2026 HS Preview: Region 7 & 8
February 23, 2026
2026 North Carolina High School Baseball Previews
As the 2026 high school baseball season approaches, Prep Baseball is proud to roll out our annual North Carolina High School Baseball Previews, spotlighting programs from across the state.
Information for these previews was gathered directly by Prep Baseball’s scouting staff, along with detailed preseason questionnaires submitted by high school coaches statewide. Coaches provided insight into their returning players, team strengths and weaknesses, offseason development, and overall outlook heading into the spring. Every program that completed the questionnaire will receive a team preview as part of this series.
The goal of the North Carolina High School Baseball Previews is simple: highlight high school baseball across the state and bring attention to impact players at every level. From established contenders and defending champions to emerging programs and under-the-radar rosters, this series is designed to give readers a comprehensive look at the teams and athletes shaping the 2026 season.
Previews will be released by region, with two regions published each day, making it easy to follow along and track storylines as opening day approaches. Each team breakdown will include an overview, projected strengths and areas to watch, and key players to follow — with an emphasis on prospects making noise within Prep Baseball’s coverage.
We appreciate the time and effort from the coaches who contributed to this project and look forward to covering what promises to be another competitive and talent-filled spring across North Carolina.
Stay tuned as we begin rolling out the 2026 previews.
Region 7 & 8 Previews
Regions 7 & 8 cover the western side of North Carolina. Region 7 sits north of the Charlotte Region (6) and west of the Triad Region (5). Region 8 is the far western side of the state, covering most of the mountain area.
Table of Contents
AC Reynolds | Alexander Central HS | Asheville | Asheville Christian Academy | Athens Drive High School | Christ School | East Henderson High School | East Rutherford | East Surry | Forbush High School | Hickory High School | Pisgah High School | South Iredell High School | T.C. Roberson | West Henderson | West Wilkes
AC Reynolds
Head Coach: Michael Staicar
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: Mountain Athletic Conference
2025 Record (Finish): 16-10
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ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
Luke Nesbitt (Cleveland CC), Jackson Pavone (NC Wesleyan)
Top Returners:
Cody Hudgins 2027, SS/ RHP
Duncan Carver 2028 RHP
Jaaron Frye 2028 CF/ RHP
Brayden Davis 2026 C/ 2B Committed to play at Erskine College
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Duncan Carver 2028, Cody Hudgins 2027, Jaaron Frye 2028
Projected Starting Lineup:
C Brayden Davis, 1B Jayden Moree, 2B Avery Rymer, SS Cody Hudgins, 3B Levi Anderson, LF Gage Borosco, CF Jaaron Frye, RF Andrew Mincey
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Duncan Carver
Jaaron Frye
Gage Borosco
Jayden Moree
Baylor Pavone
Griff Parker
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
+ Veteran Leadership
+ Depth and quality on the mound
Top Seniors:
Brayden Davis
Top Juniors:
Cody Hudgins
“The 2026 schedule is no easy path—it's designed to challenge this youthful roster, push them out of their comfort zone, and expose them to high-level competition. But that’s exactly what will shape them.” – Michael Staicar, head coach
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
AC Reynolds should be a state contender this spring, boasting one of the top pitching staffs in the state. Cody Hudgins will be a key bullpen piece, as well as all conference arm Duncan Carver. Senior catcher Brayden Davis will be a leader that the Rockets will rely on. The Rockets have a high ceiling as their young roster matures in 2026.
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Alexander Central HS
Head Coach: Pete Hardee
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: Northwestern 6A/7A
2025 Record (Finish): 15-10
ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
N/A
Top Returners:
Carter Bowmen (Sr.) Sawyer Chapman-mayes(Sr.) Koa Mikael (Sr.) Gunner Johnson (So) Jude Carter (Jr.) Jared Zientek (So) Graham Hoke (Jr.)
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Jude Carter, Carter Bowmen, Jared Zienteck
Projected Starting Lineup:
P Carter Bowmen, DH/P Jude Carter, 1B Maddix Reese, 2B Kade Church, 3B Gunner Johnson, SS Ty Matheson, LF Gavin Bently, CF Sawyer Chapman- Mayes, RF Koa Mikael
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Gunner Johnson
Jared Zientek
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
Chemistry, Pitching, Hitting
Top Seniors:
Koa Mikael, Sawyer Chapman-Mays, Carter Bowmen
Top Juniors:
Jude Carter, Graham Hoke
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
With a good crop of returning arms, the Cougars will really look to compete in the 2026 season. Right hander Carter Bowman will be a key piece of the rotation on the mound. Jude Carter will be an impact player on offense as well as on the mound. Look for Gunner Johnson to be an emerging piece in the Alexander Central lineup.
