/INF – Logged 50 IP last season with a 2.38 ERA and 63 strikeouts; dependable presence at the front of the staff.

Anderson Lauffer, JR, RHP/OF – True two-way contributor; went 5–2 with 2 saves, a 2.73 ERA, and 58 Ks across 41 innings.
Luke Stratton – Expected to factor into the rotation and bullpen.
Kruze Howell, FR, RHP – Advanced for his age; pitched meaningful varsity innings as an eighth grader and will be counted on more this season.

This group gives Paintsville flexibility and the ability to piece together games effectively.

Projected Lineup

C: Brody Howell

INF: Dixon Kincheloe

INF: TBD

OF: Anderson Lauffer

OF: TBD

DH: Shane Blair

Several lineup spots remain open, but the Tigers return proven production at premium positions.

Top Returning Players

Anderson Lauffer, JR, RHP/OF – One of the top all-around players in the region; hit .404 with a .522 OBP while anchoring the pitching staff.
Brody Howell, JR, C – Reliable presence behind the plate and in the middle of the order; .330 AVG and 20 RBI last season.
Shane Blair, SR, DH/1B – Consistent bat with on-base ability; hit .323 with a .405 OBP.
Dixon Kincheloe, SR, RHP/INF – Veteran arm with strikeout ability who brings leadership on both sides of the ball.

Newcomers / Players to Watch

Brayden Davis, FR, INF/C – Already experienced varsity pitching as an eighth grader; posted a .300 AVG and .463 OBP with 10 RBIs in limited at-bats.
Kruze Howell, FR, RHP/INF – Showed maturity on the mound early, striking out 29 batters in 18.2 IP as an eighth grader; ceiling arm for the future.

Team Identity & Strengths
Paintsville’s strength lies in its balance and experience. The Tigers return multiple arms capable of throwing meaningful innings, along with hitters who understand situational baseball and can consistently get on base. Defensively, the team should be solid up the middle with stability at catcher and athleticism across the field.

Outlook for 2026
With expectations set at three, Paintsville has the makeup of a team that can once again compete for a district title and push deep into postseason play. Continued development from younger players and consistent production from their returning core will be key factors in determining how high this group can climb.

Schedule Highlights

4/21 @ Johnson Central
4/22 vs Johnson Central
4/27 @ Boyd County
5/2 vs North Bullitt (at Corbin)

McLean County Cougars

Region 3 | District 10
Head Coach: Darren Lynam

McLean County enters the 2026 season coming off a historic year, posting the best winning percentage in school history. With a proven core returning and an identity built around pitching, speed, and defense, the Cougars look poised to remain a tough out in Region 3.

2025 Recap
The Cougars finished 21–7, the best mark in program history, before seeing their postseason run end in the first round of the Region 3 Tournament against eventual power Owensboro Catholic. Consistency throughout the regular season highlighted a group that played efficient, disciplined baseball.

Key Departures

Connor Mitchuson
HB Whitaker
Jax Lee
Hayden Hudson
Ayden Rice

Despite graduating several contributors, McLean returns a nucleus of experienced starters and arms that have logged meaningful varsity innings over multiple seasons.

Projected Pitching Staff
Pitching once again profiles as a strength for McLean County, with multiple returning starters capable of handling big innings:

Jaelin Groves, SR, RHP/CF – Team ace entering the season; low-to-mid 80s fastball with experience as a three-year varsity starter.
Layden Bozarth, SR, RHP/SS – Polished arm with feel to pitch and strong defensive value when not on the mound.
Corbin Martin, SR, LHP/LF – Brescia University commit; reliable starter who brings competitiveness and strike-throwing ability.
Nash Lee, JR, RHP/3B – Emerging arm expected to expand his role this season.
Brooks Lynam, SO, RHP/C – High-upside sophomore who adds depth to the staff with projectable size and athleticism.

This staff gives McLean flexibility and multiple options to match up throughout the week.

Projected Lineup

C: Brooks Lynam

1B: Jayden Taylor

2B: Jordan Bailey

SS: Layden Bozarth

3B: Nash Lee

LF: Corbin Martin

CF: Jaelin Groves

RF: Zach Albin

The Cougars return stability up the middle and athleticism across the diamond.

Top Returning Players

Layden Bozarth, SR, SS/P – Three-year starter and 2024 All-Region selection; dependable defender with consistent offensive production and recruiting interest as an infielder.
Jaelin Groves, SR, CF/P – Team leader and projected ace; physical presence with recruiting interest as a pitcher.
Brooks Lynam, SO, C/INF – 6-foot-3 switch-hitter with advanced feel for the game; starter since seventh grade with a 2.0 pop time and growing collegiate interest.
Corbin Martin, SR, LF/P – Veteran presence and Brescia commit who will be leaned on both offensively and on the mound.

