The Mississippi high school season kicks off on February 26, the first day for regular season games. Most teams will begin practicing on January 29, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups.

Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we will be rolling out team previews of high school teams all across the state and across all classifications, eventually launching our Preseason Power 25.

We have been sending out our annual Preseason Questionnaire to coaches all across the state and as the responses flood in we will bring you a snapshot of what to expect along with top players and keys to success for that particular team. If you don’t see your team’s season preview make sure your head coach fills out his Preseason Questionnaire.

Team: Water Valley

2017 Record: 8-18
MHSAA Classification: 3A
MHSAA District: 2-3A
Head Coach: Jeb Lee
Playoff Run: 1^st Round
2017 Final Rank: 2^nd in district
Returning Starters: 9
Returning Pitchers: 6

 

Top Players

Name	State	School	Class	Position	Commitment
Blayne Clark	MS	Water Valley	2020	RHP	-
Gavin Darby	MS	Water Valley	2018	LHP	-
Chapel Hyde	MS	Water Valley	2019	RHP	-
Ty Kuykendall	MS	Water Valley	2021	LHP	-
Dre McCray	MS	Water Valley	2022	RHP	-
Ty Varner	MS	Water Valley	2018	C	-

 

Stat Rat (X-Factor)
Gavin Darby (.375-BA, 10-RBI)
Dre McCray (.381-BA, 19-RBI, 5-2B)
Ty Varner (.250-BA, 15-RBI, 5-2B)

Outlook
Coach Jeb Lee returns the entire line-up and six pitchers from a season ago. Strong defensive play will be important for the Blue Devils in having success, as they will rely on the senior leadership of C Ty Varner and OF/LHP Gavin Darby. A talented group of young players, including OF/RHP Drew McCray and LHP/OF Ty Kuykendall, will also be expected to compete at a varsity level.

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