Justin Barna – R/R – Outfield – 6’2’’ 185 – Harrison Central High School, Lyman, MS
Barna roamed centerfield for the 6A Harrison Central Red Rebels. He posted a .304 batting average while driving in 12 runs. He was a factor on the bases scoring 18 runs and stealing 7 bases.
“Justin brings a physical presence to the field and has tremendous upside. He can really run and will be able to track balls down in the outfield and create pressure on the base paths.” – Coach Hoffpauir
Joe Barrett – R/R – RHP – 6’0’’ 205 – Purvis High School, Purvis, MS
Barrett was the ace for the 4A State Champion Purvis Tornadoes. He posted an 11-1 record in 13 starts with an earned run average of 1.87. He was a dominate force allowing opposing hitters a paltry .190 batting average while only giving up 6 extra base hits.
“Joe brings a tough mentality to the pitcher’s mound. He showed that earning both wins in the State Championship series for Purvis. He has a lot of arm strength and will be a huge asset to our pitching staff.” – Coach Hoffpauir
Garren Berry – R/R – 3B/1B/C – 5’10’’ 200 – Petal High School, Petal, MS
Berry posted a batting average of .346 with 9 doubles for the 6A Petal Panthers. He also slated a .500 on-base percentage while driving in 29 runs. Berry fielded at a .975 clip for the Panthers.
“Garren comes from a baseball background, which showed in his performance on the field. We look for him to play both corner infield positions and add depth behind the plate.” – Coach Hoffpauir
Allen Cowart – R/R – RHP – 5’09’’ 160 – Pascagoula High School, Pascagoula, MS
Cowart has emerged as one of the top relief pitchers on the coast for the 5A Pascagoula Panthers. During his senior campaign the right hander has posted a 0.69 earned run average in 30.1 innings while striking out 29 batters.
“Allen has the mentality of a late inning pitcher. He wants the ball in big spots, and it has shown this season. We expect him to fight for the closer role.” – Coach Hoffpauir
Houston Davenport – R/R – C/1B – 6’0’’ 195 - Thompson High School, Birmingham, AL
Davenport anchored the clean-up spot for the 6A Thompson High Warriors. He boasted a batting average of .412 and clubbed 28 RBIs. He also gunned down 28 base runners attempting to steal.
“Houston carries a physical build, and that’s what you look for in a catcher. He also swung the bat well in a tough high school division. We look for him to come in and make an impact.” – Coach Hoffpauir
Justin Demary – R/R – Infielder/RHP – 6’00’’ 175 – Iowa High School, Iowa, LA
Demary played a key role in the 3A Iowa Yellow Jacket’s state runner-up campaign. He boasted a .315 batting average with 14 extra base hits while driving in 32 runs. He was also 7-2 on the mound with a 2.85 earned run average.
“Justin is an all around player. He can play multiple infield positions and has shown the ability to pitch at a high level. We look for Justin’s athletic ability to allow him to be a two-way player.” – Coach Hoffpauir
Hakeem Forbes – R/R – Infielder – 6’00’’ 170 – Columbia High School, Columbia, MS
Forbes has been an integral factor in 4A Columbia Wildcats success over the past few years. Forbes senior season has been a standout year. He post a .437 batting average with 33 runs scored, 18 RBIs, with 11 doubles. He has swiped 14 bases on the season.
“Hakeem is extremely athletic and versatile. He can do some things with the glove, bat, and on the base paths. We expect him to contribute in all phases of the game.” – Coach Hoffpauir
Tracy Hadley – R/R – Infielder – 6’01’’ 170 – Pascagoula High School, Pascagoula, MS
Hadley played a huge role in 5A Pascagoula’s State Championship run in 2012. During his senior season, he is hitting .382 with 8 extra base hits. The slick fielding shortstop has been sure handed up the middle for the Panthers.
“Tracy has played multiple sports in high school and we are extremely excited about his baseball future. He is a plus defender with really good actions. We expect him to be a contributor for the Wildcats.” – Coach Hoffpauir
Jalen Haskins – R/R – Infielder – 5’10’’ 180 – Oak Grove High School, Hattiesburg, MS
Haskins excelled during his junior season posting a batting average of .407 and a .532 on base percentage. He scored 23 runs while driving in 17 on 9 extra base hits.
“Jalen brings a strong physical presence and athleticism to the infield. He has the bat speed to drive balls in the gaps. We expect him to make an impact in the top of the order.” – Coach Hoffpauir
Austin Knight – R/R – Catcher – 5’11’’ 185 – Long Beach High School, Long Beach, MS
Knight has been the backstop for the 5A Long Beach Bearcats. During his senior season, he has slowed down opponents on the base paths throwing out 60% of attempting base stealers.
“Austin has a chance to be a good defender behind the plate. He receives the ball really well and has the ability to throw as well. We believe Austin will provide needed depth handling the pitching staff.” – Coach Hoffpauir
LeDarien Lee – L/L – LHP/Outfielder – 5’10’’ 180 – Forrest County Agricultural High School, Brooklyn, MS
Lee provided 4A Forrest County AHS Aggies a solid option as the ace on the mound. He posted an earned run average of 2.30 with a 6-1 record. He also tallied 75 strikeouts in 64 innings of work. Lee hit at a .388 clip with 15 stolen bases.
“LeDarien brings a football mindset to the baseball field. He is extremely competitive and versatile. We expect him to bring a presence on the mound and in the outfield.” – Coach Hoffpauir
Derrick Mount – R/R – Infielder/RHP – 5’10’’ 170 – Harrison Central High School, Lyman, MS
Mount was an integral part for the 6A Harrison Central Red Rebels making a strong playoff run. He posted a 2.23 earned run average while throwing 5 complete games. He also had 65 strikeouts while only walking 9 in 59.2 innings. Mount added 31 runs scored while stealing 12 bases.
“Derrick is an extremely athletic and gritty player. He has the ability to be an asset as a two-way player. We look for him to make an immediate impact on the mound and in the infield.” – Coach Hoffpauir
Adam Smith – R/R – Outfielder – 6’00’’ 185 – Pascagoula High School, Pascagoula, MS
Smith helped lead 5A Pascagoula Panthers to a State Championship as a junior. During his senior season, he is hitting .369 with a .500 on base percentage. The outfielder has belted 3 homeruns, knocked in 21, and scored 20 while swiping 8 bases.
“Adam has a combination of strength and speed. He has shown that this season producing runs for Pascagoula. We expect Adam to add quality production from the outfield position.” – Coach Hoffpauir
Jacob Taylor – R/R – Infielder/RHP – 6’3’’ 205 – Picayune High School, Picayune, MS
Taylor anchored the lineup for the 5A Picayune Maroon Tide hitting in the 3-hole with a .435 average. He also posted an earned run average of 3.27 in 30 innings of work.
“Jacob is an athletic player with a big frame and a lot of upside. He performed at a high level at the plate and on the mound. We think Jacob’s best baseball is ahead of him. – Coach Hoffpauir
Zach O’Hern – R/R – Infielder – 6’2’’ 200 – Hancock High School, Kiln, MS
O’Hern topped the lineup for the 6A Hancock Hawks hitting in the leadoff spot. He posted a .354 batting average while stealing 7 bases in 7 attempts. O’Hern also anchored the infield starting at shortstop.
“Zach has been a multi-sport athlete in high school. He is a rangy infielder with really good actions. We expect him to be one of the best defenders in this signing class.” – Coach Hoffpauir
