Team On The Hunt – 5 Star Midsouth 2028 Roster Preview

The Team on the Hunt – 5 Star Midsouth 2028 Roster Edition

What do you call a team with nothing to lose?

Simple. The most dangerous team on the field.

It takes a special group to embrace that mindset. Everyone wants respect, but respect is earned. When we look at this 2028 group, we see a collection of hard-nosed, gritty competitors who simply love to play baseball. It doesn’t matter who is in the other dugout. They show up ready to compete.

That edge matters. It makes talented teams uncomfortable. It creates pressure. And when you have a roster made up largely of players from the same area who have spent years building chemistry together, you gain an advantage that many national-level summer teams simply don’t have. That chemistry, toughness, and willingness to compete is why some of the top teams in the country have found themselves wondering how this group beat them.

The answer is simple: they wanted it more.

After posting a 33-14 record across the Summer and Fall of 2025, capturing two championships, reaching the Round of 32 at WWBA, and making a Final Four appearance at the Perfect Game Fall World Series, this group has firmly established itself as one of the top teams in the region. They finished as the highest-ranked team in Middle Tennessee, the No. 2 ranked team in the state, No. 33 nationally, and No. 10 in the Southeast Region.

Along the way, they collected signature wins over nationally recognized programs including SBA Bolts National, East Cobb Astros, and several other powerhouse organizations. The respect they’ve earned has opened doors as recruiting season begins to approach.

That success has led to invitations to some of the most competitive events in the country, including the invite-only Beast of the East (24 teams), Ohio Valley Invitational (8 teams), Perfect Game National Elite Championships, Perfect Game Champions Cup in Knoxville, and the prestigious Perfect Game WWBA. The road ahead is loaded with talent, travel, and opportunity.

So who makes up this roster?

We start with Xander Jackson of Green Hill High School. A varsity starter for the past two seasons, Jackson was one of our most productive hitters a year ago. His ability to impact the game offensively while playing multiple positions on the infield is as steady as they come. Definition of a gamer.

His Green Hill teammate, Tyler Reynolds, continues to develop into one of the more intriguing players in the class. The physical tools are obvious, but the metrics continue to climb as well. His combination of athleticism and offensive upside gives him the potential to be a major contributor throughout the summer.

Andrew Perry joins the program this year. He will attend Nashville Christian School, where he’ll play both football and baseball. Perry’s speed immediately stands out. After posting a 6.55-second 60-yard dash at the Prep Baseball Tennessee Top Prospect Games, he brings true game-changing athleticism to the outfield.

Braxton Barnes of Friendship Christian School is another player capable of changing a game in an instant. A sub-6.6 runner with explosive athletic ability, Barnes consistently impacts the baseball and provides another dynamic weapon in the lineup.

The two-way talent continues with several familiar faces.

Ty Fleenor of Wilson Central High School continues to trend upward after touching 88 mph at the Beast of the East. When he’s consistently attacking the strike zone, he’s one of the toughest arms to face. His development will be one of the storylines to watch this summer.

Wilson Central teammate Brady Schafer is another critical piece of the puzzle. His athleticism allows him to contribute all over the field, and his versatility, speed, and competitiveness make him invaluable to this roster.

Bax Hill from Goodpasture Christian School has established himself as one of the team’s fiercest competitors. Whether it’s on the mound or in a pressure-packed situation, Hill always seems to want the ball in his hands. He was a workhorse throughout last season and is expected to fill a similar role again this summer.

Dylan Lincicum of Green Hill High School continues to showcase a well-rounded skill set. He can drive the ball to all fields, play multiple positions, as he continues to grow he is one of the most consistent players we have with this group.

Behind the plate, Philip Pence V has continued to make tremendous strides. After battling through injuries during his 14U season and spending much of last year recovering, Pence is healthy and thriving. His ability to control the game defensively while contributing offensively makes him one of the most important pieces on the roster.

Jackson Grizzard, the longest-tenured 5 Star player on the team, will split time between catching duties and corner outfield responsibilities. Gritty is the best way to describe him. His toughness, work ethic, and willingness to do whatever is needed embody the identity of this group.

Unfortunately, Brody McCue of Friendship Christian School will miss the summer after suffering an injury this spring. His absence will certainly be felt, but his future remains incredibly bright. His physical presence, competitive nature, and passion for the game make him a player to keep an eye on once he’s healthy and back on the field.

The pitching staff also features several key contributors.

Easton Farrar of Friendship Christian returns after recording one of the most memorable saves in 5 Star history when he closed out East Cobb at WWBA. The left-hander gained valuable experience throughout the spring and continues to grow in confidence every time he takes the mound.

Caden Baxter of Oakland High School brings a unique mix of pitchability and competitiveness. Armed with a deep arsenal of pitches, the crafty right-hander has a way of disrupting hitters’ timing and keeping opposing offenses off balance.

Drew Patterson of Providence Christian Academy joins the staff this summer and immediately brings a proven ability to compete. Patterson fills the strike zone, changes speeds effectively, and understands how to pitch. In today’s game, finding true pitchers can be difficult, and Drew certainly fits that mold.

Leading the team this season is Head Coach Matt Cohick, alongside assistant coaches Isaac Schafer and Alex Brewer.

Cohick, the current High School Director for 5 Star Midsouth, has previously guided the 2021 and 2025 graduating classes and now continues that journey with the 2028 group. A former player at Northwood University and Asbury University, he brings more than a decade of travel baseball coaching experience. His coaching résumé includes time as pitching coach at Lebanon High School and, most recently, leading West Wilson Middle School to the first state championship in school history.

Isaac Schafer is a former 5 Star Midsouth player who advanced through the organization’s high school ranks before continuing his career at BCA Post Grad and later Columbia State Community College. He enters his second season coaching and his second year working with this group.

Alex Brewer returns to the dugout as an assistant coach after a standout playing career that included time at Vanderbilt and recognition as a Mr. Baseball winner. Brewer previously coached with the highly successful 2021 class and brings valuable experience and perspective to the staff.

This team has already proven it belongs among the nation’s best. They’ve earned respect through hard work, toughness, and results. But if there’s one thing this group has shown, it’s that they aren’t satisfied with where they’ve been.

They’re still hunting.

And that’s what makes them dangerous.