Newcomers / Players to Watch

Nash Lee, JR, P/3B – Set for a larger role after gaining experience; brings athleticism and arm strength.
Jordan Bailey, JR, INF – Versatile infielder expected to provide depth and speed.

Team Identity & Strengths
McLean County’s identity is built on strong pitching, aggressive baserunning, and sound defense. The Cougars return three pitchers with multiple years of varsity experience and will rely on speed and execution to manufacture runs. Defensive consistency behind the pitching staff remains a priority and a strength.

Outlook for 2026
With expectations set at four, McLean County has the makeup of a team capable of repeating last season’s success and pushing deeper into postseason play. If the returning core continues to lead and the newcomers provide timely production, the Cougars should once again be a factor in Region 3.

Schedule Highlights

March 24 vs Owensboro
March 30 vs Owensboro Catholic
April 18 vs Henry Clay
April 18 vs West Jessamine
April 21 & 23 vs Muhlenberg County
May 4 vs Breckinridge County
May 5 vs Apollo
May 7 vs Owensboro

Western Hills Wolverines

Region 11 | District 41
Head Coach: Kevin Martin
Twitter/X: @Hillsbaseball_

Western Hills enters the 2026 season as one of the more experienced and battle-tested teams in Region 11, returning the core of a district championship roster that proved it could compete at a high level throughout last spring. With seven opening-day starters back and a deep pitching staff, the Wolverines are positioned to build on last year’s success.

2025 Recap
The Wolverines finished 20–10, capturing the 41st District Championship and advancing to the Region 11 quarterfinals. A young roster gained valuable postseason experience, laying the groundwork for growth heading into 2026.

Key Departures

Owen Woodson (CF)
Walker Drury (1B)

While those losses leave gaps at premium positions, Western Hills returns a majority of its production and nearly its entire pitching staff.

Projected Pitching Staff
Western Hills brings back an experienced group of varsity arms after graduating just one pitcher:

Cole Semones, JR, RHP/1B – Logged 62 IP with 64 strikeouts; physical two-way contributor with frontline innings potential.
Harlan Comer, JR, RHP/OF – Athletic arm with swing-and-miss ability; brings versatility on both sides of the ball.
Clay Devers, JR, RHP/OF – Power arm who struck out 49 batters in 34 IP last season.
Noah Morris, JR, RHP/OF – Reliable strike-thrower who adds value as a runner and on-base threat.
Asher Gatewood, SO, RHP/SS – Young arm with athleticism and upside as he continues to develop.

Depth across the staff allows the Wolverines to manage innings and maintain intensity throughout the season.

Projected Lineup

Asher Gatewood – SS

Remi Hellard – 2B

Noah Morris – 3B

Cole Semones – 1B

Harlan Comer – LF

Austin Caldwell – C

Clay Devers – RF

Gavin Murphy – RF/1B

Max Woodson – CF

This lineup returns speed, power, and experience throughout the order.

Top Returning Players

Austin Caldwell, JR, C – Hit .388 with 31 hits and strong on-base numbers; steady presence behind the plate.
Cole Semones, JR, 1B/3B/P – Impact two-way player who hit .411 and logged significant innings on the mound.
Noah Morris, JR, OF/P – Dynamic athlete who hit .363, scored 24 runs, and stole 32 bases; contributes both offensively and on the mound.
Harlan Comer, JR, OF/P – Speed-and-defense profile with arm strength; stole 16 bases and logged 36+ innings.
Asher Gatewood, SO, SS/P – Athletic middle infielder with speed and developing offensive feel.
Remi Hellard, SO, 2B – Consistent contact bat who hit .341 with strong situational awareness.

Newcomers / Players to Watch

Cameron Robinson, FR, OF/LHP – Young left-hander with projectable traits and athleticism who could factor into the rotation as the season progresses.

Team Identity & Strengths
Western Hills prides itself on playing for one another, with a close-knit culture and experienced roster. The Wolverines emphasize clean, aggressive defense, speed on the bases, and depth on the mound. Offensive pressure and situational execution remain focal points as the group continues to mature.

Outlook for 2026
With expectations set at five, Western Hills has the profile of a team capable of defending its district title and pushing deeper into Region 11 play. Continued growth from a young but experienced roster could elevate this group into a legitimate regional contender.

Schedule Highlights

3/18 @ Frederick Douglass
3/21 vs LCA
4/14 @ Great Crossing
4/15 vs Great Crossing
4/17 @ Lexington Catholic
4/25 vs Boyle County
4/28 vs Franklin County
4/29 @ Franklin County
5/1 vs Frederick Douglass
5/11 @ Henry Clay