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 Mississippi.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Pearl, MS at Trustmark Park as they compete for a state championship, 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 Mississippi. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews and by continuing other pieces of content covering the Magnolia State.

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 MHSAA classification as well as a Power 25. 

*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: Alcorn Central High School

Coach’s Name: Trae Bain 

Classification: MHSAA 3A 

2022 Record: 9-19

District Number: District 1 

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 7 

No. of Returning Pitchers: 7

Team Strengths: Reliable group on the pitching staff, top of the lineup threat, and speed.

Top Returning Players:

• MIF/RHP Andrew Williams
• CINF/RHP Reed Johnson
• UTL Landon Powers
• UTL Alex Gee
• UTL Noah Canten
• UTL Jackson Miller
• UTL Jayse Johnson
• LHP Jarrett Thomas

Team Outlook:

Alcorn Central will look to rebound from a 9-19 record a year ago and with 7 positional starters and 7 pitchers returning, things are looking very positive. Coach Trae Bain will look to pitching depth and team speed as the key ingredients for the turn around. 

Top players returning include seniors Reed Johnson (CIF/RHP) and Landon Powers (MI/CF/RHP). Johnson comes in to 2023 as a definite go to arm in big games and a middle of the order bat with big offensive potential. Powers will act as a catalyst at the top of the lineup hoping to get things started for the Bears, while locking down the gaps in centerfield.

Junior Andrew Williams (MI/RHP) will be asked to play a major role as Coach Bain is expecting him to help lead the charge from the middle of the order, his position on the infield, and also from the mound in big games. Another junior that will be asked to step up both offensively and defensively is transfer Alex Gee (UT/RHP).

The Bears will count on a host of underclassmen to contribute this season. Sophomore and 3rd year starter Noah Canten (C/RHP) will lead the group which also includes Jackson Miller (UT/RHP), Jayse Johnson (UT/RHP), and Jarrett Thomas (LHP), each of whom contributed as 8th graders. 

With plenty of talented young players on the roster, the Bears should remain competitive at the 3A class for the foreseeable future. 

 

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