Magnolia State Games: Quick Hits, Infielders
June 15, 2026
RIDGELAND, MS — The 2026 Magnolia State Games was held on Tuesday June 9 and Wednesday June 10 at Freedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland, MS that featured top talent from the 2027-2030 classes. Players went through a pro-style workout with TrackMan and VALD Performance tech, while pitchers threw in a game play 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 some of the standout infielders from the event, with more breakdowns and full scouting reports coming soon.
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QUICK HITS: INFIELDERS
+ 1B Pryce Pinkins (2028) of Oxford High School is one of the premier power prospects in Mississippi’s 2028 class and possesses a physical presence that immediately grabs attention. At 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, the right-handed hitter already has the size, strength, and leverage associated with elite power bats, yet there is still plenty of upside remaining as he continues to develop. Pinkins put together one of the loudest batting practice performances of the event, producing exit velocities up to 103 mph while averaging 98 mph off the bat. Multiple baseballs left the yard with ease, highlighting the type of raw power that can impact games in a hurry. Primarily a first baseman, Pinkins also has the ability to contribute on the mound, adding even more value to his profile. The power is currently the carrying tool, but the combination of his physicality, bat speed, and ability to consistently impact the baseball makes him one of the top bats in the class. With his present strength and long-term projection, Pinkins is going to be a lot of fun to watch and follow over the next several years and has all the tools to become a highly sought-after prospect.
+ 1B Eli Herring (2027) is a power-hitting first baseman out of Greene County High School who remains one of the more intriguing uncommitted bats available. The 2027 prospect possesses a strong 5-foot-10, 200-pound frame and generates impressive force at contact from the left side of the plate. During batting practice, Herring produced exit velocities up to 101 mph and averaged 96 mph off the bat, one of the more impressive offensive showings at the event. His approach is geared toward the pull side, where his strength and bat speed allow him to do significant damage and project for continued power production. While the bat is currently the carrying tool, Herring also offers defensive versatility with the ability to play both the infield and outfield. The combination of left-handed power, physical strength, and offensive upside makes him a prospect recruiters should pay close attention to. With his ability to impact the baseball at a high level and the fact that he remains uncommitted, Herring is definitely a power bat that is still available and worth a close look.
+ INF Grayson Rymer (2028) of Tri-County Academy continues to establish himself as one of the more complete prospects in Mississippi’s 2028 class. At 5-foot-9, 155 pounds, Rymer may not be the most physically imposing player on the field, but his athleticism, polish, and overall skill set consistently stand out. A former Junior Future Gamer, he has been on the radar for some time and continues to show why. He posted a 6.72-second 60-yard dash, giving him excellent range defensively and allowing his athleticism to impact every facet of the game. Defensively, Rymer is one of the more polished infielders in the class. He moves with ease, shows smooth actions, and possesses the arm strength to make plays from multiple angles, reaching 88 mph across the diamond. Offensively, he continues to make strides as well, producing exit velocities up to 95 mph while showing the ability to impact the baseball with authority. Rymer also offers significant value on the mound, where he has been up to 86 mph with a solid off-speed arsenal and the athleticism to continue developing as a pitcher. The combination of defensive polish, speed, offensive upside, and two-way ability makes him a must-see prospect and one of the more intriguing players to follow in the 2028 class.
+ INF Jackson Carlisle (2028) of Pisgah High School is one of the more polished young infielders in Mississippi and continues to impress with his all-around skill set. At 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, Carlisle has a strong, athletic build and moves exceptionally well on the field. Primarily an up-the-middle defender, he has the versatility to play multiple positions and consistently shows smooth actions, soft hands, and advanced defensive instincts. His athleticism is evident in a 6.73-second 60-yard dash, and he backs it up with an 85 mph arm across the diamond, giving him the tools to make plays from anywhere on the infield. Offensively, Carlisle is equally impressive. The left-handed hitter possesses an advanced approach for his age, working with a line-drive swing that allows him to spray the baseball to all fields. He consistently finds the barrel and produced exit velocities up to 94 mph, showing both present strength and future offensive upside. His ability to get out of the box quickly and pressure defenses adds another dimension to his game. With his combination of athleticism, defensive polish, offensive feel, and versatility, Carlisle is a fun player to watch and one of the top young prospects to follow in the 2028 class.
