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2026 Poplarville Hornets Team Preview

January 21, 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: Poplarville Hornets
Head Coach: Ashley Graeter
MHSAA Classification: 4A
District Number: 7-4A
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 20-10 (Second Round Playoffs) 

ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

SS Jett Smith (2028)


+ Top Returning Pitchers:

  • RHP Chadwick Brown (2027)

More Names to Know

2027s:

  • Trip Jones (2027)
  • Nathan Ray (2027)

TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

  • Jett Smith (2028)

2026 OUTLOOK

+ Poplarville enters the 2026 season looking to build on a strong 20–10 campaign and a second-round playoff run in Class 4A, returning a young but battle-tested core that gained valuable postseason experience a year ago. Under head coach Ashley Graeter, the Hornets bring back a lineup heavy with 2027 and 2028 talent, positioning the program with both immediate upside and long-term stability as they compete in District 7-4A.

Offensively, Poplarville's strength lies in its athletic middle infield and up-the-middle defenders who also set the tone at the plate. Chase Sones (2027) returns as a key piece at second base, bringing steady actions defensively and a reliable offensive approach that allows him to impact the game in multiple ways. In center field, Ty Keys (2027) provides range, speed, and a table-setting presence, giving the Hornets an athletic defender who can pressure opposing pitchers with his legs and ability to find barrels. Brayden Lee (2027) anchors the left side of the infield at third base, projecting as a run-producing bat with the physicality to drive the baseball and handle big moments.

The middle of the diamond is further strengthened by Jett Smith (2028), who returns after gaining varsity experience as an underclassman. Smith’s defensive instincts and developing offensive game make him one of the more intriguing young pieces in the lineup, while Trac Smith (2028) adds athleticism and versatility to the outfield, giving Powellville another developing bat with projectable upside. Behind the plate, Luke Sones (2027) provides stability and leadership, handling the pitching staff while also contributing offensively, a critical component for a team looking to make another postseason push.

On the mound, Poplarville will lean on Chadwick Brown (2027) as the primary returning arm. Brown gives the Hornets a dependable presence capable of handling meaningful innings and setting the tone for the staff. As the season progresses, his ability to attack the zone and compete will be key as Powellville works to solidify its pitching depth.

There is also a strong group of names pushing for expanded roles. Trip Jones (2027) and Nathan Ray (2027) are both players to monitor as they continue to develop and compete for innings and lineup opportunities, while the underclass presence of Jett Smith (2028) highlights the program’s youth movement and long-term trajectory.

With a lineup filled with athletic defenders, a core of returning position players, and a developing pitching staff, Poplarville enters 2026 as a well-rounded and competitive club in Class 4A. If the Hornets can continue to develop arms behind Brown and see continued offensive growth from their young core, they have the pieces in place to take another step forward and contend deep into the postseason.

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

+ Follow them on Facebook: Poplarville Baseball Booster Club
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our MHSAA Season Preview page

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