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: Warren Central
Head Coach: Randy Broome
MHSAA Classification: 6A
District Number: Region 2 District 6
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 20-11 (Fourth Round Playoffs) 

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ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

• C Trace Hood (2026, Southwest Mississippi CC)
• DH Jacob Kealhofer (2026)
• OF Ryan Steed (2026)
• OF Blake Caruthers (2027)
• INF Caden Cole (2027)
• C Braxton Hartley (2027)
• INF Triston Jamison (2027)

+ Top Returning Pitchers:

• RHP Nathanial Moore (2026, Hinds CC)
• LHP Ryan Steed (2026)
• LHP Justin Greer (2026, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC)
• RHP Caden Cole (2027)
• RHP Beau Bradley (2027, Meridian CC)

More Names to Know

2026s:

• DH Jacob Kealhofer (2026)
• OF Justin Evans (2026)

2027s:

• RHP Thomas Antwine (2027)

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2026 OUTLOOK

+ Warren Central enters the 2026 season coming off a strong 20–11 campaign that carried the Vikings to a fourth-round playoff appearance in Class 6A. Under head coach Randy Broome, the program returns a battle-tested core that logged meaningful postseason reps a year ago, giving Warren Central a solid foundation as it looks to build on last spring’s momentum in Region 2 District 6.

Offensively, the Vikings bring back several experienced bats who played key roles during the playoff run. Behind the plate, Trace Hood (2026, Southwest Mississippi CC) anchors the lineup with leadership and a physical presence, providing stability defensively while serving as a dependable middle-of-the-order option. Jacob Kealhofer (2026) returns after seeing significant at-bats as the designated hitter, while Ryan Steed (2026) adds athleticism in the outfield and two-way value as a left-handed arm. Blake Caruthers (2027) and Caden Cole (2027) supply versatility across the roster, with Cole also projecting as an impact two-way piece capable of contributing on both sides of the ball.

Braxton Hartley (2027) gives Warren Central additional depth behind the plate, while Triston Jamison (2027) adds infield coverage and continued competition for everyday reps. Justin Evans (2026) is another name to follow as a returning outfielder who could factor into the lineup as roles continue to take shape.

On the mound, Warren Central brings back a deep group of arms with postseason experience. Nathanial Moore (2026, Hinds CC) headlines the staff after handling high-leverage innings a year ago, while Justin Greer (2026, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC) provides a quality left-handed look with the ability to miss bats. Steed returns as another southpaw option, and Beau Bradley (2027, Meridian CC) adds power stuff to the mix. Cole also factors into the pitching picture, giving the Vikings multiple looks and flexibility throughout the rotation. Thomas Antwine (2027) is a developing arm to keep an eye on as depth continues to evolve.

With returning production throughout the lineup, multiple college-committed arms, and a roster that gained valuable postseason experience, Warren Central enters 2026 positioned as a contender in Class 6A. If the Vikings continue to get consistent contributions from their experienced core while solidifying roles on the mound, they have the makeup of a club capable of another deep playoff run.

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Find more information on Warren Central’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on X: @WC_Baseball15
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our MHSAA Season Preview page

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