+ INF Jett Smith (2028) of Poplarville High School continues to trend upward every time he takes the field and is quickly becoming one of the more intriguing young prospects in Mississippi. The wiry 6-foot-1, 170-pound athlete possesses a projectable frame with plenty of room for additional strength, and his overall skill set continues to expand. While he has the versatility to play multiple positions, he appears to be settling in comfortably on the infield dirt, where his defensive development has taken a noticeable step forward. Smith runs well with a 6.94-second 60-yard dash, shows excellent first-step quickness, and possesses a strong, accurate arm that has been up to 86 mph across the infield. Offensively, the bat is beginning to blossom as well. Smith has produced exit velocities up to 98 mph while showing a middle-to-pull-side approach built around hard line drives with occasional loft. The combination of bat speed, athleticism, and physical projection points toward even more offensive production in the future. As if that wasn't enough, Smith can also climb on the mound and provide value, running his fastball into the mid-80s with quality secondary offerings that continue to develop. With his athleticism, defensive versatility, emerging offensive tools, and ability to contribute on the mound, Smith is a must-watch prospect for recruiters and a player whose stock continues to rise.
+ INF Madden McKissick (2027) is an uncommitted middle infielder out of Saltillo High School and one of the more intriguing unsigned prospects in Mississippi's 2027 class. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound shortstop played a key role for a Saltillo program that captured the 6A State Championship and continues to impress with his well-rounded skill set. Defensively, McKissick stands out with his range, instincts, and ability to make plays from multiple angles. He possesses arm strength up to 84 mph across the diamond and consistently shows the accuracy and reliability needed to remain on the left side of the infield. At the plate, McKissick features a middle-to-pull-side line drive approach and consistently finds the barrel. He produced exit velocities up to 96 mph, showing present strength and the ability to impact the baseball without sacrificing contact. His athleticism is another asset, as evidenced by a 6.94-second 60-yard dash that translates well both defensively and on the bases. With his combination of defensive ability, offensive consistency, athleticism, and projectability, McKissick has the look of a player who should draw significant recruiting attention. He is probably not going to be available for long.
+ INF Asher Cox (2028) of Madison-Ridgeland Academy is a promising young infielder who continues to show steady development and plenty of upside. At 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, Cox possesses an athletic frame and already displays the polish and instincts that stand out on the infield. Defensively, he is a solid defender with a smooth glove, easy transitions, and the ability to make routine plays look effortless. He moves well laterally, posting a 6.99-second 60-yard dash, and has shown arm strength up to 82 mph across the diamond with consistent accuracy. His defensive foundation is strong, and there is still room for growth as he continues to mature physically. Offensively, the right-handed hitter shows an advanced feel for the barrel and a polished swing that is well ahead of his age. Cox works with a level bat path and a pull-side approach, consistently producing quality contact and exit velocities into the low 90s. He handles the bat well, stays under control throughout his swing, and routinely finds the barrel. The combination of defensive reliability, athleticism, and a mature offensive approach makes him a prospect with considerable upside. As he continues to develop, Cox is a player recruiters should make a point to get out and see.
+ INF Price Grantham (2029) of Oxford High School was a bright spot at the Magnolia State Games and continues to look like one of the more advanced young prospects in Mississippi's 2029 class. At 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, Grantham already shows a mature feel for the game and the versatility to play multiple positions on the field. His athleticism stood out throughout the event, highlighted by a 6.77-second 60-yard dash, and there is reason to believe even more speed is coming as he continues to mature physically. Defensively, he showed a reliable glove and arm strength up to 82 mph across the infield, giving him the tools to impact the game in multiple spots. Offensively, the right-handed hitter may have impressed even more during game action than in workouts. While he produced exit velocities up to 91 mph during the event, it was his ability to consistently barrel baseballs against live pitching that really caught attention. Grantham shows a mature approach, quality bat-to-ball skills, and the ability to compete against older competition. As he continues to add strength to an already athletic frame, the offensive ceiling should continue to rise. With his athleticism, defensive versatility, and advanced feel for the game, Grantham is a young prospect with a very bright future, and one that will be fun to follow over the coming years.
