SOUTH REGION

Receiving Votes: Albany State (7-4); Savannah State (7-5); Nova Southeastern (5-5)

February 24, 2026

NEW ORLEANS – Southern University at New Orleans outfielder Kyler Shepherd wins Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Player of the Week. Stillman College John Roland Jr. garners Pitcher of the Week. Emile Butler claims Freshman of the Week. Wiley University Pitcher Estevan Baca earns Newcomer of the Week. The athletes were recognized for their performance between February 16-22, the conference announced Tuesday.

Shepherd turned in a dominant all-around performance at the plate this week, batting an impressive .500 (6-for-12) with seven RBIs and five runs scored across four games. He reached base at a .647 clip, drew five walks, and struck out just once in 17 plate appearances, showcasing elite discipline and consistency. Shepherd also applied constant pressure on the bases, swiping five bags, while remaining flawless defensively.

Roland, Jr., recorded the first NAIA no-hitter of the 2026 season. The sophomore struck out 9 in a 92-pitch, 9-inning complete game no-hitter to open HBCUAC action Thursday, Feb. 19 with a 10-1 victory over Oakwood University. It was Stillman College’s first no-hitter since a combined no-hitter against Oakwood in 2023 and the first solo no-hitter by a Stillman pitcher since 2013. Stillman went on to sweep the series, 3-0, to sit atop the HBCUAC East Division standings after Week One.

Starting both games of Saturday’s doubleheader, Butler hit .500 with 5 runs scored and 5 RBI against Oakwood University to help Stillman sweep its conference opener.

Baca picked up his first win of the season and threw a nine-inning complete game to help the Wildcats clinch the series against Huston-Tillotson University. He struck out five batters. He retired the side in the second and fourth innings.

Additional baseball weekly nominees: Caleb Carter (Tougaloo), Reyli Escobedo (Wiley), Robert Gage (Stillman), Trey Garza (Huston-Tillotson), Jamison Green (Oakwood), Tristen Henry (Stillman), Danny Hernandez (Huston-Tillotson), Donovan Hill (SUNO), Ethan Jones (Wiley), Darrin Magee (SUNO), Amir Mason (Wiley), Christopher Nunez (SUNO), Robert Powe (Tougaloo), Graelan Shaffer (Tougaloo), Lekeidric Sutton (Tougaloo), Ethan Walker (Huston-Tillotson)

2026 HBCUAC Baseball Players of the Week

About the HBCU Athletic Conference

The HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) is the only HBCU conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The HBCUAC membership includes Dillard University (LA), Fisk University (TN), Huston-Tillotson University (TX), Oakwood University (AL), Paul Quinn College (TX), Philander Smith University (AR), Rust College (MS), Southern University at New Orleans (LA), Stillman College (AL), Talladega College (AL), Tougaloo College (MS), University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), Voorhees University (SC), Wilberforce University (OH), and Wiley University (TX). HBCUAC sponsors championships in men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s track and field, women’s volleyball, softball, and baseball. In 2022, the HBCUAC secured the largest media rights deal in conference and NAIA history, signing a multimillion-dollar deal with Urban Edge Network. On July 1, 2024, the conference rebranded from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) to the HBCU Athletic Conference, marking a new era for the conference that embodies the makeup of its membership. For more information, visit hbcuac.org.

Source: HBCU Athletics Conference Communications Department

Photo Credit: Savannah State University

SAVANNAH, Ga.- There is an old saying that goes “in order to be the best, you have to beat the best.”

For Savannah State, this cliche lived up to its billing on Tuesday afternoon, as the Tigers took down Tampa 7-0 at Tiger Field.

Tampa, the 2025 NCAA Division II national champion, entered the game ranked number one with a 11-0 record.

The Tigers did their damage to Tampa in the third, fourth and eighth innings.

Gavin Jusino led off the bottom of the third with a single to left field and following a strikeout by Kijani Clarington, Jayden Clark singled to left and Seth Stargell drew a walk to load the bases for Johan Sandoval who hit a single to left field that scored Jusino and Clark for a 2-0 lead.

SSU went ahead 4-0 in the next inning with Tyler Tucker and Jason Ramos hitting singles and Jusino drawing a walk to load the bases for Clarington who responded with a two-run single to left center that sent home Tucker and Ramos.

