The 2026 Mississippi high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound 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 Mississippi.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons at Pearl’s Trustmark Park, in the State Tournament finals at the end of May, 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 Mississippi. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.

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 and updating the Power 25 rankings.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today.

High School: Brookhaven Academy Cougars
Head Coach: Randy Spring
MHSAA Classification: 4A
District Number: District 3
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 11-17

 

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ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

• OF Walt Smith (2026, Southwest Mississippi CC)
• C Caleb Authement (20276, Jones College)
• OF Case Simmons (2028)

+ Top Returning Pitchers:

• P Carter Palmer (2027)
• P Carter Spring (2027, Jones College)
• P Tucker Tarver (2027)

More Names to Know

2027s:

• 1B Nick Cline

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TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

• OF Case Simmons

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2026 OUTLOOK

+ Brookhaven Academy heads into the 2026 season looking to rebound after an 11-17 campaign a year ago. Under head coach Randy Spring, the Cougars return a competitive core with several key upperclassmen and a strong 2027 class that should provide stability on the mound. If the pitching staff takes a step forward and the lineup finds consistency, this group has a chance to flip close games in District 3.

Offensively, Walt Smith (2026, Southwest Mississippi CC) headlines the returning position players. The senior outfielder brings experience and athleticism to the top half of the lineup and should be counted on as a steady presence both at the plate and defensively. Behind the dish, Caleb Authement (2026, Jones College) provides leadership and physicality. His ability to manage the pitching staff while contributing offensively will be a key factor in the Cougars’ overall development this spring.

Case Simmons (2028) is one of the more intriguing young pieces on the roster. The outfielder already saw valuable time and continues to trend upward. His growth from year one to year two could give Brookhaven Academy an added spark, particularly if he settles into a consistent offensive role.

On the mound, the 2027 class will shoulder much of the responsibility. Carter Palmer (2027) is expected to log meaningful innings, while Carter Spring (2027, Jones College) brings a college-bound arm with the ability to set the tone in big district matchups. Tucker Tarver (2027) adds depth and gives the staff another option capable of handling starting or relief duties. If that trio can establish consistency early, the Cougars’ outlook changes significantly.

Nick Cline (2027) is another name to monitor at first base, offering size and run-production potential in the middle of the order. As the season progresses, his development could provide needed balance to the lineup.

With experienced leadership up the middle, a pitching-heavy 2027 group, and an emerging underclass presence, Brookhaven Academy has pieces in place to take a step forward. Progress on the mound and timely production at the plate will ultimately determine how far this group climbs in 4A competition this spring.

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+ Find more 2026 team previews on our MHSAA Season Preview page

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