+ INF Ian Nichols (2028) of Itawamba Agricultural High School is a player who has been on the Prep Baseball showcase circuit for several events now and continues to take meaningful steps forward every time he is seen. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound infielder possesses an athletic frame with plenty of room for additional strength, and the progression in his overall game has been evident. Nichols moves well, posting a 7.02-second 60-yard dash, and there is reason to believe more speed is still on the way as he continues to mature physically. Defensively, he offers valuable versatility, with the ability to play multiple infield positions and even handle duties behind the plate when needed. His arm strength continues to trend upward as well, reaching 85 mph across the diamond. Offensively, Nichols continues to show an advanced feel for hitting. The right-handed hitter works primarily from the middle of the field to the pull side with a line-drive approach, though he is beginning to show occasional loft as his strength develops. He has produced exit velocities up to 97 mph, demonstrating the ability to impact the baseball with authority while maintaining a controlled, repeatable swing. The combination of defensive versatility, improving athleticism, and a bat that continues to trend upward makes Nichols one of the more interesting prospects in the 2028 class. As his body gets stronger and the tools continue to develop, there is plenty to be excited about regarding his future.
+ INF Nelson Irving (2028) of Germantown High School is a talented two-way prospect who continues to impress with his athleticism and well-rounded skill set. At 5-foot-8, 150 pounds, Irving may not be the biggest player on the field, but he makes up for it with polish, instincts, and the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Defensively, the infielder shows a very strong foundation with his footwork, smooth and easy transfers, and consistent accuracy on his throws. His 6.96-second 60-yard dash translates well to the field, giving him good range and the ability to make plays throughout the infield. Offensively, the right-handed hitter features a line-drive approach and does an excellent job using the entire field. He consistently finds the barrel and has produced exit velocities up to 96 mph, showing more strength than his frame might initially suggest. Irving also brings significant value on the mound, where he has run his fastball up to 86 mph while showing feel for both a breaking ball and slider. Both secondary pitches display solid shape and give him a quality three-pitch mix to work with. The combination of defensive ability, offensive production, athleticism, and legitimate upside on the mound makes Irving a true two-way prospect and a player worth following closely as he continues to develop.
+ INF Dawson McMillin (2028) of Mooreville High School is a former Junior Future Gamer who continues to trend upward every time he steps on the field. The 6-foot-2, 177-pound third baseman possesses a lean, projectable frame and is noticeably getting stronger and more physically mature with each look. His athleticism is evident in a 6.78-second 60-yard dash, a time that translates well to the field and helps him cover ground defensively. McMillin has shown arm strength up to 80 mph across the diamond, and there is reason to believe more is coming as his frame continues to develop. Offensively, McMillin's upside is particularly exciting. He has already produced exit velocities up to 98 mph and continues to show flashes of significant power potential. What stands out most is his ability to drive the baseball to both gaps and use the entire field rather than relying solely on pull-side power. As additional strength arrives, there is a chance he develops into a legitimate power threat at the next level. He also offers intriguing upside on the mound, where he has been up to 85 mph with a developing arsenal that includes two distinct breaking balls and a changeup that mirrors his fastball arm action well. While the changeup is still progressing, the overall pitching profile is promising. With his combination of size, athleticism, offensive upside, and two-way potential, McMillin is absolutely a must-follow prospect in the 2028 class.
+ INF Kipptyn Briggs (2028) of Kossuth High School is one of the more polished infield defenders in Mississippi’s 2028 class and continues to impress with a well-rounded skill set. At 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, Briggs combines athleticism, strength, and advanced defensive actions that stand out immediately. He is exceptionally smooth on the infield, showing a strong foundation of footwork, soft hands, and the ability to make accurate throws from multiple angles. His defensive instincts and reliability give him a chance to stay on the dirt long term, and his 6.81-second 60-yard dash adds another layer of athleticism to his profile. Offensively, Briggs is just as intriguing. The right-handed hitter possesses next-level pop for his age, producing exit velocities up to 100 mph while generating impressive explosiveness from his lower half. The strength and bat speed are already evident, and there is still plenty of room for continued development as he matures physically. He consistently impacts the baseball with authority and has the type of offensive upside that can make him a difference-maker in the middle of a lineup. With his combination of defensive polish, athleticism, and power potential, Briggs is a very fun player to watch and a prospect with significant upside moving forward.