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Asheville
Head Coach: Bill Hillier
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: Mountain Athletic
2025 Record (Finish): 16-8-1
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ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
Jay Secretarski (Penn)
Top Returners:
Trent Maybin OF, 26- Texas
Wilkin Lurie- OF, 26- Coastal Carolina
Tae Trantham- SS, 26, RHP- UVA- Wise
Tommy Secretarski- SS, RHP- Pennsylvania
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Tae Trantham, Jericho Swinger, Tommy Secretarski, Colin Gilliland
Projected Starting Lineup:
C- Henry James 1B- Xavier Calloway, 2B- Liam Rice,, SS- Tommy Secretarski, 3B- Wilson Love, LF- Wilkin Lurie, CF- Trent Maybin, RF-Jericho Swinger SP- Tae Trantham
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
2028 – All with experience in 2025 season
Wilson Love
Liam Rice
Henry
James
Dublin Hankins
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
Team Speed, Team Defense, Team Offense
Top Seniors:
Trent Maybin, Wilkin Lurie, Tae Trantham
Top Juniors:
Tommy Secretarski, Xavier Calloway
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
The Cougars enter 2026 off a 1st round playoff exit last season. Trent Maybin and Wilkin Lurie will anchor the Cougars lineup, while Tae Trantham will be a key contributor on both sides of the ball. Asheville has a young core with varsity experience looking to build off of last year. While depth on the mound may be a question mark, the Cougars have all the talent to make a run offensively.
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Asheville Christian Academy
Head Coach: Chris Zaccaro
Classification: NCISAA
Conference: NCISAA Carolina Conference
2025 Record (Finish): 8-12
ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
John Neuenschwander
Top Returners:
Josh Moore 1B/P, 2027
Nate Hoornstra LHP/CF, 2027
Donovan Felix C/P/Util, 2028
Leyton Patterson, Util. 2026
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Josh Moore, Nate Hoornstra, Donovamn Felix, Tristan Hurley
Projected Starting Lineup:
TBA
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Donovan Felix
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
+ Mound Depth
+ Defense
Top Seniors:
Leyton Patterson, Util.
Top Juniors:
Josh Moore 1B/RHP
Nate Hoornstra LHP/CF
Tristan Hurley RHP
Jack Duckett MINF
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
The Lions come into 2026 with a young group with some upside. Josh Moore, Nate Hoonstra, and Donovan Felix are underclassmen looking to make an impact for Asheville Christian. Senior Leyton Patterson will look to be a solid bat in the lineup. The Lions will rely on defense and solid pitching to be successful for 2026.
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Athens Drive High School
Head Coach: Taylor Webster
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: Cap 8
2025 Record (Finish): 14-13
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ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
7 Seniors that all started. Top 3 Pitchers. SS. CF. C.
Top Returners:
Miguel Delgado - C/1B, 2027, Committed to VCU
Austin Mantz - OF, 2026, uncommitted
Jack Wallace - P, 2026, uncommitted
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Jack Wallace
Projected Starting Lineup:
Austin Mantz - CF
Miguel Delgado - C
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Owen Eudy
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
+ Competitive Group.
Top Seniors:
Austin Mantz OF
Jack Wallace P
Top Juniors:
Miguel Delgado - C/1B , committed to VCU.
“We want to simplify the game. Confidence in throwing strikes, making the routine plays defensively, and capitalizing on other team's mistakes.” – Taylor Webster, head coach
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
Athens Drive will look to rebuild after losing 7 starting seniors from 2025. Miguel Delgado will hold down the middle of the lineup, while Jack Wallace will be the leading arm on the mound. The Jaguars will look to a young core with plenty of upside to compete in 2026.
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Christ School
Head Coach: Wesley King
Classification: NCISAA
Conference: Carolinas Athletic Association
2025 Record (Finish): 9-15-1
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ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
Jonathan Reece, catcher/captain
Top Returners:
Garin Gosnell, LHP/OF, 2028.
Henry Tutera, Catcher, 2028.
Patrick Robichaud, 3rd/P, 2027
Will Ray, 1st, 2027.
Cam Walker, RHP, 2028.