The score remained the same until the bottom of the eighth when SSU tacked on three more runs on two hits.

Once again, Savannah State filled the base pads as Julian Grier hit a single, Ramos reached base because of an error by the shortstop and Jusino was hit by a pitch. Clarington reached base on a  fielder’s choice which allowed Grier to score and Clark followed with a double that plated Ramos and Jusino for a 7-0 margin.

Clark finished the non-conference contest with three hits and two RBI while Clarington drove in three runs and Sandoval had two RBI. Tucker had two hits on the day and Jusino scored twice for the Tigers.

On the mound, SSU used six pitchers to slay their opponents.

Salvatore Uro pitched three innings and did not allow a run while Noah Brown, Joshua Krutchik, Giovante Tomlins and Aidan Turner all came in a pitched one inning each. Austin McCormack pitched the final two inning and struck out two while giving up two hits. As a unit, the struck out six batters while issuing two walks and nine hits.

The win extends the Savannah State winning streak to eight as they improve to 9-5 overall.

Savannah State will return to conference play with a trip to Atlanta, Georgia to play Morehouse for a three-game series starting with a double-header on February 28 and a single game on March 1.

Source: Walter Moore/Savannah State University Media Relations

Photo Credit: Brian Howard, Alabama A&M Assistant AD for Communications

Trey Rutledge, twice named a Black College Nines All-Elite outfielder (once each at Miles College and Alabama A&M) signed a professional baseball contract on February 18th with the New York Mets organization.

In his two seasons at Miles College, Trey Rutledge had a.330 batting average with an on base percentage of .501 while collecting 52 stolen bases.  This past season at Alabama A&M, Rutledge led the country (NCAA Division I) with an on base percentage of .573 and led the Bulldogs with a .397 batting average while accumulating 34 stolen bases.

Trey Rutledge will be reporting to the Mets spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

NEW ORLEANS –

Del Villar proved to be highly productive at the plate, going 4-for-8 with four RBIs over the series. Against Texas College in the opener, he recorded two hits and drove in two runs. He was instrumental in the opener against Central Baptist, hitting a double and a sacrifice fly that plated the go-ahead run. In the second contest against Central Baptist, his sacrifice fly provided an RBI that helped the Wildcats overcome a two-run deficit. He later singled in the seventh inning and scored the game-tying run.

Rodriguez earned two wins in his starts last week. He began with a pre-arranged two-inning appearance against Texas College, where he only allowed one hit and recorded one strikeout. In Thursday’s game against Central Baptist, Rodriguez quickly settled in after the Mustangs scored three unearned runs in the first inning. He proceeded to shut down the offense, only allowing two runners to reach base over his final five innings of work.

Barajas was a major contributor for the Wildcats, both at the plate and on the mound. Offensively, he scored four runs and hit his second home run in the opening game against Central Baptist on Thursday, sparking a rally from a three-run deficit. He also scored the go-ahead run in the second game against Central Baptist after reaching base in the seventh inning. On the pitching side, he threw two innings in the second game against Texas College, recording one strikeout.

Mendoza recorded two hits and scored two runs to lift the Bulldogs to their first victories over Alice Lloyd College. He drove in two runs in the second game. Mendoza reached base in five of seven plate appearances (.714 on-base percentage).

Additional baseball weekly nominees: Diego Duque (Talladega), Braylon Guerin (SUNO), Luis Perdomo (Talladega), Jonathan Phillips (Stillman), Victor Rivera (Talladega), Xavier Thompson (Wilberforce), Javarey Valentine (Wiley)

2026 HBCUAC Baseball Players of the Week

About the HBCU Athletic Conference
The HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) is the only HBCU conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The HBCUAC membership includes Dillard University (LA), Fisk University (TN), Huston-Tillotson University (TX), Oakwood University (AL), Paul Quinn College (TX), Philander Smith University (AR), Rust College (MS), Southern University at New Orleans (LA), Stillman College (AL), Talladega College (AL), Tougaloo College (MS), University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), Voorhees University (SC), Wilberforce University (OH), and Wiley University (TX). HBCUAC sponsors championships in men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s track and field, women’s volleyball, softball, and baseball. In 2022, the HBCUAC secured the largest media rights deal in conference and NAIA history, signing a multimillion-dollar deal with Urban Edge Network. On July 1, 2024, the conference rebranded from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) to the HBCU Athletic Conference, marking a new era for the conference that embodies the makeup of its membership. For more information, visit hbcuac.org.

