The Northwest Mississippi Community College baseball team is preparing for the 2026 season after finishing 31-19 last year. The Rangers will rely on a core of returning players and new talent to build on their success, according to coach Mark Carson.
Last season, NWCC started strong with four straight wins before losing three close games to Lake Land College, which reached the NJCAA Division I World Series final. Carson emphasized that success isn’t solely measured by championships but also by overall record and player advancement. “Any time you win over 30 in this league, it has been a successful year,” he said. Several players from last year’s squad moved on to four-year schools.
Playing in one of the toughest NJCAA conferences, the team faced stiff competition from top-ranked Mississippi schools such as Jones College and Pearl River. Despite setbacks, NWCC secured at least one win in each conference series, reflecting the high level of competition in the state.
The team’s season ended early in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament with a 6-0 loss to Meridian. Carson noted the team’s goal to qualify for the playoffs annually and expressed disappointment about not advancing further last year. The team features 16 freshmen and 15 sophomores, with returning pitchers including Eli Deberry, Jace Robinson, Brady Stinnett, Tyler Sullivan, and Will Howell, all of whom pitched at least 20 innings last season.
Carson highlighted the importance of bullpen depth, noting that six of the eight new pitchers are right-handed and two are left-handed. The team’s infield and outfield also feature experienced sophomores like Mason Gillentine, Hallas Lawson, Lake Reed, Mason McMillin, and Walker Sanders, alongside promising freshmen expected to contribute immediately. The newcomers include Joe Aikens, Tristan Baldwyn, South McCoy, Caleb Doty, Davis Miller, Josh Pena, and Hayes Hooker.
Leading hitter Mason McMillin, who led the team with 53 hits and eight home runs last season, will look to energize the offense. The sophomore class combined for 267 hits and 138 RBIs in 2025, and continuing that offensive production will be key for success this year.
The Rangers open their season at home against Missouri State-West Plains on Feb. 6, with a doubleheader scheduled for noon. They will face several nationally ranked opponents in February and March, including Lake Land, Pearl River, and Parkland. Conference play begins March 14 at home against East Central, with matchups against other ranked teams and regional rivals scheduled throughout the season. The team’s regular season concludes with a trip to face Jones College in Ellisville.
Coverage of the season opener will be available on Ranger TV. Fans can follow updates on NWCC baseball through the team’s social media accounts or at nwccrangers.com.
