The No. 2 Pearl River baseball team enters the 2026 season with unfinished business.
The Wildcats are coming off one of the most successful campaigns in program history, finishing as the National runner-up while winning the MACCC and Region 23 titles. While the run fell just short, head coach Michael Avalon believes last season provided valuable perspective — and motivation — for a roster that returns key pieces.
"We strive for perfection, but we understand you're never going to attain it," Avalon said. "Last year was about as close to perfect as a season can be. Those guys shot for the moon and grabbed a star. It was an unbelievable year.
"What last season did for this group was give them a taste of it. It made them hungry to finish. We know that's tough to do, but if we have the right people in the locker room, they're going to want to get back to Enid, Oklahoma."
The hunger is paired with experience across the roster, particularly on the offensive side of the ball and depth throughout the pitching staff.
"A huge positive for this group is the experience we return on offense," Avalon said. "Pitchers tend to adjust quicker to the college game, so we're excited to have that experience back. This may be the deepest team we've ever had offensively."
PRCC's depth will be tested early and often. The Wildcats have 56 games plus an exhibition scheduled.
"Hands down, this is the toughest schedule we've played, both because of the teams we're facing and the number of games," he said. "To prepare for the toughest Division II conference in the country, you have to play a tough nonconference slate."
THE ROTATION/BULLPEN
Pearl River enters the 2026 season needing to replace nearly 400 innings on the mound, a number that often signals a youth-heavy staff. That is not the case for the Wildcats.
The top four spots in the rotation are expected to be anchored by four right-handed sophomores: returners Drew Harrison (Madison; Germantown), Logan Fontenelle (Biloxi) and Nico Williams (Gulfport), along with Southern Miss transfer Cal Culpepper (Meridian; Clarkdale).
Harrison was one of Pearl River's most reliable bullpen arms last season, logging 30 2/3 innings with a 1.76 ERA. He will transition into a starting role as a sophomore. While Fontenelle and Williams combined for just 8 1/3 innings on the mound as freshmen, both two-way standouts made significant strides during the fall to earn rotation spots. Culpepper redshirted at Southern Miss in 2024 before appearing in four games in 2025 and brings a four-pitch mix highlighted by a plus fastball.
"We will be anchored at the top by a 1A and a 1B in Culpepper and Harrison," Avalon said. "Both have seen their velocity jump — they've been up to 94 this fall — and both have plus pitch-ability.
"Nico and Fontenelle will be asked to be two-way players," Avalon added. "Their primary focus will be making sure they're fresh for their starts. Doing both is tough at our level, but we think they can handle it."
Avalon believes bullpen depth could be the Wildcats' biggest strength. Landon Watts (Picayune) is slated to take over as the closer after posting a 3.14 ERA across 14 1/3 innings last season.
"The jumps that Watts has made have been unbelievable," Avalon said. "He will be who we rely on in the late innings."
Getting the ball to Watts will be a deep group of sophomores, including Dalton Graham (Conehatta; Newton County), converted pitcher Tyrese Johnson (West Point), Colin Jenkins (Mt. Olive; Simpson Academy) and Tanner Busby (Picayune).
"Dalton and Busby took advantage of their redshirt year to really grow," Avalon said. "Jenkins gained valuable experience last season, and Tyrese has been outstanding since transitioning to the mound."
Several newcomers are expected to compete for meaningful innings, including Preston McAdory (Lucedale; George County), left-hander Gardner Young (Madison; Jackson Prep), Jacksonville State transfer JP Abt (Brandon; Hartfield Academy), Wilkes Johnson (Jackson; MRA), Trace McDonald (Sandy Hook; West Marion), Slade Shove-Knox (Sulphur, La.), Gabe Hodges (Flowood; Northwest Rankin), Jarvis Woody (Ridgeland), Bradley Watson (Flora; Canton Academy), Cannon Turner (Purvis) and Brendan Necaise (Pass Christian).
AROUND THE DIAMOND
Replacing Gold Glove-winning catcher Jacob Keys will not be easy, but Pearl River added Southern Miss transfer Coy Clements (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove) to fill the role.
"I think Keys and Coy have had similar journeys," Avalon said. "Both had to find themselves in the fall, and both turned a corner once spring rolled around. Coy has been really good so far — especially offensively. He'll anchor the middle of the order and is extremely talented behind the plate."
Backing up Clements are Bryce Duszak (Appleton, Wis.; Menasha) and Colton Strange (Yukon, Okla.). Duszak redshirted at Tallahassee State in 2025, while Strange did the same at Cloud County.
"We're excited about the depth we have there," Avalon said. "We really like that group."
First base is one of Pearl River's deepest positions. Chap Cook (Canton; Canton Academy) returns after serving as a reserve last season, while freshmen Jackson Estes (Madison; Germantown), Landon Hawkins (Sumrall) and Abel Thetford (Bossier City, La.; Parkway) will all compete for playing time. Fontenelle has also seen reps at the position.
"The easiest way to win that job is to be a force at the plate," Avalon said. "Early on, you'll see multiple guys get opportunities."
Abt and Jackson Beddoe (Sulphur, La.) are expected to share time at second base.
"Both are really good players," Avalon said. "If one separates, that's great. If not, we're comfortable playing either one."
On the left side of the infield, Samford transfer Gatlin Pitts (Fairhope, Ala.; Bayside Academy) and Kyler King (Picayune) will open the season at shortstop and third base, respectively. Pitts started 21 games at Samford in 2025, while King hit .307 with a .431 on-base percentage as a freshman outfielder for the Wildcats.
"They've earned the first shot on that side of the infield," Avalon said.
Other infielders providing depth include Cooper Moreaux (Picayune) and Morgan Craft (Picayune).
Pearl River returns a veteran outfield led by Jackson Hood (Madison; Germantown), Ethan Garner (Gulfport), Williams and Fontenelle. Hood hit .354 with 14 home runs, 57 RBIs and 17 stolen bases last season. Garner batted .333 with 15 extra-base hits and 28 RBIs. Williams posted a .299 average with a .610 slugging percentage, while Fontenelle slashed .304/.414/.565.
"Garner will lead us off, Hood will hit in the middle, and Nico will be toward the top or middle," Avalon said. "Fontenelle just plays extremely hard and makes a lot of tough plays."
Young will provide a left-handed bat in the outfield rotation, while Hawkins and Estes — primarily first basemen — could also see time in the corner outfield spots as the season progresses.
TICKETS
Season and single-game tickets are on sale now at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets. Season tickets are $120. Single-game tickets are $9 if purchased in advance or $11 if purchased on game day.
TUNE IN
All home Pearl River baseball games are livestreamed for free at PRCCMedia.com/Gold. Fans with Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app stores.
Games will also be available over the air in Pearl River County by tuning into 1320-AM and 106.9 FM. The radio broadcast is also available at WRJWRadio.com and by downloading the WRJW app.
For the latest on Pearl River Community College athletics, follow us on X (@PRCCAthletics) and Facebook (PRCCAthletics).
