Built On Depth – 5 Star Midsouth 2029 Gold Preview

Another brand-new roster enters the fold for 5 Star Midsouth as we take a closer look at the 2029 Gold squad heading into Summer 2026. Once again, the organization owes a tremendous amount of gratitude to the players and families who took the time to attend tryouts and buy into what 5 Star Midsouth is building. The result is a group loaded with talent, versatility, and depth — and the excitement surrounding this roster continues to grow.

The biggest piece to this puzzle will be depth. Similar to the 2029 Black squad, this team will rely heavily on its pitching depth and ability to mix and match arms throughout the summer. During the fall season, the group finished 4-6 overall while earning two bracket play appearances. Despite the record, this team consistently competed against talented opponents and showed the ability to battle in tough games. With the experience gained throughout the fall, along with the valuable varsity innings many of these players earned during the spring high school season, the expectation is for this group to continue trending upward heading into the summer.

A major foundation for the roster begins with Upperman High School teammates Denton Huddleston, Sawyer Brown, and Dawson Mullins. All three gained varsity experience this spring within one of the stronger programs in the state, and those opportunities should pay major dividends throughout the summer.

Huddleston is expected to handle a large portion of the catching duties, but his versatility allows him to impact the game at multiple positions throughout the infield as well. Sawyer Brown was one of the most productive hitters on the roster during the fall season, leading the team in multiple offensive categories while recording six extra-base hits. His offensive presence should create problems for opposing pitchers throughout the summer. Newly added member Dawson Mullins projects as a major innings-eater for the staff, bringing toughness, composure, and the ability to handle big moments on the mound.

The next group of teammates comes from Wilson Central High School with Alex Hitt, Anthony Dunlay, AJ Anderson, and Evan Stewart all expected to contribute heavily.

Alex Hitt is simply a gamer — wherever he is placed on the field, he consistently finds ways to perform at a high level. He projects as one of the glue pieces of the roster. Anthony Dunlay and AJ Anderson both consistently impacted the baseball during the fall season. Dunlay brings valuable mound experience after leading the team in strikeouts during the fall, while Anderson’s versatility, athleticism, and speed allow him to impact games in multiple ways offensively and defensively. Newly added player Evan Stewart is also expected to log major innings on the mound while providing flexibility across the infield.

Cason Stinnett from Gordonsville High School earned varsity innings this spring and brings another layer of athletic versatility to the roster. His offensive upside should add even more depth to an already dangerous lineup.

Levi Hayes, who spent time with the Tennessee Heat, gained valuable varsity-level experience with his homeschool program and projects as another versatile piece capable of contributing anywhere on the field.

Levi Murphy from Greenbrier High School also earned varsity innings during the spring season and brings a live arm that the coaching staff expects to rely on heavily throughout the summer schedule. His physical development has begun taking major strides forward, making him an intriguing arm to follow.

Watertown High School teammates Easton Holt and Carter Mull provide another exciting duo for the roster. Holt, a left-handed hitter with athleticism and size, should provide impact offensively while also contributing defensively. Mull adds valuable depth behind the plate while also projecting to provide meaningful innings on the mound.

Knox Palmer from Liberty Creek High School is another important two-way player expected to play a major role this summer. Palmer was one of the team’s top offensive contributors during the fall season and should continue providing offensive production moving forward.

Abraham Cantu from Mount Juliet High School has continued taking major strides in his development. Defensively, he flashes high-level glove work, and the experience he gained this spring should translate well into the summer season.

Riley Flora from Central Magnet School adds another left-handed arm to what has become a very deep pitching staff. After earning varsity innings this spring, the southpaw is expected to play a major role as another innings-eater throughout the summer.

Leading this group will be Head Coach Colby Howland and Assistant Coach Matt Calamia.

Coach Howland graduated from Oakland High School before pitching collegiately at Martin Methodist College. After his playing career, he shifted his focus into coaching and spent two seasons alongside Coach Chris Parker at Pope John Paul II High School before returning to Oakland High School, where he has served as the pitching coach for the past three seasons.

Coach Calamia played at Cannon County High School and has coached alongside Coach Howland throughout travel baseball over the last two seasons.

Depth, versatility, toughness, and competitiveness define this roster. There is plenty to be excited about as this group continues building chemistry and preparing for a demanding summer schedule against quality competition throughout the Southeast.

Keep moving forward.