The 2026 Texas 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 Texas.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Austin at the UIL State Tournament in June, 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 Texas. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 30 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.

High School: Lumberton Raiders
Head Coach: Jeff Bennett (330 total wins … 2nd season at Lumberton)
UIL Classification: 4A-18
Team Strengths: Returning Experience
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 26-11-1 (4A Regional Finalist)
Key Players Lost: Lost 10 seniors from last year

• SS/RHP Jackson Pullen (Angelina JC)
• C Gavin Harmse (Angelina College)
• P/UTL Hudson Emerson - 1st Team All-District

   

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ROSTER PREVIEW

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• 3B/RHP Colton Harwell (2026) - 1st Team All-District Pitcher
• SS/RHP Mason Castolenia (2026)
• 1B/RHP Talon White (2027) - Honorable Mention All-District
• OF/RHP Luke Cody (2027) - 1st Team All-District Outfielder
• RHP/UTL Madden Dean (2027)
• Number of Returning Position Players: 3
• Number of Returning Starting Pitchers: 1
• Number of Returning Relief Pitchers: 2

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TOP NEWCOMERS

• C Alex Gilmore (2026)
• C/1B Nick Gomez (2027)
• RHP/UTL Connor Glaze (2027)
• RHP/INF Landon Parish (2027)
• LHP/OF Braxton Rinando (2028)
• INF Cannon Taylor (2028)

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COACH’S QUOTE

“Even though we lost 10 seniors (8 Starters) from last years group, I feel that the kids we have coming back will carry the load for us. We have a strong junior class, and they will be counted on to produce this year. We had a good fall semester, and I am looking forward to what this year holds.”

- Jeff Bennett, Lumberton Head Coach

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TEAM OUTLOOK

The Lumberton Raiders enter the 2026 season looking to build on a historic 2025 campaign that saw the program reach the 4A Regional Finals, the deepest playoff run in school history. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jeff Bennett, who boasts 330 total career wins, the Raiders finished last year with an impressive 26-11-1 record. Their success was particularly evident on their home field, where they went undefeated in district play and finished 8-1 overall.

Despite the momentum from last season, the Raiders face a significant roster transition after losing 10 seniors, including key contributors like SS/RHP Jackson Pullen, C Gavin Harmse, and 1st Team All-District utility player Hudson Emerson. The team currently returns three position players, one starting pitcher, and two relief pitchers to the lineup. Returning experience will likely be the strength of the squad as they navigate the upcoming season.

The 2026 roster will rely heavily on a core of talented returning upperclassmen. Leading the way are 2026 prospects 3B/RHP Colton Harwell, a 1st Team All-District pitcher, and SS/RHP Mason Castolenia. They are joined by standout 2027 players, including 1st Team All-District OF Luke Cody and Honorable Mention 1B/RHP Talon White. This group, along with RHP/UTL Madden Dean, provides a foundation of varsity experience across the diamond and on the mound.

Lumberton also expects contributions from a fresh crop of newcomers across multiple grade levels. The senior class adds depth with C Alex Gilmore, while the junior class introduces versatile players like RHP/UTL Connor Glaze and RHP/INF Landon Parish. The program is also looking toward the future with sophomores LHP/OF Braxton Rinando and INF Cannon Taylor joining the varsity ranks. This blend of decorated returners and emerging talent will be the key to the Raiders' pursuit of another deep postseason run in Austin.

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Find more information on the 2026 Lumberton program below:

+ Lumberton 2026 Schedule
+ Follow on X/Twitter: @Diamond_Raiders
+ Prep Baseball Texas Team Preview Page

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