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: Perry Central Bulldogs
Head Coach: Jason Oxenrider
MHSAA Classification: 2A
District Number: 8
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 10-14 (First Round Playoffs)

 

---

ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

• C Ethan Martin (2026)
• SS Cayson Backstrom (2027)
• CF Kamryn Moody (2027)
• 3B Hayden Carr (2027)

+ Top Returning Pitchers:

• P Dawson Little (2026)
• P Weston Oxenrider (2027)
• P Masyn Nobles (2027)
• P BJ Sumrall (2028)

More Names to Know

2026s:

• C/P SR Brayden Morris (2026)

2027s:

• OF Braxton Lewis (2027)
• OF Dailyn Carter (2027)

---

TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

• BJ Sumrall (2028)
• Brody Lott (2028)
• Tristan Simmons (2029)
• Landyn Little (2029)

---

2026 OUTLOOK

+ Perry Central enters the 2026 season looking to take a step forward after a 10–14 finish and a first-round playoff exit in Class 2A. Under head coach Jason Oxenrider, the Bulldogs return a young but competitive core, with several underclassmen already logging varsity experience as the program works to build momentum in District 8.

Offensively, the lineup is anchored by catcher Ethan Martin (2026), who provides stability behind the plate while serving as a reliable piece in the order. Shortstop Cayson Backstrom (2027) brings athleticism and defensive consistency up the middle, while center fielder Kamryn Moody (2027) adds speed and range in the outfield with the ability to impact the game on the bases. Hayden Carr (2027) rounds out the group of top returners, offering a steady presence at third base with continued offensive upside as he matures.

On the mound, Perry Central features a mix of experience and emerging arms. Dawson Little (2026) returns as a key piece of the staff, with Weston Oxenrider (2027) and Masyn Nobles (2027) providing additional innings and competitive depth. BJ Sumrall (2028) is a younger arm already pushing into meaningful roles, giving the Bulldogs another option as they manage workloads throughout the spring.

Brayden Morris (2026) is a name to know in the senior class, bringing versatility as a catcher and pitcher, while Braxton Lewis (2027) and Dailyn Carter (2027) add outfield depth and athleticism to the roster. The next wave of Bulldogs talent is also beginning to surface, highlighted by Sumrall along with Brody Lott (2028), Tristan Simmons (2029), and Landyn Little (2029), a group that adds long-term upside and internal competition.

With returning pieces across the diamond and a pitching staff that continues to develop, Perry Central enters 2026 focused on turning experience into results. If the Bulldogs can get consistent production from their young core and solidify roles on the mound, they have the foundation in place to compete in District 8 and push deeper into postseason play this spring.

---

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

+ Follow them on Facebook: Perry Central Bulldogs Baseball
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our MHSAA Season Preview page

FOLLOW US THROUGHOUT THE SPRING

+ Prep Baseball Mississippi on X
+ Prep Baseball Mississippi on Instagram
+ Prep Baseball Mississippi on Facebook
+ Prep Baseball Mississippi on YouTube

---

Related Content