After finishing last season with a 3 – 13 record, the Bay Yellowjackets enter the 2026 season looking to take a step forward under head coach Michael Willard. With a small but experienced group of seniors leading the way, Bay hopes to combine veteran leadership with a wave of younger players who will see significant varsity time this spring. The Yellowjackets’ offense will be built around several experienced seniors who bring versatility and leadership to the lineup. Jaden Dacus returns as one of the team’ s key contributors and is expected to pitch, play infield, and hit near the top of the order. On the mound, Dacus headlines the pitching staff with a hard fastball and the ability to challenge hitters. Several younger players are expected to contribute this season. Sophomore Kodi Oxford moves into the catcher position after an offseason of hard work preparing for the role. Junior Jace Stocks will see time in the outfield and brings a high level of effort and competitiveness. Freshmen Ryder Richey, Levi Stalling, Newton Jolly, and Carter Dozier will also compete for playing time. With four seniors on the roster and several young players stepping into larger roles, Bay’ s success will depend on leadership, development, and continued improvement throughout the season.
The Sloan Hendrix Greyhounds entered the 2026 season following a strong 14 – 8 campaign that ended in the first round of the regional tournament. With all nine starters returning from last season’ s lineup, head coach Ben Brightwell believes his team has the experience and chemistry necessary to take the next step and compete for a trip to the state tournament. Offensively, the Greyhounds return several productive hitters who contributed significantly last season. Senior Corey Sullins leads the group after hitting. 423 and stealing 20 bases while providing excellent speed at the top of the lineup. Hudson Rorex also returns after batting. 364 last season and demonstrating strong plate discipline. Stetson Wall adds power to the lineup after leading the team in home runs, while Taylor Murphy provides another reliable bat with a good eye at the plate. Senior Emry Bell also returns and has continued to improve through offseason work. On the mound, Sloan Hendrix will rely heavily on its experienced senior pitching staff. Sullins leads the rotation after recording 40 strikeouts with a 3.15 ERA last season while featuring strong velocity and a sharp slider. Rorex also returns as a key pitcher after posting a 3.07 ERA and allowing only three walks throughout the season. Wall and Murphy add additional pitching depth with strong arms and improving control. Several younger players will add depth to the roster. Juniors Malachi Johnson and Landon Reel should contribute offensively, while sophomores Justin Lewis and Kyler Matthews bring strong contact hitting ability. Freshmen Tate Matheny, Tripp Dail, Luke Cooper, Eli Cooper, Keegan Springfield, and Easton Blackwell will provide valuable depth. With strong defense, consistent pitching, and a lineup capable of producing runs, the Greyhounds look poised to compete for another postseason appearance.
Sloan Hendrix finished the 2024 season with a 13-12 overall record, with their season ending in the first round of the regional tournament. Sloan-Hendrix returns a solid group of experienced players this season, including two returning outfielders and three returning infielders. One of the returning infielders will also step into a major role in the pitching circle this season. The returning group brings strong softball IQ and leadership across the field. Their familiarity with each other and the program should help provide stability both offensively and defensively throughout the lineup. Sloan-Hendrix does not return an established pitcher from last season. However, a returning infielder is expected to take on the primary role in the circle, giving the team a new look in the pitching department this year. The Lady Greyhounds will also welcome several freshmen into the program this season. The coaching staff expects the newcomers to contribute and compete for playing time while gaining valuable experience alongside the returning players. Experience and leadership will be key strengths for Sloan-Hendrix this season. The returning players bring a strong work ethic and a willingness to lead, which should help set the tone for the team throughout the year. If the team continues to build on that experience and successfully integrates its younger players into the lineup, Sloan-Hendrix has the potential to be competitive throughout the season.
After a 5 – 15 campaign last spring, Head Coach Trey Gossett believes his Trumann Wildcats are positioned for growth in 2026. With experience across the diamond and a dynamic group of arms, the Wildcats have the pieces to turn close games into wins. Trumann returns starters at every position, giving the Wildcats valuable continuity. Isaiah Carrillo( Sr.) anchors third base after evolving into the team’ s leadoff hitter last season. Carrillo hit. 375 and provided consistency at the top of the lineup heading into his senior year. Braydon Passmore( Sr.) is one of the conference’ s most versatile threats. The ASU Mountain Home commit hit. 404 with 10 + RBIs and 12 stolen bases last season, proving he can impact the game at the plate and on the base paths. His speed and athleticism will once again be a catalyst. Drake Harlow( Jr.), a two-time All-Conference performer and threesport athlete, brings power from the left side and confidence every time he steps on the field. He is expected to be a key contributor both offensively and defensively. The Wildcats also return Jace Bennett( 2B), Jaidon Fagan( LF), Asher Box( C), Cade Hayse( 1B), Bradon Whitsett( RF), and Ryker Shuburte( SS), giving the lineup both depth and familiarity. With over 100 stolen bases as a team last season, Trumann’ s speed remains a defining characteristic. The Wildcats’ strength may lie on the mound. Peyton Chaffin( So., RHP) emerged as a standout freshman last year, earning four wins with a 1.11 ERA and 30 strikeouts in eight appearances. Now bigger and stronger at 6’ 2”, 220 pounds, he has added velocity and is working to fine-tune his mechanics. Passmore( RHP) complements that with a fastball up to 87 mph and a polished four-pitch mix. He struck out 47 hitters last season and gives Trumann a proven power arm. Harlow( LHP) offers a strong left-handed presence, while Carrillo also provides innings on the mound, adding versatility to the pitching staff. Two freshmen could make immediate impacts. RJ Mabe( Fr., C / P) has the frame and work ethic to contribute behind the plate and on the mound. Cash Thompson( Fr., P / UTL) brings a high baseball IQ, quick hands in the infield, and composure beyond his years. His versatility could see him filling multiple roles throughout the season.“ This team has experience at every position on the field,” Gossett said.“ When they get on base they can really put pressure on defenses with our speed that helped us steal over 100 bases last season.” That speed and overall athleticism are clear strengths. The primary area of concern is offensive production in key situations. If the Wildcats can capitalize with runners in scoring position and turn speed into consistent runs, they have the experience and pitching to significantly improve on last year’ s record and compete deeper into the postseason conversation.