Wells Alderman, SS/RHP, 2026
Cade Graning, Infielder, 2026
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Garin Gosnell, Patrick Robichaud, Cam Walker
Projected Starting Lineup:
TBA
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Garin Gosnell, Henry Tutera, Patrick Robichaud, Cam Walker
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
Pitching and Team Speed
Top Seniors:
Cade Graning, Infielder/Outfielder
Jack Ray, 6'3 RHP.
Top Juniors:
Patrick Robichaud
Nehemiah Smith
TK Wright
“This group has the tools to be special group. We are young, but very fast, deep on the mound, and fully committed to how we want to play…. What really sets this team apart is the culture we have been building since September. The players work, communicate, and hold each other to a very high standard. They care about doing things the right way and playing for something bigger than themselves.” – Wesley King, head coach
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
The Greenies' 2026 outlook features a promising, young core with breakout potential, anchored by all-conference player Garin Gosnell and catcher Henry Tutera. Senior starter Wells Alderman is poised to lead the team on the mound. Additionally, Patrick Robichaud is expected to be a crucial two-way contributor, both offensively and on the bump.
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East Henderson High School
Head Coach: Taylor Noble
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: Mountain 8
2025 Record (Finish): 7-17
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ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
Kam Patterson, Blake Ritchey, Owen Brewster
Top Returners:
Tristen Sumner RHP 2026
Garrett Gosnell LHP 2027
Cole Holbrook C 2027
Jake Harvey MIF 2027
James Osborne 1B 2027
Tyler Lowery MIF 2028
Henry Love OF 2028
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Tristen Sumner, Garrett Gosnell, Cole Holbrook, Tyler Lowery
Projected Starting Lineup:
P- Tristen Sumner C- Cole Holbrook 1B- James Osborne 2B- Tyler Hill SS- Jake Harvey 3B- Tyler Lowery LF- Colton Emory CF- Henry Love RF- Garrett Gosnell
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Tyler Lowery, Henry Love, Caleb Burress, Trey Justice
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
+ Pitching Depth
+ Team Speed
+ Competitiveness
Top Seniors:
Tristen Sumner RHP 2026 Florence-Darlington Commit
Top Juniors:
Cole Holbrook C 2027
Jake Harvey SS 2027
Garrett Gosnell LHP 2027
James Osborne 1B 2027
“This year we are looking to benefit from three years of a young varsity core that have played together for a while. This team has built the core of our program for the last three years and look to build off of early success as freshmen and sophomores.” – Taylor Noble, head coach
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
The East Henderson Eagles enter the 2026 season with a young, athletic roster focused on achieving consistency and growth. The Eagles' pitching staff will be anchored by Tristen Sumner, with left-hander Garrett Gosnell expected to provide additional contributions on the mound. Defensively, catcher Cole Holbrook and shortstop Jake Harvey will solidify the middle infield. Key to East Henderson's success this year will be maintaining team speed and consistent pitching.
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East Rutherford
Head Coach: Drew Reynolds
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: Western Piedmont 3A/4A
2025 Record (Finish): 30-1 (2A State Champions)
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ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
Jacob Lee, Colby Condrey, Elliott Tisdale, JD Toney
Top Returners:
Preston Henson, SS, 2026, Brunswick Community College
Malachi Dato, RHP/OF, 2026, Florence-Darlington Tech
Caleb Bennett, RHP/1B, 2026, Montreat College
Matthew Pinkerton, RHP/C/INF/OF, 2026
Brandon Pinkerton, OF, 2026
Eli Webb, RHP/C/INF, 2026
Eli Roof, C, 2026
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Aiden Thomas RHP/1B/OF, 2029
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
+ Experience - 2025 State Champs
+ Production - high end players have produced in big stages
Top Seniors:
Preston Henson, SS, 2026, Brunswick Community College
Malachi Dato, RHP/OF, 2026, Florence-Darlington Tech
Caleb Bennett, RHP/1B, 2026, Montreat College
Matthew Pinkerton, RHP/C/INF/OF, 2026
Brandon Pinkerton, OF, 2026
Eli Webb, RHP/C/INF, 2026
Eli Roof, C, 2026
Top Juniors:
Brody Wilson, RHP/OF, 2027
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
After winning the 2A state championship in 2025, the Cavaliers are poised for another strong run in 2026, thanks to a deep roster and an established winning culture. Shortstop Preston Henson is expected to be a key offensive leader. Malachi Dato, Caleb Bennett, and Matthew Pinkerton will be crucial two-way contributors, while younger players Brody Wilson and Aiden Thomas are looking to make an impact. The team has significant upside for the upcoming season.
