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Mississippi High School Playoffs: Scout Blog

May 22, 2023
PBR Mississippi Staff

The PBR Mississippi Scout Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the PBR Scouting Staff during the high school playoffs. This running blog will feature information on underclass prospects, unsigned seniors, draft prospects and anything else that is notable. We will provide a wide range of information, including player evaluations, velocities, pop times, home to first times and much more.

Continue to check back over the course of the next few weeks, as the Mississippi Scouting Staff will add scouting reports each day from playoff action.

Click HERE to view other news across the state.

MHSAA PLAYOFFS: round 4

+ RHP Drew Davis (Sumrall, 2027) has had a season that most pitchers dream of. The 8th grade righty picked up his 14th win against zero losses on Tuesday versus one of the most potent lineups in 4A baseball, the Purvis Tornadoes. Davis did an amazing job holding the Parker brothers to just 1 single to the backside of a shift, while only allowing 4 total hits and just 1 run in his 5 plus innings. Working with a fastball that touches 88 mph already and some very solid spin the young arm pitches with maturity and mound presence like a senior. Gonna be fun to watch this arm for several more years!

+ INF Kaleb Lipscomb (Madison Ridgeland, 2023) picked up 4 hits on Tuesday night in game one of the MAIS 6A state championship versus Jackson Prep. Even more impressive is he did it off of the power arm of Konnor Griffin, the uber talented junior for Prep. The former PBR Future Games participant and Hinds CC recruit can spray the baseball all over the field and finished the season with a .383 batting average while leading the Patriots in hits (44) and runs scored (34) capping off a very solid career at MRA. 

+ CI Hampton Ross (Germantown, 2023) found the barrel a couple of times versus Lewis burg on Thursday night in the 6A North State Championship. The sure handed first baseman delivered a line drive single into left field and sent a ball deep to center field showing a little bit of his power that haas progressed nicely since we first saw him in 2019. Ross, a Meridian CC signee, finished the his senior year with a very productive .340 average with 9 doubles and 28 runs batted in. 

+ C/INF/RHP Rhett Murphy (Germantown, 2025) found a pitch on the inner half Thursday night and turned it around quick for a big rbi double in the Mavericks North State Championship game with Lewisburg. Murphy hit .308 in limited at bats this season with no hits more meaningful than his double on Thursday. The right was an integral part of the Germantown pitching staff this year as a sophomore going 4-2 with a 1.97 ERA in 32 innings. Murphy will take on an even a bigger role in 2024 one would imagine. 

mhsaa playoffs: ROUND 3

+ UTL Logan Williams (Kossuth, 2024) is an intriguing 2024 that is still on the market in the 2024 Class in the Magnolia State. Displays a mature approach from the right side of the plate, great bat to ball skills and also has some juice in the swing. Short and simple stride in the box and works the middle parts of the field. During his first at-bat, Williams laced a ball into center field that got over the center fielder as the ball was misplayed, but he was able to advance to second on the play. In the seventh inning, came up to bat with runners in scoring position and gave another ball a rope and laced another liner into center field, but had to settle for a sac fly that would extend the lead for the Aggies and go on to punch their ticket into the Class 3A semifinals. Athletic and leaner look to Williams at 6-foot-0, 170-pounds, expect more size and strength to be added to the frame with another year of high school ball to come.

+ OF Ashton Knight (Kossuth, 2023) is an uncommitted prospect who supplied the majority of the offense in the early going of the Aggies third round playoff matchup against Alcorn Central, especially in game two. During his first at bat the left handed hitting outfielder got the barrel to a pitch up in the zone and gave it a ride into right field for a two run home run. This one got out of the park quick, a lower liner that just got over the wall in right but was enough to put the Aggies up one. Later in the game, during his second at-bat, roped another liner into center and was robbed of a base knock as the center fielder made a great sliding grab. Knight settled for a sac fly and brought home his third run of the contest. Sneaky pop from the left side, doesn’t try to do too much with the bat while also working the count each at-bat.

