Mississippi high school softball predictions, including state champions in MHSAA playoffs 2024
A trip to the Southern Miss Softball Complex in Hattiesburg is what every Mississippi high school softball team has in mind. With schools gearing up for their second and third rounds in the softball playoffs, The Clarion-Ledger has made predictions for the state championships for MHSAA Class 1A-7A.
Class 7A
One team sticks out in Class 7A — Northwest Rankin. The Lady Cougars have yet to lose a game, with dominance from Jolie Hays, Gracie Wallis and Brooke Smith. Northwest Rankin is looking to win another state title after a Class 6A championship last season and become the first to win Class 7A after MHSAA's new reclassification. Northwest Rankin will face Lewisburg in the state final.
Result: Northwest Rankin wins the series 2-0.
Class 6A
South Panola reigns in a Class 6A tournament filled with talent on each side of the bracket. Neshoba, led by Kailey McKinney, Nia Fondren and Sadie Bright, has only lost two games since March 1 and is looking to use that momentum against a strong Neshoba Central team, potentially in the semifinal. Winning that series sets up a date with defending Class 5A champion George County in the state final.
Result: South Panola wins the series 2-1.
Class 5A
After a semifinal loss in the Class 5A playoffs to eventual winners George County, East Central is looking to prevail this season. East Central, led by Bree Phillips, Kinsey Cochran and Breyona Tanner, can help push the Lady Hornets to the title. East Central will face New Hope in the state final.
Result: East Central wins the series 2-0.
Class 4A
Fending off Tishomingo County in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs, West Lauderdale has its eyes set on a playoff run. The Lady Knights have only dropped three games, two of which came from No. 1 Northwest Rankin, and had a stretch of 24 consecutive games won until a recent loss to Tishomingo County. West Lauderdale will try to defend its 2023 Class 4A state title and face Purvis in the state final.
Result: West Lauderdale wins the series 2-0.
Class 3A
Kossuth has only dropped two games since Feb. 20, and saw a stretch of 17 consecutive games won during the regular season, which shows the talent on this team. The Lady Aggies, led by Maddie Mask and Caliann Mitchell, have the chance to meet Class 3A rival Mantachie in the semifinal round, and they split a few weeks ago. A win in that series can open the door for Kossuth to win its first state softball title. Kossuth will face Wesson in the state final.
Result: Kossuth wins the series 2-1.
MORE: How Northwest Rankin softball's Jolie Hays grew from 'little seventh-grader' to Southern Miss signee
Class 2A
East Union was in unfamiliar territory, losing in Game 1 against Sebastopol in the second round of the Class 2A playoffs. This meant East Union faced elimination in its final two games of the series. The Lady Urchins responded with two wins, including a 12-1 victory in Game 3. Now, East Union is focused on a repeat after winning the Class 2A championship in 2023. East Union will face talented Pisgah in the state final.
Result: East Union wins the series 2-1.
Class 1A
After a second-round loss in Class 2A last season, Stringer has its eyes on a state title run. Holing its own in Class 1A, the Lady Red Devils have not allowed a single run in the playoffs, outscoring opponents 56-0 and outhitting opponents 41-4 through their first four playoff games. Stringer, led by Jaycee Holifield, Hannah Buckley and Madilyn Graham, will face Myrtle in the state final.
Result: Stringer wins the series 2-0.
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: MHSAA softball playoff predictions, including Mississippi state champs