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East Surry
Head Coach: Chad Freeman
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: Northwest 3A/4A
2025 Record (Finish): 13-12
ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
Stevie Keener, Luke Bruner, Phillip Byrd
Top Returners:
Vincent Pannutti, C/3B/P, 2026 (Barton College commit)
Porter Gibson, C/OF, 2026
JB Davis, P/Utl, 2027
Carter Motsinger, IF/P, 2026
Cameron Allred, DH/3B, 2026
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Brian Cave (2027 - P/IF)
Weston Dean (2027 - P/IF)
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
+ Experience - 6 returning starters
Top Seniors:
Vincent Pannutti
Porter Gibson
Carter Motsinger
Top Juniors:
JB Davis
Brayden Jones
Brett Moser
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
The Cardinals face the challenge of replacing significant innings from their 2025 pitching staff, but their offense remains explosive and largely intact. Vincent Pannutti, Carter Motsinger, and Porter Gibson are expected to lead the offensive charge. Pitching depth is a potential strength, with the 2027 trio of JB Davis, Brian Cave, and Weston Dean poised to be key contributors in 2026. While the offense has the capability to win games, the team's postseason success in May will ultimately depend on the performance and reliability of the pitching staff.
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Forbush High School
Head Coach: Jack Moss
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: Northwest 3A/4A
2025 Record (Finish): 19-9 (Conference Champs, Conference Tournament Champs, 19-9 record, 3rd Round Playoffs)
ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
Colton Moxley - POY - SS, leadoff; Weston Vestal - C; Aaron Hutchens - 3rd; Dylan McClamrock-2B
Top Returners:
Bo Moxley - 1B/3B/RHP - Sr - #12 - 2026 - CVCC commit
Hunter Conrad - LHP/RF - Sr - #22 - 2026 - Wake Tech commit
Giovanni Casertano - C/CR - Sr - #21 - 2026
Luke Hutchens - RHP/SS - Soph - #7 - 2026
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Hunter Conrad, Luke Hutchens, Bo Moxley, Gavin Doub, Caleb Williams, Hunter Wolfe
Projected Starting Lineup:
1-Giovanni Casertano-Sr-C/CF; 2-Hunter Conrad-LHP/RF;3-Bo Moxley-RHP/1B; 4-Caleb Williams-3B/2B; 5-Luke Hutchens-SS/RHP; 6-Hunter Wolfe-CF/LHP; 7-Noah Haughwaut-LF/2B;8-Eli Wells-1B/DH;8-Gavin Doub-OF;9-Will Tomlin-3rd/C; 10-Keaton Forrest-OF
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Will Tomlin - freshman - C/3B
Conner Mullins - freshmen - inf
Luke Hutchens - sophomore - RHP/SS
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
+ Depth and talent on the mound
Top Seniors:
Bo Moxley; Hunter Conrad; Giovanni Casertano
Top Juniors:
Caleb Williams; Gavin Doub
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
Forbush enters the 2026 season with championship expectations, building on the momentum of their 2025 conference and tournament titles. The Falcons' explosive offense will be led by returning All-State selections Bo Moxley and Giovanni Casertano. On the mound, left-hander Hunter Conrad is set to anchor the pitching staff. The team also features promising underclass talent, including Luke Hutchens.
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Hickory High School
Head Coach: David Craft
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: Western Foothills Athletic Conference
2025 Record (Finish): 13-11 (5 win improvement from 2024)
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ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
Ellis chappell OF- Dorrian Medley- OF
Top Returners:
Maddox McRee- RHP- NC State signee
Ronan Nieland OF Jr-
J. B. Young INF Jr
Wyatt Everman JR SS/P
Darrow Holder SR C
Harris Eimer- Inf/RHP- SOPH
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Maddox Mcree/ Ronan Nieland/ Wyatt Everman
Projected Starting Lineup:
+ Several key returners to key spots
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Stiles Robinson- 10th
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
+ Experience in the field
+ Solid depth in lineup
Top Seniors:
Maddox Mcree RHP/ Darrow Holder C
Top Juniors:
J.B.Young INF/Wyatt Everman SS/P/ Ronan Nieland OF/RHP
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
The Hickory Red Tornadoes are poised for a competitive 2026 season, leaning on a foundation of experienced players. The team's senior leadership will be key as they contend for the WFAC championship. On the mound, Maddox McRee is expected to be a primary arm after a strong 2025 campaign where he registered 72 strikeouts over 47 innings. Versatile player Wyatt Everman will anchor the defense in the middle of the field while also offering pitching depth. Offensively, the lineup will be highlighted by the contributions of Ronan Nieland and Darrow Holder.
