Prep Baseball Report

AL HS Team Preview: Madison Academy Mustangs


PBR Alabama Staff

The 2023 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement abounds 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 Alabama.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in the Jacksonville/Oxford/Montgomery area at the AISA or AHSAA state 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 Alabama. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews and by continuing our scheduled podcasts and releasing our preseason Top 10 in each AHSAA classification. 

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, updating the Top 10 in each AHSAA classification as well as a Power 25. One thing that you especially don’t want to miss are our scheduled podcasts with guests from across the state as well as recaps and previews of big games across the state.  

*Please note that all information is based on team preview questionnaires that were sent out and returned by the participating high school coaches.


High School Name: Madison Academy Mustangs

Coach’s Name: David Pressley  

Classification: AHSAA 5A 

2022 Record: 30-15

Area Number: Class 5A, Area 16 

No. of Returning Positional Starters:

No. of Returning Pitchers:

Team Strengths: Leadership, Energy, Quality Defensive Catchers & Outfielders

Top Returning Players:

Top 2025 & 2026 Prospects:

Team Outlook

The Madison Academy Mustangs have consistently been real contenders in Class 5A over the past few years, and they'll aim for another deep playoff run this spring. Using a strong core of returning players from last year and some new players who look to ready to make an impact, the Mustangs should once again be one of the teams to look for in Class 5A in 2023.

The Mustangs will have to replace some key seniors who graduated last spring, but there seems to be enough players coming back with experience to have another successful season. The Mustangs swept through their area series en route to winning their area, and hosted the 1st round of the Class 5A playoffs against Parker. After sweeping Parker, the Mustangs were paired with Corner in what turned out to be a thrilling three-game series where Madison Academy was able to win Game 3 by score of 14-5. Advancing tot he 3rd round, the Mustangs swept Alexandria to clinch their berth in the Final Four against Russellville. These two teams have matched up multiple times over the past few years, and seems like each series comes down to the wire. This series seemed to be no different, as the Mustangs and Golden Tigers went to a Game 3, where Russellville was able to defeat the Mustangs by score of 5-0 to end their season at 30-15. Using five positional returners and four pitchers coming back who saw time on the mound last spring, it should once again be a strong group in 2023. RHP Matt Manley (Samford signee, 2023) had a breakout season last spring on the mound and emerged as their No. 1 in the pitching rotation. Using a fastball that has gotten into the low-90's in some looks, Manley has shutdown stuff on the mound and will also be a primary offensive producer, as well.

RHP Matt Manley (7/24/22)

Another two-way player returning this spring is LHP/OF Joshua Bybee (Harding signee, 2023), who is expected to be one of their top arms in addition to being a middle-of-the-order hitter for the Mustangs. He emerged as one of their top arms down the stretch in their playoff run last spring, and will certainly look to take another big step in 2023.

OF Joshua Bybee (3/11/22)

Coming back to the middle of the order, 1B Carson Creehan (2023) is expected to once again be a major power source hitting in the cleanup spot this spring. Creehan consistently drove in some big runs at the plate during his junior season, and is expecting an even bigger senior season hitting from the left side of the plate.

1B Carson Creehan (3/5/22)

After receiving loads of playing time as a freshman last spring, INF Tee Foster (2025) will look to replicate the success he has last spring during his sophomore campaign. Foster was the Mustangs' most consistent defensive player as a freshman while also hitting near the top of the order, as well. He will only continue to see his role increase this spring, and is looking to build off a strong season last year.

INF Tee Foster (5/15/22)

Although with a strong number of returning players coming back this year, the Mustangs will also feature a few younger players who are looking to make an impact at the varsity level. Some of those players to watch for this spring will be OF Davis Parker (2025), C Keaton Watson (2025), RHP Jack Doyle (2025) and RHP Myles Johnson (2025). Competing in Area 16 this spring against Ardmore, East Limestone and Brewer, the Mustangs will look to repeat as area-winners and continue their steady trend of making deep runs throughout the Class 5A playoffs. Madison Academy should once again be a real contender in Class 5A in 2023.

 

Follow on Twitter: @PBR_Alabama
Follow on Instagram: @PBR_Alabama
Follow on Facebook: PBR Alabama