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 9

+ Blake Gill (Sr, Pearl River Central HS, PRCC Signee) stayed red-hot at the plate, going 6-for-9 (.667) with a double, 2 RBIs, 3 runs, and 3 stolen bases, consistently setting the tone at the top and showing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

+ Cole Bounds (So, Pearl River Central HS) earned a big Game 2 win, tossing 7 strong innings while allowing just 1 unearned run on 4 hits, showing poise, command, and the ability to keep hitters off balance deep into the game.

+ Roman Mitchell (Sr, Pearl River Central HS, Southwest Miss CC Signee) dominated in Game 1, working 5 innings of one-hit, shutout baseball with 6 strikeouts, controlling the tempo and attacking hitters with confidence.

+ Ayden Radosta (Jr, Pearl River Central HS) picked up the Game 3 win with 4 scoreless innings, allowing just 1 hit while keeping hitters quiet and giving his team exactly what it needed to close the series.

+ Drew Stanton (Myrtle HS) had one of the loudest weeks around, going 8-for-11 with a double, 4 home runs, and 13 RBIs while drawing 5 walks, completely dominating opposing pitching in a 4-0 stretch.

+ Trip Jones (Poplarville HS) was a constant presence on the bases, going 3-for-5 with a .714 OBP, 2 RBIs, and 5 runs scored, consistently finding ways to get on and create offense.

+ Chadwick Brown (Poplarville HS) matched that production, going 3-for-5 with a .714 OBP, 3 RBIs, and 4 runs scored, showing a strong approach and ability to deliver.

+ Jett Smith (Poplarville HS) did it all, going 3-for-4 with a .800 OBP, 4 RBIs, 6 runs, and 4 stolen bases—including aggressive baserunning—while also earning a win on the mound with 8 strikeouts over 4 innings.

+ Ty Keys (Poplarville HS) stayed productive across the board, going 2-for-4 with a double and triple, posting a .714 OBP with 3 RBIs and 4 runs, continuing to be a catalyst.

+ Jaxon Herod (West Union HS) was dominant once again, throwing a 7-inning no-hitter with 7 strikeouts and minimal traffic, marking his second no-hitter of the season and continuing his impressive run on the mound.

+ Cole Ellison (Jr, Canton Academy) continued his strong two-way play, going 5-for-10 with a double, home run, and 6 RBIs while also tossing 7 innings with 9 strikeouts, showing his ability to control the game on both sides.

+ Cash Johnson (Fr, Canton Academy) stayed hot, going 5-for-9 with two doubles and 5 RBIs while also adding 4 1/3 innings with 6 strikeouts, continuing to prove himself as a young impact player.

+ Myles Stanley (So, Canton Academy) produced consistently at the plate, going 6-for-11 with a double and 4 RBIs, delivering timely hits throughout the week.

+ Ian Whittington (Jr, Canton Academy) delivered in relief, working 5 1/3 innings while allowing just 1 hit and no runs with 4 strikeouts, shutting down opposing offense late.

+ Gavin Copeland (2031, Baldwyn HS) earned a win with a strong 5-inning outing, showing composure and the ability to compete effectively at a young age.

+ Ridge Mask (2028, Baldwyn HS) had a big all-around week, going 5-for-10 with two doubles, 4 RBIs, and 5 runs while also throwing a complete game win, impacting both sides.

+ Rush Watkins (2028, Baldwyn HS) tossed 6 innings allowing just 1 earned run, continuing to show reliability and the ability to keep his team in games.

+ Tristan Fox (Ocean Springs HS) stayed scorching hot, going 6-for-8 (.750) with two doubles, 3 RBIs, and 2 stolen bases, consistently producing at a high level.

+ Easton Fox (Ocean Springs HS) provided offensive impact, going 4-for-8 with a double, home run, and 3 RBIs, showing his ability to drive the baseball.

+ Patterson Gilfoil (Ocean Springs HS) was sharp in relief, striking out 5 over 2 innings while attacking hitters and limiting damage.

+ Colton French (Ocean Springs HS) went 2-0 on the week, striking out 5 over 3 innings, proving to be a reliable arm out of the bullpen.

+ Jackson Miller (2026, Alcorn Central HS) went 5-for-8 with a double, home run, and 3 RBIs while also recording his 150th career hit and first career home run, a milestone performance.

+ Drew Davis (Sumrall HS) led the way, going 4-for-7 with extra-base impact and 3 runs while also tossing a complete 7-inning shutout with 7 strikeouts, dominating on both sides.

+ Eli Hicks (Sumrall HS) went 3-for-5 with a double, 3 runs, and 3 walks, continuing to get on base and apply pressure.

+ Braelyn Harrison (Sumrall HS) went 3-for-5 with 3 runs and 3 walks, consistently finding ways to reach and contribute.

+ Jase Schultz (Sumrall HS) added production, going 3-for-6 with a double and 2 walks, continuing to be a steady bat.

+ Myles Self (Hamilton HS) had a huge week, going 7-for-9 with a double, 6 RBIs, 5 runs, and 8 stolen bases, showcasing speed and offensive impact.

+ Ian Nichols (Hamilton HS) went 4-for-8 with a double, an RBI, and 5 runs scored, consistently setting the table.

+ Jaxson Bigham (Hamilton HS) went 4-for-11 with two doubles, 4 RBIs, and 3 runs, providing solid production.

+ Braedyn Lackie (Hamilton HS) threw a complete game shutout while also going 4-for-13 with extra-base production, contributing on both sides.

+ Logan Buckley (Columbia Academy) delivered a dominant performance, throwing a 7-inning perfect game with 15 strikeouts, completely overpowering hitters in a 4-0 win.

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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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