+ RHP/OF Graham Busbea (Jackson Prep, 2023) looks ready to make the jump to the next level watching him at the plate. On Wednesday night the lefty hitter, righty thrower and Hinds CC recruit had a couple a solid at bats including a run scoring double into the opposite field gap. This on the heals of a 2 for 4 night Tuesday which included his 3rd homer of the season for the #2 ranked Patriots. Busbea is headed to Hinds for his dual prospect ability as the righty also features a fastball into the mid 80's and solid slider that he works well off the plate to righties. 

+ OF Jet Henderson (Presbyterian Christian, 2026) is a very solid up and coming player in the 2026 class. On Wednesday night the speedy centerfielder found a pitch on the outer half and used some very advanced hands for a freshman as he drove the pitch into right field. Henderson also looks very comfortable int the outfield with goos reads on several fly balls. Definitely a player to keep a close eye on. 

+ INF Rives Reynolds (Jackson Prep, 2023) found a pitch on the outer half Wednesday night and put a a clinic of what to do with it. The Mississippi State signee stayed closed with the body, got some extension using a level bat path and deposited down the right field line for a double. The senior is hitting .369 on the year while leading the Patriots in homers (9) and rbi's (43). Reynolds also plays a very advanced CF with good speed and instincts. 

+ INF/RHP Brennan Johnson (Presbyterian Christian, 2023) had a very productive night on Wednesday as the Bobcats evened their series with the 5 time defending state champion Patriots of Jackson Prep. Johnson started his night with a 2 run single in the first which gave the Bobcats some breathing room. The lean framed uncommitted senior later stepped up in the 5th with a couple on and doubled over the left fielders head to end the game and send the series to a decisive game 3. 

+ OF/IN Ethan Melton (Magnolia Heights, 2023) had some big swings on Monday night in the first game of the MAIS 5A North State championship. The South Alabama recruit uses a very quick bat and pull side approach to drive the baseball with aggression. In game one the scrappy and versatile Melton picked up 3 hits, including a home run, double, and 2 rbi's in the Chiefs 15-5 win over Simpson Academy. Melton has good speed and instincts allowing him to cover the gaps on defense. He also has a strong arm, evident later in the game as he closed out things on the mound with a hitless inning and a third and 2 punch outs. 

+ SS/RHP Cooper Pratt (Magnolia Heights, 2023) just looks different on the field, has a variety of plus tools, and is a very highly touted prospect for this summers MLB draft. The Ole Miss recruit found a pitch over the heart of the plate on Monday night got extension and sent it over the wall just left of center field for a grand slam to help the Chiefs take game 1 of the MAIS North State Championship. Pratt carries his 6-5 frame very well with smooth actions on defense, good range, and a strong arm with plenty of carry. 

+ 3B/RHP Ben Kennedy (Simpson Academy, 2025) is another big body in a strong 2025 Mississippi class. The former 2 time Junior Future Game player found a pitch on the inner half Monday night, got his hands moving and connected on a home run to left field. Kennedy uses mainly a pull side approach though shows plenty of pop to all fields. The physical third baseman plays a solid defense, carries a strong arm with him and has enough athleticism to handle the outfield as well

 + INF Jackson Jenkins (Magnolia Heights, 2023) is one of those players that the more you see of them, the more you fall in love with the style of play. Jenkins, is big time power threat, though has some and on Monday night the Northwest MS CC recruit got some loft in his swing to send a pitch over the left field wall for a home run. Jenkins, a former PBR Southeastern Unsigned Senior Games participant, runs well, plays a very solid defense and can be used at multiple spots on the dirt. 

