The 2026 Tennessee high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Tennessee.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Murfreesboro at the state tournament championships – but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Tennessee. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week and updating the Power 25 rankings.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today.

Please note that all Team Previews were submitted by High School Coaches.

High School: Karns High School
Head Coach: Drew Patterson
TSSAA Classification: 4A
District: District 3
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 19-17

 

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ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

• P Blake Bowerd (2027)
• INF Braden Harness (2027)
• INF Carter Branson (2028)
• INF Rene Pena (2028)
• OF CJ Burnette (2027)
• Tucker Fowlkes (2027)

+ Top Returning Pitchers:

• Blake Bowers
• CJ Burnette
• Tucker Fowlkes
• Carter Branson
• Rene Pena
• Trevan Gray
  

More Names to Know

2026s:

• Kagen West 

2027s:

• Braden Harness
• CJ Burnette
• Tucker Fowlkes
• Joe Currier
• Blake Bowers

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TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

• Carter Branson
• Ethan Wassom
• Rena Pen
• Trevan Gray

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2026 OUTLOOK

+ Karns enters the 2026 season coming off a 19–17 campaign with a roster that features balance, versatility, and a large junior class ready to take ownership of the program. Under head coach Drew Patterson, the Beavers return a core group that gained valuable experience in District 3 play and now looks to translate that into more consistency and postseason traction in Class 4A.

The strength of this roster lies in its athletic infield nucleus. Braden Harness (2027) returns as one of the more reliable defenders on the dirt and should once again be counted on to stabilize the middle of the field. His experience and feel for the game give Karns a steady presence in key situations. Carter Branson (2028) and Rene Pena (2028) are two underclass infielders who have already carved out meaningful roles and bring a blend of athleticism and upside. Both project as long-term pieces for the program while still contributing heavily this spring.

In the outfield, CJ Burnette (2027) and Tucker Fowlkes (2027) provide athletic range and offensive value. Burnette’s two-way profile gives Karns flexibility, while Fowlkes offers another experienced option who understands the speed of district play. Together, they form a group that can impact games both offensively and defensively.

On the mound, Karns returns a committee-style staff with multiple arms capable of taking innings. Blake Bowers (2027) headlines the group and projects as a primary piece in the rotation. His ability to handle meaningful innings will be critical as the Beavers look to control tempo in district matchups. Burnette, Fowlkes, Branson, and Pena all factor into the pitching mix, giving the coaching staff options and matchup flexibility throughout the week. Trevan Gray adds additional depth and could emerge as an important contributor as the season unfolds.

The 2026 class features Kagen West as a name to follow, while the 2027 group including Harness, Burnette, Fowlkes, Joe Currier, and Bowers forms the backbone of the roster. That junior-heavy core should give Karns both leadership and continuity throughout the spring.

The next wave is already pushing forward as well. Ethan Wassom joins Branson, Pena, and Gray among the younger pieces expected to contribute meaningful varsity innings and at-bats. Their development will play a key role in elevating the program’s ceiling.

With a versatile infield, multiple two-way options, and a pitching staff built on depth rather than a single arm, Karns enters 2026 with a balanced profile. If the Beavers can establish consistent run production and define clear roles on the mound, they have the pieces in place to build on last year’s winning record and make a stronger push in District 3 competition.

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Find more information on Karns High School’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on X: @KarnsBaseball
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our TSSAA Season Preview page

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