+ INF Chase Howard (2029) of Jackson Academy is another example of a player whose game plays bigger than his measurements. At 5-foot-8, 165 pounds, Howard may not be the largest player on the field, but his instincts, athleticism, and feel for the game consistently stand out. Defensively, he looks the part with a solid glove, advanced actions, and a natural understanding of how to play the infield. He moves extremely well, posting a 6.78-second 60-yard dash, and his quickness and instincts allow him to cover plenty of ground. While he has the versatility to play multiple infield positions, second base appears to be a natural fit where his defensive skill set can really shine. At the plate, Howard continues to impress with his ability to consistently find barrels and produce quality contact. He uses the entire field well, stays under control throughout his swing, and has produced exit velocities up to 93 mph. His offensive approach is mature for his age, and he profiles as the type of player who can serve as a catalyst at the top of a lineup by putting pressure on defenses and creating opportunities. The combination of defensive polish, athleticism, baseball instincts, and offensive consistency makes Howard one of the more enjoyable young players to watch, and his future remains very bright as he continues to develop.
+ INF Rico Suber (2027) of Center Hill High School turned in a very solid performance at the Magnolia State Games and continues to show the traits of a player with plenty of upside. The 6-foot-2, 155-pound prospect possesses a long, lean frame with significant room for physical development, and as he continues to add strength, there is reason to believe his athletic tools will take another step forward. He opened the event with a 6.98-second 60-yard dash, an impressive mark for a player with his size, and one that could improve even further with continued maturation and the right development program. At the plate, Suber showed a mature approach, working primarily through the middle of the field with a line-drive swing geared toward putting quality balls in play. He produced exit velocities up to 91 mph and consistently showed the ability to stay on the baseball and find the barrel. Defensively, he displayed arm strength in the low-to-mid 80s across the diamond, adding another valuable tool to his profile. Beyond the physical tools, Suber brings an energetic and engaging personality that stands out around teammates and coaches. With his athletic frame, developing skill set, and positive makeup, he projects as the type of player that programs will enjoy bringing into their culture while also offering plenty of on-field upside.
+ INF Riels Holder (2028) of Petal High School made a strong first impression and looks like a player with plenty of upside as he continues to develop. The 6-foot, 170-pound prospect has a solid athletic foundation and posted a 7.10-second 60-yard dash. As he continues to add strength and physical maturity, there is reason to believe his overall athleticism will continue to improve. Defensively, Holder showed polished actions and a strong foundation in the field. He moves well, plays under control, and already displays the instincts and feel that should allow him to continue progressing as his body develops. At the plate, the right-handed hitter showed a mature approach with a smooth, repeatable swing. He works with a level bat path, consistently found barrels throughout the event, and produced exit velocities up to 91 mph. The swing is polished for his age, and he shows an advanced ability to square baseballs up with regularity. With his combination of defensive polish, offensive feel, and plenty of physical upside remaining, Holder is a prospect that should continue trending upward and is definitely a player to follow closely heading into the 2027 spring season.
+ INF Jackson Hoggatt (2029) of Germantown High School was one of the standout performers at the Magnolia State Games and a player who generated plenty of excitement throughout the event. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound third baseman already possesses a strong, athletic frame with plenty of projection remaining, and his overall skill set suggests a very bright future ahead. At the plate, Hoggatt was particularly impressive. The right-handed hitter showed a polished swing path with a mature approach, working primarily from the middle of the field to the pull side while flashing developing power. He produced exit velocities up to 95 mph and showed some natural loft in the swing, allowing the ball to carry well off the bat. As he continues to add strength and physical maturity over the next few years, there is reason to believe the power numbers will continue to climb. Defensively, Hoggatt moves well for his size, posting a 6.94-second 60-yard dash while showing the athleticism needed to handle the hot corner. He displayed accuracy on his throws from third base and arm strength into the low 80s, giving him a solid foundation defensively. The combination of size, athleticism, offensive upside, and overall polish made him one of the players that stood out most at the event. Hoggatt is a prospect with significant upside, and he is certainly a player we are excited to follow as his development continues over the coming years.
+ INF Sam Milner (2028) of Jackson Prep turned in another strong performance at the Magnolia State Games and continued to reinforce what we've seen from him during the high school season. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound infielder has consistently impressed with his offensive approach, and Tuesday's workout was no exception. Milner repeatedly found the barrel throughout batting practice, producing multiple hard line drives and exit velocities up to 91 mph. He has a natural feel for hitting, consistently squares baseballs up, and shows the type of bat-to-ball skills that make him one of the more reliable hitters in his class. What stands out most about Milner is the quality of his swing. It is simple, repeatable, and allows him to consistently create hard contact without trying to do too much. Defensively, he continues to play with good instincts and awareness while showing developing arm strength that should continue to improve as he matures physically. The overall game continues to trend upward, and there is still more strength to come, which should only enhance both his offensive and defensive tools. Milner is simply a really good hitter, and he's a player who is always fun to watch compete at the plate. His future remains very bright as he continues to develop.