MHSAA PLAYOFFS: ROUND 2

+ RHP/3B Madden Butler (Corinth, 2024) hitting in the three hole for the Warriors in their Round 2 matchup against a very well-rounded West Lauderdale squad, Butler shows effortless pop with the bat from the right side of the plate. A bigger and stronger frame at 6-foot-3, 200-pounds, Madden had two at-bats during the game with warning track power. During his first at-bat of the evening, found himself with two-strikes quickly, got a pitch over the plate and gave it a ride to the gap in right that was tracked down by the right fielder. Later in the game, during his last at-bat, Butler launched a shot into deep left center that just missed being a homerun as he settled for a leadoff double to start the bottom of the seventh in hopes to keep the Warriors season alive and force a game three. Also got the nod for Corinth on the mound, struggled at times with command, but the fastball worked up to 83 in the early innings of his outing. With another year left at the high school level, expect Butler to gain velocity heading into his senior season next year before he heads to Itawamba CC.

+ UTL Griffin Enis (Corinth, 2025) the Ole Miss recruit is an uber athletic prospect in the Mississippi 2025 Class that produces at a high level. Another standout who hits at the top of the Warriors lineup at 6-foot-0, 175-pounds. Got a hanging breaking ball over the heart of the plate in his second at-bat that started the home half of the third inning and roped it down the left field line for a stand-up double. Showed off his 6.65 speed as he would later swipe third base in the inning. Present bat speed from the right side of the plate, quick-twitch athleticism. Defensively moves with ease and displays a strong arm. Continue to keep an eye on Enis throughout the summer campaign.

+ OF Carson Smith (West Lauderdale, 2024) served as the designated hitter for the Knights in their Round 2 sweep that wrapped up on Thursday night. Doesn’t try to do too much at the plate, shows a mature approach and simply puts the bat on the ball. In the middle innings of the contest, Smith had an RBI opportunity with a runner on third, found himself with two strikes, shortened up the swing and found a hole through the left side for an RBI single to extend the West Lauderdale lead to 3-1. Later in the game, during the fifth inning, came up again with a runner in scoring position, jumped on the first pitch he saw and laced it right back up the middle of the field and cashed in on another RBI opportunity. An uncommitted prospect that swings it well from the left side, short and simple swing, looks to put the bat on the ball. Key and clutch run producer for the Knights in game two.

+ 3B/RHP Brett Busbea (West Lauderdale, 2023) the Pearl River CC signee made his presence known right off the bat when he came up in the first inning following a triple off the bat of teammate Cannon Graham who is also a Pearl River CC recruit. Busbea followed up the triple with a rocket back up the middle of the field that would plate the first run of the game and set the tone early. Strong and physical frame at 6-foot-1, 190-pounds with plenty of juice from the right side of the box. Would also get a short stint on the mound in the seventh as he would come in with a three run lead to secure the Knights round two sweep. Longer arm action from a mid-¾ slot, the fastball played in the mid-80’s and even worked up to 87 mph. Flashed a sharp slider at 76-78 mph. Keep an eye on Busbea and the rest of the Knights for the remainder of the playoffs as they gear up for Round 3.

+ LHP Talon Haley (Lewisburg, 2025) was in charge last night as the Vanderbilt commit worked 7 scoreless innings allowing just 1 single in a series clinching victory over Clinton. The sophomore used his running fastball which sat 88-91 mph early and stayed in the upper 80's all evening. He also features one of the better breaking balls we've seen which stayed the 74-79 mph range and around 2300/2400 spin. Haley used a changeup occasionally that showed good fading action with arm action mimicking the fastball well, though still developing command of the pitch. 

+ Infielder Kody Gilmore (Lewisburg, 2024) drove in the only run Lewisburg and Talon Haley would need last night. The uncommitted shortstop squared up a pitch in the second inning for a run scoring double. Gilmore also came up later in the game with the bases loaded and drove another pitch but right at the shortstop to end the threat. On defense, the junior was stellar with arguably the play of the game as he went to the ground on a ball in the 5.5 hole, back handed it, and used the turf for the out at first. The Patriots now move on the 3rd round. 

