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: Starkville

2017 Record: 16-14
MHSAA Classification: 6A
MHSAA District: 2-6A
Head Coach: Travis Garner
Playoff Run: State 2^nd Round
2017 Final Rank: 2^nd in district
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 3

 

Top Players

Name	State	School	Class	Position	Commitment
Carter Bently	MS	Starkville	2018	SS	-
Austin Campbell	MS	Starkville	2018	LHP	-
Riley Dawkins	MS	Starkville	2021	LHP	-
Griffin Little	MS	Starkville	2019	RHP	-
Jack Perry	MS	Starkville	2020	LHP	-

 

Stat Rat (X-Factor)
Jack Perry (.455-BA, 16-RBI)
Carter Bentley (.403-BA, 17-RBI)
Austin Campbell (2.68-ERA, 29-K, 24-BB)

Outlook
The Yellowjackets look to continue to improve after a 16-14 finish in 2017. Coach Garner will not be in short supply of experience, returning six starters and three pitchers from a year ago. Strong defensive play and the ability to command the zone will be the keys for success in 2018, turning to SS Carter Bentley (2017 2^nd Team All-State) to be the backbone for the Yellowjackets defensively. On the mound Coach Garner will rely heavily on a trio of arms, LHP Austin Campbell, RHP Griffin Little, and LHP Jack Perry.

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