The Mississippi high school season kicks off on February 26, the first day for regular season games. Most teams will begin practicing on January 29, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups.

Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we will be rolling out team previews of high school teams all across the state and across all classifications, eventually launching our Preseason Power 25.

We have been sending out our annual Preseason Questionnaire to coaches all across the state and as the responses flood in we will bring you a snapshot of what to expect along with top players and keys to success for that particular team. If you don’t see your team’s season preview make sure your head coach fills out his Preseason Questionnaire.

Team: Pearl River Central

Head Coach: Neil Walther 

2018 Record: 23-8
MHSAA Classification: 5A
MHSAA District: 7- 5A
Playoff Run: 3rd Round
2018 Final Rank:
Returning Starters: 4
Returning Pitchers: 3

 

Top Players

Name	State	School	Class	Position	Commitment
Austin Dean	MS	Pearl River Central	2019	RHP	Pearl River CC
Hayden Dunhurst	MS	Pearl River Central	2019	C	Mississippi
Mason Treat	MS	Pearl River Central	2020		-
Robert Shoemake	MS	Pearl River Central	2019		-

Outlook

The Pearl River Central Blue Devils are coming off a solid 23-win 2018 season. Coach Neil Walther's club returns a experienced lineup with headliner 2019 C/OF Hayden Dunhurst. The Mississippi recruit displayed elite level tools at the recent Super60 and is also coming off an impressive junior season where he batted .348 while recording 30 RBI and 6 homers. RHP Austin Dean will lead the pitching staff showcasing a mid 80's fastball. Dean recorded over 50 innings on the mound in 2018 and finished with a 1.46 ERA and 49 strikeouts. Bolstering the lineup will be Mason Treat and Robert Shomake both of which should have more significant roles throughout the season. 

All-in-all, the Blue Devils return a quality lineup that has already experienced success, and is hungry for more. 

 

Related Content