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Central Mississippi Rising Stars ID: Quick Hits

April 21, 2026
Matt Miller
State Director

CLINTON, MS — The Central Mississippi Rising Stars ID was held on Sunday, April 19th at Clinton High School that featured top talent from the 2030-2031 classes. Players went through a pro-style workout with TrackMan and VALD Performance tech, while pitchers threw in a bullpen setting and were able to get data and metrics on our TrackMan unit.

Some prospects built on past showings, while others made strong first impressions.

We continue our post-event coverage with a look at the some of the top performers from the event with more breakdowns and full scouting reports coming soon.

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QUICK HITS

Hawkins Pettit C / OF / Tri-county Academy, MS / 2030

Is a young catcher out of Tri County Academy with a long, lean frame that offers plenty of projection as he continues to develop. The left-handed hitter shows a clean, middle-to-pull side line-drive approach and has already produced exit velocities up to 87 mph off TrackMan, hinting at more power to come as he adds strength. Behind the plate, Pettit shows a strong foundational skill set with solid actions, recording arm velocities up to 71 mph and pop times around 2.10, demonstrating developing arm strength and feel for the position. He also moves well for his age, posting a 7.39 in the 60-yard dash, adding to his overall athletic profile. With his combination of size, offensive upside, and defensive foundation, Pettit is a young catcher worth keeping tabs on as his progression continues.

Dylan Peets SS / RHP / Madison Ridgeland Academy, MS / 2030

Is a developing INF/RHP out of Madison Ridgeland Academy with a lean, athletic frame and a well-rounded skill set. The right-handed hitter showed an advanced approach during batting practice, using the whole field with a level swing path and consistent line-drive contact, running exit velocities into the mid-80s. He also showed solid athleticism, posting a 7.09 in the 60-yard dash. Defensively, Peets is a reliable presence on the infield with good actions and arm strength up to 81 mph across the diamond. On the mound, he adds value as a dual prospect, featuring a fluid, repeatable delivery and good control of his fastball, which currently works into the upper 70s. With his athleticism, feel for the game, and two-way ability, Peets is a 2030 prospect trending in the right direction.

Blaise Rodrigue 3B / RHP / Jackson Academy, MS / 2030

Is a developing 3B/RHP out of Jackson Academy with a projectable frame and plenty of room to add strength. The right-handed hitter shows a very polished swing for his age, working a line-drive approach and consistently using the middle of the field, with exit velocities already up to 87 mph. As he continues to fill out physically, more power should follow. He ran a 7.37 in the 60 and projects to improve his speed as he matures. Defensively, Rodrigue is continuing to develop his arm strength and footwork on the infield, showing the foundation to stick on the dirt. With his advanced feel at the plate and overall projection, he’s a young player with clear upside moving forward.

Cruise Smith 3B / OF / Madison Ridgeland Academy, MS / 2030

Is a high-upside young corner bat out of Madison Ridgeland Academy with a strong build that’s still adding strength and power. The left-handed hitter already shows impressive pop for his age, running exit velocities up to 95 mph, and profiles as a major pull-side power threat with natural loft in the swing and a clear intent to do damage. He moves well for his size, posting a 7.14 in the 60, adding athleticism to the profile. Defensively, Smith shows a solid arm, reaching 81 mph from the outfield, giving him versatility beyond third base. With his current power, projection, and offensive approach, he’s a must-follow 2030 prospect with big-time upside moving forward. 

Lucas LaPrade RHP / OF / Florence High School, MS / 2030

Is a high-upside young right-hander out of Florence High School with a lean, lanky frame that projects well as he continues to mature. He works from a 3/4 arm slot, creating natural arm-side run on his fastball, which he sat in the 80–82 mph range and ran up to 83 on the day. LaPrade shows a developing feel for spin, flashing a sweeping slider with some shape that should continue to improve with reps and strength. His delivery and arm action allow the ball to come out clean, and there’s plenty more velocity to come as his frame fills out. With his projection, movement, and developing secondary stuff, he’s a young arm worth paying close attention to moving forward.

Brady Mann RHP / 3B / Florence High School, MS / 2030

is an impressive young right-hander out of Florence High School with a big, durable frame and advanced feel for the mound for his age. The arm works loose and easy, and he showed a well-rounded arsenal during his bullpen, featuring four solid offerings. His fastball sat 81–83 mph with the ability to command it, and he complemented it with two distinct breaking balls, a slider and a curveball, each offering different looks to keep hitters off balance. Mann stood out as one of the brightest arms at the event, showing polish, pitchability, and a strong foundation to build on. With his physical build, advanced repertoire, and room to grow, he has significant upside and will be a name to follow closely as he continues to mature.

UPCOMING 2026 EVENTS ⤵️

SHOWCASE DATE LOCATION
Central Mississippi Rising Stars ID 04/19 Clinton HS - Clinton, MS
South Mississippi Summer ID 06/02 Pearl River CC - Poplarville, MS
South Mississippi Rising Stars ID 06/02 Pearl River CC - Poplarville, MS
Magnolia State Games 06/09-06/10 Freedom Ridge Park - Ridgeland, MS
Central Mississippi Summer ID 06/23 Clinton HS - Clinton, MS
Central Mississppi Rising Stars ID 06/23 Clinton HS - Clinton, MS
Starkville Summer ID 06/30 Starkville HS - Starkville, MS
Starkville Rising Stars ID 06/30 Starkville HS - Starkville, MS
Hattiesburg Summer ID 07/07 University of Southern Miss - Hattiesburg, MS
Hattiesburg Rising Stars ID 07/07 University of Southern Miss - Hattiesburg, MS
Oxford Summer ID 07/14 Oxford HS - Oxford, MS
Oxford Rising Stars ID 07/14 Oxford HS - Oxford, MS
Jackson Summer ID 08/08 Jackson Prep - Flowood, MS
Jackson Rising Stars ID 08/08 Jackson Prep - Flowood, MS

 

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