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2026 West Jones Mustangs Team Preview

February 8, 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: West Jones Mustangs
Head Coach: Trey Sutton
MHSAA Classification: 6A
District Number: 3
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 16-13 (Second Round Playoffs) 

ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:


+ Top Returning Pitchers:

  • RHP Clay Tolbert 
  • RHP Kolt Locklear

TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

  • C/INF Jude Phipps (2028)
  • C/INF Greyson McFarland (2028)
  • UTL Ben Powell (2028)

2026 OUTLOOK

+ West Jones heads into the 2026 season looking to build off a solid 16–13 campaign that pushed into the second round of the 6A playoffs, with head coach Trey Sutton bringing back a lineup that blends experience with a high-upside underclass core.

The Mustangs’ offense is anchored up the middle by shortstop Clay Tolbert (2027, Southern Miss), a steady presence defensively who also figures into the heart of the order. Catcher Kolt Locklear (2026, Copiah-Lincoln CC) gives West Jones leadership and toughness behind the plate, while a versatile infield group featuring Braxton Sumrall (2027) and Jean Carlos Gomez (2027, Meridian CC) adds depth and flexibility. Colin Poore (2026) returns in the outfield as a reliable bat, and freshman Jude Phipps (2028) brings maturity beyond his years with the ability to contribute at multiple spots.

On the mound, West Jones replaces much of its pitching production but does return two familiar arms in Tolbert and Locklear, both of whom are expected to log meaningful innings. Their ability to provide strikes and compete in big moments will be critical as roles continue to develop around them.

The next wave is an intriguing one. Phipps headlines the underclass group again, joined by fellow 2028s Greyson McFarland and Ben Powell, giving the Mustangs several young pieces who could impact the lineup sooner rather than later.

With a strong defensive core, athletic infield play, and young talent pushing for innings, West Jones has the makeup of a team that can take a step forward in District 3. If the pitching depth solidifies as the season progresses, the Mustangs have a clear path to being a tough out come playoff time.

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

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

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