Built to Compete — 5 Star Midsouth 2030 Summer Preview

The 2030 squad is revamped and ready to take the next leap forward heading into Summer 2026. While there has been plenty of change within this group, there are also many familiar faces and names that people will continue to hear about moving forward. What makes this team unique is its ability to continue competing until the final inning. This is a roster filled with fighters, and with the additions made this offseason, the expectation is for this group to make waves throughout the summer.

Last summer as a 13U team, the group finished with a 15-11-4 overall record during the 2025 season. Following roster additions and the transition to 14U play in the fall, the team posted a 6-3 record while beginning to establish chemistry and identity with the new group. The fall season provided plenty of positives and momentum as the team wrapped up its final two tournaments of the year.

This summer schedule will provide a major challenge — and that is exactly the goal. The 2030 squad will compete in seven tournaments this summer, including three local events and four out-of-town tournaments against some of the top competition in the country. The mission is simple: compete against the best week in and week out. Not only does that create valuable experience for the players, but it also provides an opportunity to evaluate where this group stands against elite competition nationally.

Events such as the Perfect Game National Elite Championships, the Prep Baseball 14U National Championships, and the Perfect Game 14U WWBA National Championships represent some of the premier tournaments not only in the Southeast, but across the country. By the end of the summer, this group will be battle-tested.

The returning core includes Bryson Pack, Deacon Crocker, Maddux Desposito, and Canon Nichols. Bryson and Deacon both bring speed and athleticism that can impact games offensively and defensively, especially on the bases. Maddux Desposito serves as the floor general behind the plate, and his ability to handle the pitching staff while logging major innings at catcher will be critical to this team’s success. Canon Nichols will also contribute behind the plate, but the organization is especially excited about his ability to impact the baseball offensively this season.

Several newcomers will also play major roles this summer. Bryce Garner returns to the organization and projects to impact the game all over the field. His versatility and athleticism make him a major key for this roster. Vin Bell, who joins the team after spending last season with the 5 Star Gold squad, is expected to anchor much of the work up the middle while continuing to develop as both a leader and player.

On the mound, Foster Catlin brings an imposing 6-foot-4 frame and projects as one of the horses of the pitching staff this summer. A consistent strike-thrower, Catlin gives the team a chance every time he takes the ball. Hayden Johns also returns after helping the group at times last summer. Following a strong middle school season on the mound, he should provide quality innings once again throughout the summer schedule.

Offensively, Ames Thomas is regarded as one of the top bats in the grad class and has already begun putting up numbers that showcase the impact he can make. With a dangerous left-handed swing and a big arm defensively, he should be one of the more exciting players to follow this season.

Max Davis and Reid Fresorger bring additional athleticism to an already athletic roster. Both players are expected to add significant thump to the lineup while also contributing important innings on the mound. Rhys Holder will also provide offensive impact and depth to a lineup that has the potential to produce throughout the order.

The group is led by Head Coach Glenn Desposito and Assistant Coach Patrick Gatlin.

Coach Desposito, a former collegiate pitcher at University of South Alabama, previously coached at powerhouse Pace High School in Florida and helped lead the program to a Class 5A State Championship as the pitching coach. He now enters his 11th year coaching travel baseball and his third season with 5 Star Midsouth.

Coach Gatlin played at Cane Ridge High School and Stewarts Creek High School as both a corner infielder and corner outfielder. He has spent the past four years coaching at Siegel Middle School while also coaching travel baseball for the last six years.

With a competitive schedule, a revamped roster, and a mix of returning talent and impactful newcomers, the 2030 squad should be one of the more exciting groups to follow throughout the summer of 2026.