MISSISSIPPI - The first round of the MHSAA Class 1A-4A state baseball playoffs delivered no shortage of standout performances as teams across the state began their championship quests. From dominant pitching to explosive offensive outbursts, players stepped up in big moments to lead their teams to crucial playoff victories that punched tickets to the Sweet 16. Here’s a look at some of the top individual performers who made a major impact and helped set the tone for what’s shaping up to be another exciting week of postseason play in Mississippi.

Please note that all players listed were submitted by high school coaches.

 

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PLAYOFF PERFORMERS

+ Connally Gaddis (Sebastopol HS) had a monster first-round playoff performance against Simmons, going 1-for-1 with a grand slam while drawing 3 walks and driving in 5 runs. Gaddis made every plate appearance count, delivering the biggest swing of the game and constantly putting pressure on the defense.

+ Gauge Walker (2029, Wheeler HS) turned in a dominant complete-game shutout in a 7-0 win over Potts Camp. The 7th grader worked all 7 innings, allowing just 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 8, showing poise and maturity well beyond his age in a huge playoff moment.

+ Caleb Brown (2028, Wheeler HS) followed with a strong playoff outing of his own, tossing 7 innings in a 5-3 win over Potts Camp. The freshman allowed just 5 hits and no earned runs while striking out 4, helping secure the series victory.

+ Chadwick Brown (Poplarville HS) stayed hot in the opening round against Bay High, going 5-for-6 with 3 RBIs and consistently coming through in big spots to lead the Hornets offense.

+ Trip Jones (Poplarville HS) delivered a huge offensive performance as well, going 5-for-7 with 4 RBIs, providing big-time production and helping fuel Poplarville’s playoff success.

+ Jon Grey Morrisson (West Union HS) completely took over Game 1 against Falkner, firing a 5-inning perfect game with 9 strikeouts to earn the win. He also starred at the plate, going 2-for-2 with 2 home runs, making it one of the most dominant all-around playoff performances of the round.

+ Carter Craven (2028, Baldwyn HS) was a key catalyst in Baldwyn’s series win over Myrtle, hitting .667 (4-for-6) with a .778 OBP while scoring 3 runs and consistently finding ways to get on base.

+ Brayer Wesson (2027, Baldwyn HS) contributed in multiple ways, going 3-for-7 (.429) with a .600 OBP, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored while continuing to provide steady production.

+ Ridge Mask (2028, Baldwyn HS) picked up a big Game 2 win on the mound, tossing 6 innings and allowing just 1 run to help clinch the series over Myrtle.

+ Rush Watkins (2028, Baldwyn HS) set the tone in Game 1 with a complete-game 3-hit shutout, completely silencing Myrtle’s offense and giving Baldwyn a huge start to the series.

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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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