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: Nanih Waiya
Head Coach: Austin Swart
MHSAA Classification: 1A
District Number: Region 6
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 13-13 (First Round Playoffs)

 

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ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

• C Dillan Starnes (2026)
• SS Kade Massey (2026)
• OF Sanjiya Hickman (2027)
• OF Caysen Dewberry (2027)

+ Top Returning Pitchers:

• RHP Kade Massey
• P Brooks Adcock

More Names to Know

2026s:

• Briceton Boler (2026)

2027s:

• Parker Prewitt (2027)

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TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

• Cayden Brown (2030)
• Hank McLeod (2029)
• Brycen Brewer (2029)

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2026 OUTLOOK

+ Nanih Waiya enters the 2025 season looking to build on last year’s .500 finish and return to form as a consistent contender in Region 6-1A. Under head coach Austin Swart, the Warriors return several key position players and a pair of experienced arms that set the foundation for a step forward after a First Round playoff exit in 2025.

Behind the plate, Dillan Starnes (2026) returns as the team’s anchor, bringing defensive stability and leadership to a young roster. Up the middle, Kade Massey (2026) will again be leaned on as both a reliable shortstop and a top-of-the-order bat. The Warriors also bring back athletic outfielders Sanjiya Hickman (2027) and Caysen Dewberry (2027), giving the lineup speed, range, and offensive upside as both continue to develop.

On the mound, Nanih Waiya will rely on returning right-hander Kade Massey to lead the staff, with Brooks Adcock returning to provide additional important innings. Both arms will be crucial for the Warriors as they look to improve their consistency against a competitive district slate.

Several key names are poised to make an impact alongside the returning core. Briceton Boler (2026) and Parker Prewitt (2027) add valuable depth and versatility, while an intriguing young group of underclassmen, Cayden Brown (2030), Hank McLeod (2029), and Brycen Brewer (2029) represent the future of the program and could push for roles sooner than expected.

With experienced returners at premium positions and a promising wave of young talent, Nanih Waiya enters 2026 with the pieces to take a meaningful step forward and contend deeper into the 1A postseason picture.

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Find more information on Nanih Waiya’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on Facebook: Nanih Waiya Baseball
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our MHSAA Season Preview page

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