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Pisgah High School
Head Coach: Harold Shepard
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: Mountain 8
2025 Record (Finish): 11-10
ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
Carson Allison - blue field state,
ford jones - brevard college
Top Returners:
Boone carver- Gaston cc, Maddox wright - Cleveland cc, Zack Wester, Isaiah Mintz, Landon wright, Jaxon layman, Zane wilson bradden surrett
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Zack Wester, bradden surrett, Landon wright, Jaxon layman, Maddox wright, Zane wilson
Projected Starting Lineup:
Isaiah Mintz (8), Zane Wilson (7), Jaxon layman (9), Zack Wester 1, Boone carver (2), owen rigsby (3), bradden surrett (4), Maddox wright (6), Landon wright (5)
Top Returners:
Boone Carver- Gaston CC, Maddox Wright - Cleveland CC, Zack Wester, Isaiah Mintz, Landon Wright, Jaxon Layman, Zane Wilson Bradden Surrett
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Zack Wester, Bradden Surrett, Landon Wright, Jaxon Layman, Maddox Wright, Zane Wilson
Projected Starting Lineup:
Isaiah Mintz (8), Zane Wilson (7), Jaxon Layman (9), Zack Wester 1, Boone Carver (2), Owen Rigsby (3), Bradden Surrett (4), Maddox Wright (6), L...
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
Pitching and defense
Top Seniors:
Boone Carver, Maddox Wright, Bradden Surrett, Jaxon Layman
Top Juniors:
Zack Wester, Isaiah Mintz, Landon Wright, Zane Wilson
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
Pisgah's 2026 outlook hinges on its deep and talented pitching staff, headlined by potential high-end ace Zack Wester. Offensively, the Bears have the potential to be a disruptive force. Scoring early could significantly reduce in-game pressure, allowing the lineup to mature into a group capable of scoring in high volume.
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South Iredell High School
Head Coach: Zach Little
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: North Piedmont 6A/7A
2025 Record (Finish): 20-9 (4A sweet sixteen)
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ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
Abram Johnson, Gavin Melvin, Tristan Kinsey
Top Returners:
Reid Johnson OF-C Sr. - Catawba signee
Eli Beekley C Sr. - Gaston College
Luke Snell RHP Sr. - Erskine College
Dylan Hughesman LHP-1B Jr. 2025 Conference Pitcher of the year
Brendan Blankenship P-SS Soph.
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Dylan Hughesman LHP
TBD
Projected Starting Lineup:
TBD
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Brendan Blankenship Sophomore
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
High baseball IQ, Team Culture, Senior leadership
Top Seniors:
Reid Johnson C-OF Catawba Commit
Luke Snell RHP Erskine Commit
Eli Beekley C-1B Gaston Commit
Brady Robbins INF-P Bob Jones Commit
Carter Culbreth 1B-P William Peace Commit
Zay Westmoreland OF Barber-Scotia Commit
Brody Hunt OF
Cody Bodell RHP
Jacob Bolton RHP
Top Juniors:
Dylan Hughesman LHP-1B Returning Conf. POY)
Blake Mcdowell INF-C
Milo Peck OF
Conner Huwe LHP-1B
“We are looking to continue to build off of last season's success of making it to the 3rd round of the state playoffs. We have been intentional in creating a challenging non-conference schedule to help prepare us for competing for a conference championship and a deep run in the 7A state playoffs.” – Zach Little, head coach
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
Aiming to surpass their 2025 third-round playoff exit, the Vikings appear poised for another deep May run. Their core features the versatile leadership of Reid Johnson and the formidable presence of 2025 Conference Player of the Year Dylan Hugesman. Additionally, the team expects a major contribution on the mound from pitcher Luke Snell.
