Several local baseball players make preseason watch list

Several area high school baseball players are gaining statewide recognition heading into the 2026 season, as Capital Sports MS released its annual Preseason Players to Watch list.

In total, 13 players from Attala County were named to the list.

Kosciusko led the local representation with 12 players earning preseason recognition:

• Aidan Howard, INF, Sr.

• Carson Philyaw, UTL, Sr.

• Braxton Smith, P, Sr.

• Kristian Thrash, OF/P, Sr.

• Reece Atkinson, INF/P, Jr.

• J.D. Cummins, P, Jr.

• Bradley Goss, OF, Jr.

• Braydon Rigby, INF/P, Jr.

• Jackson Schuler, C, Jr.

• Rowdy Rone, P, So.

• Brenden Truss, INF/P, So.

• Jack Vance, P, So.

Additionally, Ethel was represented by Cullen Rush, P, Sr.

Both Kosciusko and Ethel will begin the 2026 season this week. Find the team’s schedules here.

Capital Sports MS compiles its preseason list annually to spotlight players who have drawn college attention, produced standout performances, or shown strong development potential. The list is continually updated as more information becomes available throughout the preseason.

The complete preseason watchlist and rankings can be found HERE.