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AL/MS Border Battle: Mississippi Quick Hits

October 15, 2024
Matt Miller
State Director

BOONEVILLE, MS - The AL/MS Border Battle was held on Saturday, October 12th and Sunday, October 13th at Northeast Mississippi CC in Booneville, MS. This event was an invite-only event hosting some talented prospects from the 2025-2029 classes in Mississippi. These players went through extended pro-style workout that included batting practice using Trackman and Blast Motion, ran the 60-yard dash using Swift Performance, and much more. Pitchers were able to throw during gameplay and were able to get numbers and metrics off of our Trackman unit, such as pitch velocity, spin rate, horizontal & vertical movement while facing live hitters in simulated innings. There were some players who showed up and continued to build off of prior performances, but there were also some new names who jumped onto our radar with a strong showing this week.

Continuing our post-event coverage for this event, we look at some of the standouts from the event. Please continue to check back over the next week, as we will release quick hits articles, other various event leaderboards, individual scouting reports, and much more on each player present at the event. 

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MISSISSIPPI QUICK HITS

Cooper Bierman 3B / RHP / Lewisburg, MS / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 31 / POS: 4

Was a Future Gamer this past summer but due to the roster breakdown he was limited to only pitching in Atlanta although we knew he was capable of playing a position as well. This past weekend the still uncommitted middle infielder reassured us he is still a dual prospect. The Lewisburg product showed off some solid pop at the plate as he used mostly a middle to pull side approach with line drives into the gaps with velocities up to 98 mph. Bierman did get a chance to step on the mound and finished with 2 quality innings versus Alabama with a feel for spin and a running fastball up to 87 mph. He has options and should gain a few more in the near future.

Rylan Kentner RHP / SS / North Pontotoc, MS / 2027

Rankings  StateRank: 8 / POS: 2

Showed up to the Magnolia State Games virtually unknown in June and turned plenty of heads with his impressive 2 innings of work. The wiry right hander was back at it on Saturday with another solid showing featuring a fastball up to 85 mph and a quick biting breaker with 2600 spin. The North Pontotoc hurler also showed two way ability with smooth hands and range at shortstop while spraying liners middle to pull side. A must follow for all coaches.

Nathaniel Moore RHP / 3B / Warren Central, MS / 2026

Has shown steady velocity gains each time we see him and now finds his fastball in the mid 80’s currently with impressive movement. The heavy sinking arm side run will create lots of activity for the infielders while making Moore even more interesting on the recruitment scene. His strong but lean frame looks as if the velocity will continue to rise which will make things even tougher on right handed hitters this coming spring. 

Cade Lott LHP / OF / Booneville, MS / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 84 / POS: 4

Was fun to watch this past weekend. The left hander from Booneville carved up hitters during his 3 quick innings using a three pitch mix that included a running fastball,change up, and sweeping slider. Lott’s fastball sits in the mid to upper 70’s but he knows how to pitch and given his lean, wiry frame it's safe to say there is more coming. Recruiters should pay attention to this one as he has next level ability on the bump and is still progressing. 

Jarrett Thomas LHP / OF / Alcorn Central, MS / 2026

Was nearly identical to Cade Lott and threw 3 solid innings of his own. We were fortunate to see him throw a gem last season at the Battle on the Beach so we knew what to expect and he didn’t disappoint. We also heard Thomas and Lott have countered one another on occasion and would love to be in attendance the next time that happens. Thomas, from Alcorn Central, has a lean, wiry frame as well that should allow for continued gains in velocity.

Jaxon Herod 2B / SS / West Union Attendance Center, MS / 2028

Is a former Junior Future Games participant and continues to progress well both on the field and with his metrics. The 2028 grad has a solid arm that reached 81 mph this past weekend during his outing on the mound which should create dual prospect status moving forward. On offense the West Union product uses a synced up swing to deliver liners to the middle of the field. Power is coming though the 9th grader is already approaching the 90 mph exit velocity mark. 

Maximus Bates SS / 2B / Vancleave, MS / 2025

Rankings  StateRank: 145 / POS: 24

Was at our Senior Game event at Clinton a month ago and showed some ability all over the field, though his time on the mound made the biggest impression to the recruiters in attendance. Bates can reach into the low 80's from a higher arm slot but when he drops down to his lower sidearm slot he has something special. The sink is very good with hitters consistently pounding the baseball in the ground and a developing sweeper that when on the outer half to righties is very tough. If he commits to the lower slot, watch out! 

Sawyer Pettit C / 2B / Tri-County Academy, MS / 2027

Rankings  StateRank: 30 / POS: 6

Is moving in a really good direction. The 2 time Junior Future Games participant shows steady progression in all areas and is bigger each time we see him. Pettit is now creating some loft to his swing and could develop into a legitimate power threat though at the moment is a gap to gap run producer. The Tri-County Academy receiver has next level ability behind the plate with a 1.97 pop and developing footwork. He can also play all infield positions giving coaches multiple options to get his plus bat in the lineup. Definitely another rising prospect all colleges will want to see in the coming spring!

Parker Gray SS / 2B / Corinth, MS / 2026

Had a solid weekend both in the workout portion of the event as well as game play. The middle infielder from Corinth started Saturday with an event best 6.76 60 and later showed first step quickness and range at shortstop during defensive evaluations. At the plate, Gray used a very synced up swing with some aggression and a middle of the field approach. These swings carried over into game play with multiple barrels found over the two game set. Recruiters should make a point to get over to Corinth to see the young man in the spring.

Christian McKinney 1B / RHP / Cleveland Central, MS / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 85 / POS: 5

Showed off some opposite field power potential on Saturday during his batting practice round. The big, strong first baseman from Cleveland Central could be a steal for someone looking for the middle of the order run producer. There’s still work ahead for him but the swing works and the present pop is next level already. To help his cause, McKinney hopped on the mound Sunday and worked a solid inning with a feel for spin and a running fastball into the low 80’s. There is a good bit of upside in this young man’s game.

 

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Upcoming Events

SHOWCASE DATE LOCATION
Jackson Fall ID 10/26 Clinton HS - Clinton, MS
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