+ OF Cooper Bennett (Lewisburg, 2024) is still uncommitted and should be a nice grab for the program that adds him. The junior outfielder runs well, plays solid on defense and has added some pop at the plate progressively. Last night he used a higher than average knee lift, timed up a pitch and scorched a liner into center for a single. Bennett is now hitting .337 on the season as the Patriots move on the round 3. 

+ Catcher John Austin Wood (Itawamba AHS, 2025) Continues to solidify himself as arguably one of the top catching prospects in the south. The Texas Christian commit found a pitch on the inner half last night in playoff action and sent it deep over the left-center wall. The tall (6-4), lean receiver uses advanced footwork, a very strong arm, and exceptional blocking ability to help the control the running game against the Indians. Game 3 of their series with Pontotoc coming up...

MHSAA Playoffs: round 1

+ RHP Wes White (Northwest Rankin, 2024) worked in relief on Friday night versus Oak Grove HS. The uncommitted junior worked his fastball in the 83-85 mph range (T86). White had good arm side run to the pitch and with his tall (6-3), lean frame, there definitely looks as if there is more in the tank. The righty also serves as quarterback on the Cougar football team. White also used a tight biting slider that kept hitters at bay while staying in the strike zone during his time on the mound. 

+ RHP Gabe Hodges (Northwest Rankin, 2025) was very stingy on Friday evening during his start in the first round of the MHSAA state playoffs. The uncommitted sophomore allowed only a first inning homer and not another hit the rest of his outing which lasted 5 and 1/3 innings. Hodges was 85-88 mph (T89) with his fastball early and used a very good swing and miss slider against righties, finishing with 9 strikeouts on the evening. One would expect Hodges to be a very sought after recruit this coming August. 

+ INF Kaden Padgett (Northeast Jones, 2025) is impressive to watch and should begin to attract a good bit of attention as the sophomore is one of the more dynamic middle infield prospects we've seen. We first saw Padgett last season at Jones College and it was easy to see the path he was on fundamentally. Last night he made a couple of plays not typical for a high school shortstop. Padgett is also a tough out at the plate with solid hands and a line drive all, fields approach. 

+ INF/RHP Joseph Parker (Purvis, 2025) is a name very recognizable across the state as he and his brother Jacob, committed to Mississippi State as 8th graders. The pair have continued to develop and are playing much better than you would expect of sophomores. Last night "Jo Jo", the #3 ranked player in the 2025 class was electric on the mound with his fastball reaching into the upper 80's and solid bite to a downward breaker. The usual shortstop for the Tornadoes, Parker has exception dual threat ability and has provided Purvis offensively as well with 10 home runs on the season. 

+ Catcher Ethan Walker (Purvis, 2025) had a solid night both behind the plate and in the batters box. Walker another fabulous Purvis sophomore used his good footwork and very strong arm to nail a would be base stealer early in the game to end the thought of running on him. Later in the game the solid built, uncommitted receiver connected on his 4th home run of the season for the Tornadoes.   

+ 3B/RHP Cannon Turner (Purvis, 2025) is yet another 2025 with solid upside from Purvis. The lean 6'3" corner infielder and right handed pitcher used his long arms to created some leverage last night on a pitch down and away and sent it over the right fielder for an rbi double. Turner, uncommitted, also can be used on the mound for the Tornadoes and reaches the low 80's at the moment, though looks to have more coming based on the frame and how the body and arm works. 

+ OF/RHP Jacob Parker (Purvis, 2025) showed his extreme pop last night on a line drive rbi single to right. The left handed hitting Parker is the #1 ranked player in the 2025 class and routinely hits baseballs very hard with exit velocities nearing 100 mph. The athletic Mississippi State commit, like his brother Jo Jo has 10 home runs on the season for Purvis and has serious dual threat ability as well. 

 

 

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