The Marion Patriots enter the 2026 season following an impressive run to the Class 5A state championship game last year, where they finished with an 18 – 13 record after falling to conference rival Valley View in a thrilling title matchup. Under new head coach David Lara, the Patriots return several key players from that team and hope to build on the momentum from their postseason success. Offensively, Marion returns a strong core of experienced players. Senior Coleman Barnett will be a key leader for the Patriots as both the team’ s starting shortstop and a top pitcher in the rotation. Fellow senior Robert Hall will also contribute significant innings on the mound while playing in the outfield when not pitching. Several juniors add depth throughout the lineup. Max Malloy returns as an outfielder and pitcher, while Ben Bateman and Ladd Langley anchor the infield at second and third base. Ryan Cook will handle catching duties and guide the pitching staff, while Brody Byrd provides depth in the outfield. Senior Solomon Flores could also factor into an outfield role. The Patriots also welcome several new faces to the lineup. Senior Tucker Smith is expected to play first base, and junior Aidan Murphy could contribute in the middle infield. Freshmen Sully McKewan, Drace McGee, and Liam Henry bring additional depth and could see time both on the mound and in the field. For Marion, success will depend heavily on developing pitching depth early in the season while maintaining strong defensive play. With experience returning from last year’ s state runner-up team, the Patriots once again have the potential to compete near the top of the 5A East.
After finishing 4 – 9 and advancing to the second round of District play last season, the Piggott Lady Mohawks enter 2026 with experience and optimism. Head coaches Madison Haley and Lauren Welch return seven starters to Piggott High School, including five players who have been in the lineup for two seasons— giving this group valuable continuity and chemistry. Junior Peyton Redmon sets the tone as the leadoff hitter and anchors the outfield with her athleticism. Batting behind her is junior Brooklyn Langley, who led the team in batting average and on-base percentage last season. A dynamic shortstop, Langley combines speed and power while serving as the defensive spark plug up the middle. Junior Sarah Wade brings power to the three-hole after hitting over. 400 last season, while junior Mollie Coomer provides stability at first base in the cleanup spot. Sophomore catcher Claire McKenney returns behind the plate and is counted on to advance runners and manage the game. Junior Thyme Spence contributes both in the circle and at the plate, adding speed and putting the ball in play consistently. Bralee Cook rounds out the returning outfield group. Spence was the workhorse last year, pitching every game for the Lady Mohawks. This season, she’ ll have more support. Sophomore Gretchen Simpson is expected to contribute innings while adding offensive production, and freshman Khloe Langley will also see time on the mound. The expanded rotation brings varying strengths— from control and velocity to pitch movement— giving Piggott more flexibility than a year ago. Freshman Shiloh Rouse will strengthen the infield, while other returning players who rejoined the program are expected to transition smoothly despite limited high school experience. Their junior high backgrounds should help accelerate that adjustment. Experience is Piggott’ s biggest strength. With seven returning starters and added pitching depth, the Lady Mohawks are better positioned to compete consistently. If the newcomers adapt quickly and the expanded pitching staff delivers, Piggott has the pieces to take a meaningful step forward in 2026.
The Piggott Mohawks enter the season looking to build momentum after finishing 4-16 a year ago. With a mix of experienced upperclassmen and promising young talent, head coach Billy Joe Seal is focused on developing a team identity built around effort, fundamentals, and players buying into the program. Several key returners will anchor the Mohawks this season. Junior Gunner Reeves is one of the most versatile players on the roster and will play a major role both offensively and defensively. Reeves can pitch, play third base, or move to left field when needed, and he is expected to hit in the heart of the lineup in the three spot. Senior Kyler Reel brings leadership and flexibility to the team as he will contribute at catcher, shortstop, and on the mound throughout the season. Another senior, Levi Moore, provides strength and experience on the corners of the infield and will also see time pitching. On the mound, Reeves returns as a key arm for Piggott. Known for his strong command and feel for his pitches, he especially likes working his curveball and continues to develop his mechanics to generate more power from his lower half. The Mohawks will also rely on some talented newcomers. Freshman Lane Murray is a strong all-around athlete who is expected to contribute immediately. Murray has the versatility to pitch, catch, and play shortstop and is projected to hit near the top of the lineup in the two hole. Another freshman, Burke Swann, is expected to make an impact with his bat. Swann brings power from the left side and will likely hit in the middle of the lineup while playing first base, though he also has the athleticism to help in the outfield. For Piggott, success this season will come down to playing solid fundamental baseball and continuing to build a strong team culture. The Mohawks have a roster of 13 players, so staying healthy will be important throughout the year. With players buying into the expectations and working toward improvement each day, the program hopes to take positive steps forward this season.