The Mission Ahead: 5 Star Midsouth 13U Summer Preview

The 13U group at 5 Star Midsouth is a team built on doing the little things the right way and leaning into the continuity they’ve built together over the years. This is a group that has spent a long time playing alongside one another, and that chemistry has continued to show on the field through both success and development.

Last season on the small field, this group finished with a strong 20-12 overall record. They followed that up with an 8-5 campaign during the fall, continuing to show growth as they prepared for the transition to full-time play on the big field this summer.

With a summer schedule featuring five local events and two out-of-town tournaments, this season should provide a great challenge and opportunity for the 13U squad. As they continue adjusting to the larger field and elevated level of competition, their ability to execute the fundamentals and compete consistently will be a major key to their success.

One of the biggest focal points for this group will be their efficiency on the mound. Pitching depth and strike efficiency will be critical throughout the summer schedule. The staff will be led by Bennett Wright, who will be counted on to be a workhorse for the squad this season. Alongside him, Drew Hughes returns after throwing quality innings throughout the middle school season and will play a major role in the pitching staff’s success.

Offensively, Jax Long and Keegan Brooksher will continue to provide thump in the middle of the lineup, while Braylon Vernon adds another impactful bat capable of changing games offensively. Cameron Holland and Isaac Hough bring athleticism that should impact the game both offensively and on the mound, and the organization is looking for both players to take major steps forward this summer.

Newcomers Levi Loy and Andrew Ramsey add versatility across the field and provide valuable depth to the roster. Behind the plate, Miles Planton will continue to provide key innings when needed and help stabilize the pitching staff defensively.

The group is led by Head Coach Andy Hughes and Assistant Coach Brian Dillingham, who bring extensive playing and coaching experience to the dugout.

Coach Hughes was a four-year pitcher at Anderson University and Marietta College before spending two years coaching at Columbus East High School. He now enters his eighth year coaching youth baseball, including his third season with 5 Star Midsouth.

Coach Dillingham, a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, began his collegiate playing career at State College of Florida where he earned First Team All-Conference honors. He later continued his career at MTSU, where he was voted team captain during his senior season with the Blue Raiders. He now enters his third season coaching with 5 Star Midsouth.

With a veteran coaching staff, strong continuity, and a core group that has grown together over the years, the future looks bright for this 13U squad heading into a demanding summer season.