2026 Power 25 Countdown: No. 24 Heritage Mountaineers

Heritage High finished the 2025 season going 25-14 and losing to Soddy Daisy in the regional round in a 4-3 game. Going into the spring, the Mountaineers return 7 out of the 9 position players along with their two starting pitchers. 

On the mound, the Heritage Mountaineers possess one of the best pitching staffs in the state and have ammunition to make a real run at a state title at 3A classification. The ace of the staff is 2027 RHP/MIF Tennessee commit Gaven French. At the Future Games in July, Gaven put on an absolute clinic on the mound, ramping up his fastball to 94 MPH and a wipeout slider that is a true strikeout pitch. Not only a pitcher, Gaven is a true two way player that will play shortstop and hit at the top of the lineup for Heritage. Alongside French will be 2026 RHP/1B Hayden Sanders who proved to be a valuable compliment and showcases a mid-80s fastball. Hayden will also serve as the starting first baseman and hit in the middle of the lineup. The wildcard member of the rotation will be 2028 RHP/OF Hudson Brown who has come on the scene hot in the last year proving to be one of the best arms in the class. Hudson has a fastball up to 90 MPH and a wipeout slider that sits in the 2500 spin rate range. Very similar to French in that Hudson is a long, athletic mover on the mound with projectable upside that will only get better with age. Hudson should also get some time in the outfield as a sophomore. 

There are other key contributors returning to the lineup. 2026 INF Thomas Bowers returns to man the third baseman position and hit at the top of the lineup. Thomas is a two sport athlete that should be a key member that will provide senior leadership and set the tone for this veteran group. Bryan College commit 2026 C Teagan Ruehling will return to manage the talented pitching staff and hit in the middle of the lineup. Standing 6’2 180 lbs, Teagan is a powerful presence behind the plate and should project well at the next level. 

This Heritage group has everything a team would need to get to Murfreesboro in May.