+ INF Brenden Truss (2028) of Kosciusko High School is a highly athletic prospect who continues to trend in the right direction and is quickly becoming a player recruiters need to have firmly on their radar. The outfielder showed off his athleticism with an impressive 6.73-second 60-yard dash, pairing that speed with excellent first-step quickness that allows him to impact the game on both sides of the ball. Defensively, Truss continues to develop and showed arm strength up to 82 mph on the infield. As his footwork and overall defensive polish continue to improve, his defensive ceiling becomes even more exciting. At the plate, Truss is beginning to show the type of offensive upside that makes him a very intriguing prospect. The right-handed hitter produced exit velocities up to 94 mph and displayed developing power with a pull-side approach geared toward driving the baseball. The bat speed, athleticism, and physical tools suggest there is considerably more offensive production on the way as he matures and adds strength. With his combination of speed, defensive upside, and emerging power, Truss is definitely a player we want to continue following closely, and one that recruiters should already have on their radar.
+ INF Gabriel Estel (2027) of Hartfield Academy is an uncommitted infielder who looks unlikely to stay on the market for much longer. The 5-foot-10, 200-pound prospect brings a strong, physical build and consistently showed his offensive upside throughout gameplay. Estell attacks pitches with confidence and intent, producing exit velocities into the high 90s while showing the ability to impact the baseball with authority. The strength in the profile is evident, and he has the type of bat that can change an inning quickly. Beyond the offensive production, Estell is a solid defender who plays the game with energy and confidence. He posted a 7.02-second 60-yard dash and still has room to improve his athleticism as he continues to develop. What stands out most, however, is the overall competitiveness and presence he brings to the field. He simply looks like a gamer every time he steps between the lines. The combination of physicality, offensive upside, defensive reliability, and makeup makes Estell a prospect college recruiters may want to see immediately. He has all the traits of a player whose recruitment could pick up in a hurry.
+ INF Hogan Overby (2027) of Oxford High School, a recent Northwest Mississippi Community College commit, turned in one of the more impressive all-around performances at the Magnolia State Games. The athletic infielder opened the event with a blazing 6.68-second 60-yard dash, showcasing the speed and explosiveness that make him such a valuable player on both sides of the ball. Overby is an instinctive defender who plays with confidence and energy, displaying very good footwork, excellent first-step quickness, and the range to make plays all over the infield. He also showed arm strength up to 82 mph across the diamond with the accuracy needed to complete plays consistently. Offensively, the left-handed hitter continues to stand out with a mature approach and the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. Overby drives the baseball well to all fields, consistently producing quality contact and posting exit velocities up to 92 mph. His speed, bat-to-ball skills, and ability to put pressure on defenses make him a natural catalyst at the top of a lineup. The combination of athleticism, defensive instincts, offensive consistency, and competitive makeup makes Overby exactly the type of player coaches love having on their roster. He is a winning-type player who finds ways to contribute and impact games every time he takes the field.
UPCOMING 2026 SUMMER EVENTS ⤵️
| SHOWCASE | DATE | LOCATION |
| 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 |
Related Content:
- MS Magnolia State Games: Quick Hits, Infielders 6/15/26
- MS Magnolia State Games: Quick Hits, Catchers 6/12/26
- MS Magnolia State Games: Statistical Leaderboards 6/11/26
- MS South Mississippi Summer ID: Vizual Edge Scoreboard 6/09/26
- MS South Mississippi Summer ID: VALD Performance Leaderboards 6/08/26
- MS Magnolia State Games: Event Preview 6/08/26
- MS South Mississippi Summer ID: TrackMan Files 6/05/26
- MS Cole Prosek Named Prep Baseball Mississippi POTY 6/04/26
- MS Mississippi Class of 2028 Player Rankings: Post-Spring Update 6/04/26
- MS South Mississippi Summer ID: Quick Hits 6/04/26
