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2026 Hernando Tigers Team Preview

January 29, 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: Hernando Tigers
Head Coach: Taylor Karr
MHSAA Classification: 7A
District Number: Region 1
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 19-10-1 (First Round Playoffs) 

ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:


+ Top Returning Pitchers:

  • P Lucas McBride (2027)
  • P Reece Canizaro (2027)
  • P Asher Lawson (2028)
  • P Axton Westmoreland (2028)
  • P Wyatt Hess (2028)
  • P Parker Israel (2028)
  • P Eli Bagley (2027)

TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

2026 OUTLOOK

+ Hernando enters the 2026 season coming off a 19–10–1 campaign and a first-round playoff appearance in Class 7A, returning an athletic, high-upside core with a strong blend of youth and varsity experience. Under head coach Taylor Karr, the Tigers bring back multiple multi-positional pieces and a wave of emerging arms, setting the stage for continued growth in Region 1.

The lineup is highlighted by one of the state’s premier young talents in Axton Westmoreland (2028), currently ranked No. 1 in Mississippi’s 2028 class. Westmoreland brings dynamic athleticism to the outfield, advanced feel for the barrel, and two-way impact potential as a left-hander, projecting as a true centerpiece moving forward. Eli Bagley (2027) adds another versatile threat, providing value in the outfield while also supplying innings on the mound. His ability to affect the game in multiple facets gives Hernando lineup flexibility and matchup options.

Donavan Dickson (2027) offers utility versatility and offensive depth, while Cade Koczka (2026) brings physicality to the corner spots with run-producing potential. Reece Canizaro (2027) profiles as another athletic two-way piece, contributing both in the outfield and on the mound, and Lucas McBride (2027) strengthens the middle of the diamond with defensive reliability while also factoring into the pitching mix. Asher Lawson (2028) rounds out the returning group with projectable upside, adding athleticism and arm strength to both the lineup and staff.

On the mound, Hernando returns a deep collection of young arms led by McBride, Canizaro, Lawson, Westmoreland, Wyatt Hess (2028), Parker Israel (2028), and Bagley. This group gives the Tigers multiple looks and the ability to spread innings across several developing pitchers, a key component for navigating the grind of a 7A schedule. The depth and youth of this staff point toward continued growth as roles become more defined throughout the spring.

The next wave is already pushing for opportunities, highlighted by Caden Shackelford (2028), a catcher/infielder/right-hander who brings defensive versatility and two-way projection as an impact underclassman.

With elite young talent at the top, a roster built around athleticism and versatility, and a growing pitching staff, Hernando enters 2026 with significant upside. If the Tigers continue to develop consistency on the mound and get production from their expanding core, they have the makeup of a club capable of taking a step forward in Class 7A.

Find more information on Hernando’s 2026 season below:

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

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