Mississippi Diamond Notes returns for the 2026 season, spotlighting standout performances from across the state based on nominations submitted by high school coaches. Each Wednesday throughout the season, we will recognize position players, pitchers, and two-way contributors who have earned attention with their on-field performances.

We appreciate the many coaches who took the time to submit nominations this week. 👏

Now, let’s take a look at the players from around Mississippi featured in this week’s Mississippi Diamond Notes.

  

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MISSISSIPPI DIAMOND NOTES: WEEK 1

Robby Curtis LHP / 1B / CHOCTAW COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, MS / 2026 Robby Curtis delivered a dominant outing for Choctaw County, tossing seven innings while allowing four hits, two walks, and striking out 11 in a win over Louisville. He controlled the game from start to finish and set the tone on the mound.

Miller Finn OF / LHP / PONTOTOC HIGH SCHOOL, MS / 2026 Miller Finn was outstanding for Pontotoc, working five innings and allowing just one hit and one run while striking out 11 against Mooreville. His ability to miss bats was on full display in the Warriors’ win.

Drew Davis SS / RHP / Sumrall, MS / 2027 Drew Davis turned in a strong performance against Petal, throwing 5.1 innings while allowing just one hit and no earned runs. He struck out 10 and issued only one walk, continuing to show his reliability on the mound.

Rhett Taylor LHP / OF / Madison-Ridgeland Academy, MS / 2027 Rhett Taylor was dominant for MRA, firing five hitless innings with eight strikeouts in a shutout win over Gulfport. He kept hitters off balance all night and set the tone early.

Kolby Stringer RHP / West Marion, MS / 2026 Kolby Stringer put together an impressive week, making three appearances and striking out 22 over 7.2 innings while allowing just one hit. He earned wins in both outings against Columbia and consistently overpowered hitters.

Cooper Giger LHP / OF / Petal, MS / 2027 Cooper Giger was sharp in Petal’s win over Sumrall, tossing five hitless innings with eight strikeouts and two walks. He controlled the tempo throughout his outing.

Will Butler RHP / OF / Lewisburg, MS / 2027 Will Butler showed his versatility during the week, throwing three innings with nine strikeouts while allowing just one hit. At the plate, he went 4-for-7 with two doubles, providing production on both sides.

Tanner Brannigan 1B / RHP / Tupelo, MS / 2027 Tanner Brannigan opened his season strong, striking out 10 over four innings while allowing two hits and no earned runs in Tupelo’s win over Oxford. He showed command and swing-and-miss stuff throughout.

Carsen Price RHP / BIGGERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, MS / 2028 Carsen Price worked deep into the game for Biggersville, throwing seven innings and allowing just three hits and one run while striking out six. He helped lead the Lions to a win over Walnut.

Kade Mozingo RHP / Northeast Jones High School, MS / 2026 Kade Mozingo turned in a solid outing for Northeast Jones, throwing 5.2 innings while allowing two hits and striking out seven in a win over West Jones. He consistently limited damage and worked efficiently.

Asher McBride RHP / NORTHEAST JONES HIGH SCHOOL, MS / 2026 Asher McBride was impressive despite the outcome, throwing four hitless innings with seven strikeouts against Columbia Academy. He showed strong stuff and competed well on the mound.

Luke Wesson SS / OF / Hartfield Academy, MS / 2027 Luke Wesson had a productive week at the plate, going 4-for-8 with a triple, three runs scored, and five RBIs. He played a key role in Hartfield’s wins over Central Hinds and Oak Grove.

Landon Swinney OF / SS / Tupelo, MS / 2027 Landon Swinney hit .429 on the week with two home runs, five RBIs, and three stolen bases while helping Tupelo to three wins. He continued to impact the game in multiple ways.

Tate Murphy 3B / 2B / ST STANISLAUS HIGH SCHOOL, MS / 2026 Tate Murphy had a strong offensive week for St. Stanislaus, hitting .375 with two home runs, four runs scored, and three RBIs. He provided consistent production for the Rock-A-Chaws.

Bryson Jackson SS / 2B / Meridian High School, MS / 2027 Bryson Jackson had a standout two-way week, hitting .600 with a double, triple, homer, and six RBIs. He also threw six innings with 11 strikeouts in a win over Quitman.

Braden Hill 1B / RHP / Biggersville High School, MS / 2027 Braden Hill put together a big week at the plate, hitting .600 with a double, a home run, and four RBIs for Biggersville. He was a key contributor in the Lions’ lineup.

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UPCOMING 2026 EVENTS ⤵️

SHOWCASE	DATE	LOCATION
South Mississippi Rising Stars ID	04/01	Mississippi Gulf Coast CC - Perkinston, MS
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
Hattiesburg Summer ID	07/07	Southern Miss - Hattiesburg, MS
Hattiesburg Rising Stars ID	07/07	Southern Miss - Hattiesburg, MS

 

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