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2026 New Albany Bulldogs Team Preview

February 2, 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: New Albany Bulldogs
Head Coach: Drew Wheeler
MHSAA Classification: 4A
District Number: Region 2 + District 1
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 23-11 (Third Round Playoffs)

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:



+ Top Returning Pitchers:

  • Connor Yarbrough (2026)
  • Parker Skinner (2026)
  • Parker Hicks (2027)
  • Noah Cooper (2027)

TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

  • UTL Andrew Curbow (2028)

2026 OUTLOOK

+ New Albany enters the 2026 season coming off a strong 23–11 campaign and a third-round playoff appearance in Class 4A, returning a deep and experienced roster under head coach Drew Wheeler. With a large group of position players back and multiple arms capable of logging innings, the Bulldogs bring continuity across the diamond as they prepare to compete again in Region 2 and District 1.

The lineup features a blend of physicality and athleticism, led by first baseman Connor Yarbrough (2026), who provides a steady presence in the middle of the order while also contributing on the mound. Utility standout Pierce Ray (2026) adds versatility throughout the lineup, giving New Albany flexibility defensively while providing consistent at-bats. Behind the plate, Parker Skinner (2026) anchors the catching duties and returns as a key two-way piece, offering leadership, game management, and additional innings on the mound.

The underclass core brings even more depth to an already balanced offense. Shortstop Parker Hicks (2027) controls the middle of the field defensively while continuing to develop offensively. Landon Evans (2027) adds size and strength to the lineup with corner versatility, while center fielder Darion Jackson (2027) supplies athleticism and range in the outfield. Sam Ewing (2027) gives the Bulldogs another flexible option between catcher and the infield, and Cohen Young (2027) provides outfield depth with upside. Finn Willis (2027) rounds out the group as another infield piece pushing for consistent varsity at-bats.

On the mound, New Albany returns several arms with varsity experience. Yarbrough and Skinner headline the staff, with Hicks and Noah Cooper (2027) also expected to take on expanded roles. This group gives the Bulldogs multiple looks on the bump and the ability to mix and match throughout the week, an important factor for a team with postseason aspirations.

Additional depth comes from underclassman Andrew Curbow (2028), a utility profile who adds athleticism and projectable upside as he works into the varsity mix.

With a veteran lineup, returning two-way contributors, and a pitching staff built on experience and depth, New Albany enters 2026 as a well-rounded club in Class 4A. If the Bulldogs continue to get consistent production from their core while developing their younger pieces, they have the makeup to push for another deep postseason run this spring.

Find more information on New Albany’s 2026 season below:

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

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