PBR MS Rising Stars Recap

Lots of up and coming talent was on hand Saturday at Jackson Prep for our spring Rising Stars event. These events are nationwide and allow PBR to get a glimpse of the next wave of talent on the way from the 7th and 8th grade classes. Several players will be invited to Lakepoint Sports Complex in Georgia this summer to complete against top players from other states at the Junior Future Games. The JFG is held at the same time and location as one of America’s most highly recruited events, the Future Games. 

Players were put through a pro style workout with 60 times beginning the day. Carlos Campbell Jr. (2026) of Hartfield Academy recorded the best time with a 6.85 and the only sub 7 of the day. Several others showed current or developing speed including Jack Poole (2026) of Madison Ridgeland Academy (7.05), Benjamin Reed (2026) of New Albany (7.15), Grady Mitchell (2026) of Corinth (7.19), and Landon Swinney (2027) of Tupleo (7.50).

Defensive evaluations came next with each player being allowed to show off their skills at their primary and secondary positions. Cayden Prestage (2026) of Itawamba showed off a dynamic arm from right field with an event best 88 mph throw to the plate. Landon Swinney led the 7th graders with an OF velocity up to 75 mph. 

On the infield Ayden Wilbanks (2026) of Kossuth showed range and good arm strength with 81 mph throw across the diamond. Benjamin Reed also was 81 mph from the SS position. Wiry framed Rece Atkinson led the 2027’s with a 75 mph infield velocity, while showing developing control of footwork at his position.

Drew Davis (2027) of Sumrall recored the top POP time for catchers at 2.19, showing advanced ability at the position for a 7th grader. 

Players were then giving a couple of rounds to show what they could do at the plate and there were plenty that opened eyes. Jack Poole may have been the star of the show at the plate. The 8th grader from MRA displayed some serious pull side power potential putting a couple of baseballs over the wall. Poole had the highest exit velocity of the day at 88.4 mph, followed by Ford Wade (2027) of Oxford at 88.0 mph, and Ayden Wilbanks at 87.8 mph. Jones Roberson was another 2027 that showed off some advanced pop at 84.2 mph. 

Pitchers finished up the day with some controlled action versus hitters. Benjamin Reed (2026) led all pitchers with a 83 mph fastball, followed by Cayden Prestage (2026) at 82 mph, and Ayden Wilbanks (2026) at 81 mph with a 2550 spin rate on his slider. Drew Davis led the 2027’s with a fastball up to 77 mph. Rece Atkinson (2027) may have been the most intriguing pitcher of the day showing some major sink and a change up that mimicked his fastball very well. 

PBR Mississippi looks forward to watching these young men continue their individual development over the next several years.