Posts Tagged ‘team preview’

The new kids on the block have officially arrived as we take our first look at the 5 Star Midsouth 2029 Black squad heading into Summer 2026. This roster is loaded with young talent, athleticism, and high-level pitching depth, and many of these players have already begun making immediate impacts at the varsity level during their freshman seasons this spring.

This team is going to be built on the mound and work outward from there — and early signs already point toward this group becoming a major problem for opponents throughout the summer.

One of the most exciting aspects of this team is that it is essentially a brand-new roster. 5 Star Midsouth did not field a 2029 team during the previous 14U season, but a tremendous turnout during tryouts allowed the organization to form two separate teams within the grad class. It is one of the most rewarding parts of the organization — building new groups and beginning the journey of following players throughout their high school careers.

The summer schedule brings plenty of intrigue for this squad. The group will compete in six total events, beginning with three local tournaments before transitioning into a travel-heavy backend of the schedule. The opportunity to compete against some of the top teams across the Southeast and country will provide invaluable experience and create lasting memories for this young roster.

As mentioned, roster construction begins with the depth and versatility on the mound.

Branum Smith, an All-District pitcher from Columbia Central High School, was a massive addition to the Midsouth Mafia this offseason. As reported by Tennessee Baseball Network, Smith has been “sitting 80-84 mph while mixing in a 70-71 mph breaking ball,” while already establishing himself as one of the top freshman arms in the state. His development over the next several years will be exciting to follow. https://x.com/tnballplayers/status/2053686343310463108?s=12&t=RtuafooXMnggdmHtQnJqow

Wesley Lucas from Siegel High School has already been up to 85 mph on the mound and projects as another innings-eater for this staff. After showing flashes of success during the fall season and gaining valuable experience throughout the spring, the organization is excited to see Lucas take another step forward this summer.

Aidan Latta from Green Hill High School also earned varsity innings this spring and brings value both offensively and on the mound. His athleticism and upside make him another intriguing prospect within the roster.

Keegan Lewis, also from Siegel High School, is already establishing himself as one of the premier overall prospects in the grad class. That potential was on full display during Siegel’s postseason run, where Lewis earned varsity at-bats on one of the strongest rosters assembled in program history. His ability to impact the game in every facet elevates the ceiling of this entire group. https://x.com/PrepBaseballTN/status/2055451479880699959?s=20

Jake Elliott and Brandon Kent from Oakland High School are both expected to contribute major innings on the mound while also impacting the game offensively and defensively. Both players bring versatility and competitiveness that fit the identity this roster is trying to establish.

The trio of Cameron Estep, Colton Crook, and Will Gilchrist from Station Camp High School gives the roster additional depth and athleticism. Estep brings a strong physical presence and projects to throw significant innings this summer with his ability to mix multiple pitches effectively. Crook and Gilchrist provide valuable left-handed options both offensively and on the mound, giving the coaching staff matchup flexibility throughout the summer schedule.

Ryan Ruby from Pope John Paul II High School adds another layer of versatility to the roster. His ability to play multiple positions and contribute in several areas makes him an important piece for this group moving forward. Tyler Graham from Hendersonville High School brings similar versatility and continues the theme of athletic, multi-role players capable of impacting games in numerous ways.

Jackson Stewart from Stewarts Creek High School is regarded as one of the better athletes in the class and should become a major fixture in the outfield thanks to his ability to cover ground and play multiple positions.

Behind the plate, Joey Noreiko from Mount Juliet High School and Dylan Vassar from Oakland High School will provide consistency defensively while also bringing impactful bats to the middle of the lineup.

The group will be led by Head Coach Curtis Hoppe and Assistant Coach Dmani Moton.

Coach Hoppe was a four-year player at Cumberland University where he logged over 200 career innings pitched. His coaching experience includes stops at Lebanon High School and Oakland Middle School. He now enters his ninth year coaching travel baseball, including his fifth season with 5 Star Midsouth.

Coach Moton starred at Oakland High School before continuing his collegiate career at Chattanooga State Community College. He enters his first season coaching with the organization.

There is plenty of talent within this roster. Plenty to build around. Plenty to be excited about. And as this group begins its journey together, there will certainly be plenty of eyes following along this summer.

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.