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2026 Heritage Academy Patriots Team Preview

January 26, 2026
Prep Baseball Mississippi Staff

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: Heritage Academy
Head Coach: Zander Romano
MHSAA Classification: MAIS 4A
District Number: District 2
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 13-18 (First Round Playoffs)

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:


+ Top Returning Pitchers:

More Names to Know

2026s:

2027s:

TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

  • OF/P Max Dove (2029)

2026 OUTLOOK

+ Heritage Academy enters the 2026 season looking to rebound from a 13–18 campaign and a first-round playoff exit in MAIS 4A, returning a core group of college-committed upperclassmen while continuing to develop depth across the roster. Under head coach Zander Romano, the Patriots bring back experience on both sides of the ball, giving the program a foundation to build upon as it competes in District 2.

Offensively, Heritage is anchored by a trio of 2026 graduates who provide versatility and production throughout the lineup. Charlie Fowler (2026, East Central CC) returns as a key piece behind the plate and in the outfield, offering defensive flexibility while supplying a steady presence in the middle of the order. Nash McCrary (2026, Holmes CC) profiles as a true utility option who impacts the game in multiple ways, capable of moving around the diamond while also contributing on the mound. Isaiah Clark (2026, East Mississippi CC) adds athleticism to the outfield and infield mix, giving the Patriots another reliable bat with the ability to handle multiple defensive roles.

On the mound, Cooper Long (2026, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC) headlines the staff as the primary returning arm. Long brings varsity experience and competitiveness to the rotation, setting the tone for a pitching group that will be asked to take a step forward this spring.

Heritage also features a deep 2026 class that provides additional depth and upside. Emerson Weeks (2026) offers infield versatility with two-way potential, while Gavin Elliott (2026) adds another outfield option with developing offensive tools. Jack Tompkins (2026) and left-hander Colin Cunningham (2026) round out the senior arms, giving the Patriots multiple looks on the mound and added flexibility when managing innings.

The next wave of contributors is led by Presley Gaskin (2027) and Juice Tate (2027), both of whom bring infield versatility and two-way profiles as they continue to carve out larger roles within the program. Underclassman Max Dove (2029) represents the future depth of the roster, bringing athleticism and long-term upside as a young outfielder and pitcher.

With a college-committed senior core, a developing pitching staff, and emerging underclass talent, Heritage Academy enters 2026 with pieces in place to take a step forward in MAIS 4A. If the Patriots can establish consistency on the mound and get steady production from their experienced lineup, they have the makeup of a group capable of making noise in District 2 this spring.

Find more information on Heritage Academy’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on X: @HA_PatsBaseball
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our MHSAA Season Preview page

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