Here are five dark horses for the MHSAA and MAIS high school baseball playoffs
With the Mississippi high school baseball playoffs underway, The Clarion-Ledger has identified some intriguing dark horses in the MHSAA and MAIS brackets.
Below are five teams that have a chance at making a deep playoff run in their respective brackets.
Mooreville
Record: 24-7
Mooreville's record isn't deceiving. Twenty-four wins means a strong team, which the Troopers are. What makes them a dark horse are teams in their MHSAA Class 3A bracket, such as Southeast Lauderdale, East Webster and Kossuth. Mooreville faces Booneville on Friday, and a series win could launch Mooreville, led by Mason McMillin, Mason Gillentine and Brody Thompson, into a deep run in the playoffs.
Oak Grove
Record: 18-8
In an immensely talented MHSAA Class 7A, Oak Grove has a challenge. The Warriors face Gulfport in its opening playoff series on Friday. After that, there is a potential date with powerhouse Northwest Rankin, and in the semifinals could face Brandon. Coy Clements, Eric Booth Jr. and Gage Thompson could help the Warriors make a deep run.
Pearl River Central
Record: 23-5
PRC has heated up at the best time. PRC. Led by Connor Dyess and Isaias Ryan, the Blue Devils recently beat talented West Jones and split with strong Class 5A South Jones to end the regular season. PRC's first-round MHSAA Class 6A matchup will be on Friday against West Harrison. What stands in the Blue Devils' way of a deep playoff run is a potential reunion with West Jones or powerhouse George County.
Presbyterian Christian School
Record: 19-7
With one regular-season series remaining against Hartfield, PCS might have to face Hartfield and No. 1-ranked Jackson Prep in the playoffs. PCS took Jackson Prep to extra innings in the regular season despite losing the series in a sweep but gave the Patriots one of itheir toughest challenges in MAIS play. The Bobcats are led by Bankston Walters, Tyner Fynt and Seth Hataway, who might help them over the hump in this year's Class 6A playoffs.
MORE: Vote for the Mississippi high school end of regular season baseball player of the year
Purvis
Record: 19-5
Purvis, led by brothers Jacob and JoJo Parker, are defending champions in MHSAA Class 4A, which might make you wonder why they're a dark horse. Having powerhouses in Sumrall and West Lauderdale makes games more challenging. The Tornadoes beat both teams last season in the tournament's final two rounds and could do so again. Purvis' second-round Class 4A series against Pass Christian starts Friday.
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion-Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi high school baseball playoffs: five dark horses to watch
