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 Marion High School
Head Coach: Derrick Jerkins
MHSAA Classification: 3A
District Number: 8
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 16-16 (Final Four Appearance)

 

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ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

• C Braxton Albritton (2026)
• OF Andre Sumrall (2026)
• 2B Taylor Stringer (2026)

+ Top Returning Pitchers: 

• RHP Kolby Stringer (2026, Pearl River CC)
• RHP Sam Smith (2026)
• RHP Caden Turnage (2026)

More Names to Know

2026s:

• OF Rhett Graham (2026)

2027s:

• RHP Rylee Gay (2027)

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TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

• Brayson Pittman
• Kamron Stringer
• Tyler Manning

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2026 OUTLOOK

+ West Marion High School enters the 2026 season under head coach Derrick Jerkins looking to build on a memorable postseason run that saw the Bulldogs reach the Final Four in MHSAA Class 3A. After finishing 16–16 a year ago, West Marion brings back a competitive core and looks to translate that playoff momentum into sustained success in District 8.

Offensively, the Bulldogs return several proven contributors, led by Braxton Albritton (2026), who put together a standout season at the plate by hitting .394 with 12 doubles. His production and presence behind the plate make him a cornerstone of the lineup. Andre Sumrall (2026) adds athleticism and versatility in the outfield, while Taylor Stringer (2026) returns to the middle infield after batting .316 last season, providing reliability and consistency at second base.

On the mound, West Marion brings back a trio of experienced arms that should form the backbone of the pitching staff. Kolby Stringer (2026, Pearl River CC) headlines the group as a dependable right-hander, joined by Sam Smith (2026) and Caden Turnage (2026), both of whom gained valuable varsity innings during last season’s run. Additional depth comes from Rhett Graham (2026) in the outfield and Rylee Gay (2027) on the mound, while underclassmen Brayson Pittman, Kamron Stringer, and Tyler Manning provide upside and depth as West Marion looks to make another deep postseason push in Class 3A.

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

+ Follow them on Facebook: West Marion High School
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our MHSAA Season Preview page

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