Find more information on the 2026 South Iredell High School program below:
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T.C. Roberson
Head Coach: Eric Filipek
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: Mountain Athletic Conference
2025 Record (Finish): 27-6 (State Champs / 3rd Consecutive)
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ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
Micah Simpson, Caden Davidson, Zeb Swangim, JT Smith, CJ Wallace, Jake Parham, Lorenzo Lyles, Asher Ring
Top Returners:
Zeke Adwaters / INF-OF / 2026
Parker Filipek / C-UT / 2027
Chappy Smith / SS / 2027
Holt Gaston / RHP-OF-1B / 2027
Brooks Hemphill / OF / 2027
Cooper Friedholm / RHP-INF / 2027
Kaegan Radford / C-OF / 2027
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Holt Gaston, Cooper Friedholm, Liam Suttles, Dave Pastucik
Projected Starting Lineup:
1. Chappy Smith - SS / 2. Parker Filipek - C / 3. Holt Gaston - DH-LF / 4. Kaegan Radford - RF / 5. Zeke Adwaters - 3B/LF / 6. Brooks Hemphill - CF / 7. Dave Pastucik - 1B / 8. Isaac Sierra - 2b / 9. Cooper Friedholm - 3b-LF
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Christian Norton 2028 - LHP-1B
Zach Norton 2028 RHP-OF
Seaver Worley - LHP
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
+ Culture - 3 Consecutive State Championships
+ Team Speed
+ Depth to the Order
+ Defense
Top Seniors:
Zeke Adwaters
Dave Pastucik
Top Juniors:
Parker Filipek
Holt Gaston
Chappy Smith
Cooper Friedholm
Kaegan Radford
Brooks Hemphill
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
The Rams are well-positioned for a fourth consecutive state championship in 2026, building on their current streak of three. Their returning offensive core features Zeke Adwaters, Chappy Smith, and Parker Filipek. The pitching staff will be anchored by Cooper Friedholm and Christian Norton. Additionally, Holt Gaston is anticipated to be a key two-way contributor, both on the mound and at the plate. With a blend of established lineup veterans and promising young pitchers, TC appears set for another strong bid for the state title.
Find more information on the 2026 T.C. Roberson program below:
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West Henderson
Head Coach: Jackie Corn
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: Mountain 8 4A/5A Conference
2025 Record (Finish): 12-12
ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
n/a
Top Returners:
2026 Brady Duvall P/OF, 2026 Greyson Payne P/INF, 2027 Jackson Stepp SS/P, 2028 Griffin Tillery C,
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Greyson Payne, Brady Duvall, Nathan Klepp
Projected Starting Lineup:
TBA
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Griffin Tillery
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
+ Experience
+ Depth
Top Seniors:
Brady Duvall, Greyson Payne, Nathan Klepp
Top Juniors:
Jackson Stepp, Brady Dozier, Grayson Davis, Patrick Auten
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
The 2026 season looks promising for West Henderson, which boasts a deep and experienced roster centered on its pitching strength. Key returners include seniors Brady Duvall and Greyson Payne, both anticipated to make significant two-way contributions. On the mound, the Falcons can rely on right-hander Nathan Klepp. Expect West Henderson to be a competitive contender against the region's top teams.
Find more information on the 2026 West Henderson program below:
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West Wilkes
Head Coach: Drew Ward
Classification: NCHSAA
Conference: Mountain Valley
2025 Record (Finish): 12-14 (Coach Ward- 200th career win)
ROSTER OVERVIEW
Key Players Lost:
n/a
Top Returners:
Eli Johnson, C, 2026 - Signed with Surry Community College.
Hayden Gentry, RHP/3B, 2026
Brayden Vickers, LHP/OF, 2026 - Committed to Bob Jones University
Cohen Taylor, SS, 2028
Logan Sharpe, 2B, 2026
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Hayden Gentry, Holden Gentry, Jeb Boykin, Brayden Vickers, Keaton Parker
Projected Starting Lineup:
TBA
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN
Cohen Taylor- SS, Jeb Boykin- RHP/OF, Luke Dillard-OF, Carson Snider-C/2B
SEASON OUTLOOK
Team Strengths:
+ Team Depth
+ Athleticism
Top Seniors:
Eli Johnson, C
Hayden Gentry, RHP/3B
Braydon Vickers, LHP/OF
Logan Sharpe, 2B
Keaton Parker, RHP/OF
Top Juniors:
Easton Allen, RHP/3B
Jase Miller, 1B
Camden Wayne, IF
Prep Baseball NC Scout Notes:
The West Wilkes Blackhawks will rely on their athleticism and significant depth this season. Anchoring the defense is four-year starter Eli Johnson behind the plate. On the mound, left-handed pitcher Brayden Vickers is expected to be an impact arm. Additionally, underclassman Cohen Taylor is a player to watch on this highly competitive team.
Find more information on the 2026 West Wilkes program below:
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