Lots of talent was on display this past weekend for our 2nd Annual Mississippi/Alabama Border Battle. Players from both states were invited to participate in the two day event which included a pro-style workout on Saturday morning and 8 games (2 per grad class) that afternoon and Sunday.

The event featured some of the top players from across the state, with a large majority being uncommitted, which should have pleased the many college coaches on hand. Of the 90 something players that attended last year, over 40 have now committed to play at the next level. 

Though several players performed well, here are a few players that stood out during the event...

Sam Thomas, a recent Copiah Lincoln CC commit, showed some possible two way ability at the next level. The left hand hitting 3B sprayed the baseball around the field during his BP round and in gameplay. Thomas (2022) also worked up to 84 mph on the mound with good spin and feel for the strike zone. 

Jarrett Morris, a 2023 from Lewisburg looked like a dual prospect as well. Morris showed the ability to play multiple infield and outfield positions and was lights out on the mound with good run to his fastball that reached 85 mph and a breaking ball that averaged over a 2300 spin rate. 

Elijah Basham, a 2023 also from Lewisburg, turned some heads on the mound at the Border Battle. Basham worked 81-83 mph with good sinking action and big time ground ball potential. He also used a curveball that gave hitters fits with a spin rate over 2400 and good depth.

And another Lewisburg player stood out! Austin Hannigan (2024) had a very impressive showing during the showcase portion of the event. Hannigan showed very solid movements and good footwork on defense and looks like a player that can play anywhere on the dirt. At the plate, he was equally impressive showing the ability to hit line drives to all field with developing power. 

Brady Saxton had some huge at bats playing up with the 2024 team. Saxton, a 2025 from Northwest Rankin has plenty of opposite field pop and with added strength to his frame will become a very dangerous hitter. The lefty showed good feel of multiple pitches and should, in time, provide the Cougars with solid innings on the mound as well.

 

Gage Thompson (2025) from Oak Grove continues to build his reputation as a baseball player. Another dual prospect, Thompson arguably had the top pitching performance of the event going 4 innings on 40 pitches while showing good feel of a 3 pitch mix. The sturdy framed righty worked his fastball up to 82 mph with excellent command of his breaking ball.