2026 Noxapater Tigers Team Preview

January 14, 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: Noxapater Tigers
Head Coach: Zach Kemp
MHSAA Classification: 1A
District Number: Region 6
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 22-5 (2nd Round)

ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

CF/P Luke Reynolds (2026)
P/OF Brody Joiner (2026)
P/3B Logan Sanborn (2027)
SS/P Briston Daugherty (2029)

+ Top Returning Pitchers:

P Logan Sanborn (2027)
P Hayes Rushing (2027)

More Names to Know

2026s:

IFN Peyton Carlisle (2026)

2027s:

3B/C Trent Roark (2027)

TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

Briston Daugherty (2029)
Braylen Hathorn (2029)

2026 OUTLOOK

+ Noxapater enters the 2026 season coming off an impressive 22–5 campaign and a second-round playoff finish in Class 1A, continuing to establish itself as a consistent contender in Region 6. Under head coach Zach Kemp, the Tigers return a battle-tested core loaded with athleticism, speed, and two-way production, giving this group a high floor with an even higher ceiling as younger pieces continue to develop.

At the top of the lineup, Luke Reynolds sets the tone in every phase of the game. The 2026 leadoff hitter brings speed, instincts, and leadership to center field, where he covers gap-to-gap and was recognized as the 2024 1A Region 6 Defensive Player of the Year. Reynolds’ ability to get on base and create pressure makes him the catalyst offensively, while his athleticism also gives the Tigers a reliable option on the mound. Behind him, Brody Joiner adds a physical presence with a power bat that can change games in a hurry. His strong arm in right field helps control the running game, and his versatility allows him to impact the lineup both offensively and as a pitcher.

Logan Sanborn is the heartbeat of the middle of the order and one of the most complete players in the program. The 2027 hit .434 a year ago while batting in the three-hole and followed it up with 27.2 quality innings on the mound, holding opponents to a .239 average. His ability to do damage at the plate while providing dependable innings makes him a true difference-maker. Up the middle, freshman Briston Daugherty already shows advanced defensive actions at shortstop, along with a competitive bat and significant long-term upside, giving Noxapater a cornerstone piece moving forward.

On the mound, the Tigers bring back a reliable duo in Sanborn and Hayes Rushing. Rushing logged 20 innings last spring and was dominant, limiting opponents to a .127 average while providing consistency in key spots. That returning experience gives Noxapater stability on the bump and the ability to compete deep into games. Additional depth comes from Peyton Carlisle and Trent Roark, both of whom add versatility and positional flexibility as the season unfolds.

With impact underclassmen like Daugherty and Braylen Hathorn already pushing into meaningful roles, Noxapater’s roster blends proven production with emerging talent. If the Tigers continue to defend at a high level, apply pressure on the bases, and get consistent innings from their returning arms, they have all the ingredients to make another deep postseason push and remain a force in Class 1A throughout 2026.

Find more information on Noxapater High School’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on Facebook: Noxapater Athletics
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our MHSAA Season Preview page

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