Source: HBCU Athletic Conference Communications Department

PLAYER OF THE WEEK – TYLER TURNER, ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY

PITCHER OF THE WEEK – SAMUEL CREW, ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY

Source: SIAC Department of Communications

Bethune-Cookman University (Wildcats)

Returning Starting Position Players
1B Jorge Rodriguez
3B Jesus Vanegas
SS Jeter Polledo
OF Darryl Lee
OF Sergio Rivera
OF Andrey Martinez

Other Top Returning Position Players
1B/OF Armani Newton
C/1B   Jose Fernandez
OF      Christopher Watson
OF      Michael Rodriguez
INF     Reinaldo Plasencia

Top Returning Starting Pitching
Tanner Boccabello
Edwin Sanchez

Top Returning Relivers
Jean Zambrano
Pablo Torres
Logan Wirt

Top Newcomers
Maikol Lucena, Indian River State College, Catcher
Erick Almonte, University of Central Florida, Middle Infield
Justin Morales, Tallahassee State College, Pitcher
Harbersting Abreu, Tallahassee State College, Pitcher
Bryon Rincones, Northwest Florida State College, Pitcher
Michael Benedict, Eastern Florida State College, Pitcher
Ruben Zuany, Coral Springs, FL, First Base/Outfield
David Morrissey, Eastern Florida State College, Pitcher
Dawson Turner, Saint Leo University, Pitcher
Caleb Scott, Wallace Dothan Community College, Middle Infield

Season Preview
Experienced group from last season’s 2025 SWAC Championship team. Added depth on the pitching mound. Only lost 2 starters from the last years lineup due to graduation. Looking forward to this 2026 B-CU team to take the next step forward.

North Carolina A&T University (Aggies)

Returning Starting Position Players
C   Tyler Smith
1B Jason Campo
SS J T Taylor
OF Nick DiCarlo
OF Bruce Wyche
OF Savoi Edwards

Other Top Returning Position Players
INF Caleb Beals

Top Returning Starting Pitching
Diego Barrett
Gavin Sentell
Angel Ortiz

Top Returning Relivers
None

Top Newcomers
Marcus Bradshaw, State College of Central Florida, Outfield
Jacob Fields, Presbyterian College, Pitcher
Reginald Tuggle, Savannah State University, Infield
Boaz Harper, University of North Carolina, Infield
Ross Fowler, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Pitcher
Jason Johnson, Bryant & Stratton College, Pitcher

Season Preview
The Aggies will have a very solid returning core on the position player side.  With four All-CAA preseason picks, there is definitely an opportunity to make a push in the conference.  The big key is how can the pitching develop and grow from a down year on the mound.

By the time the final out was recorded, Morehouse, Lane, Miles, and SUNO each posted 2–1 weekends, while Rust’s walk-off stunner on Sunday added the final jolt of fireworks to close the event.

Results at a Glance

• Friday, Feb. 6
  • Lane 12, Rust 5
  • Miles 9, Xavier (LA) 0
  • SUNO 8, Morehouse 7
• Saturday, Feb 7
  • Lane 10, Xavier (LA) 5
  • Miles 9, SUNO 4
  • Morehouse 9, Rust 8 (10 inn.)
• Sunday, Feb 8
  • Rust 5, Miles 4
  • SUNO 4, Lane 2
  • Morehouse 4, Xavier (LA) 1

Game Recaps

Lane 12, Rust 5 (Feb. 6)

Lane set the tone early and kept scoring pressure on Rust throughout, plating runs in five different innings and pulling away with a three-run seventh. Davies powered the Dragons’ attack (2-for-4, 4 RBI, HR) while Martinez added damage of his own (2-for-4, 3 RBI, HR). Rust answered with a five-run day that included a pair of RBIs from C. Brock (2-for-4, 2 RBI) and Richardson (1-for-2, 2 RBI), but couldn’t slow Lane’s late surge.

SUNO 8, Morehouse 7 (Feb. 6)

SUNO burst out in front with three runs in the first—highlighted by D. Hill’s two-run double—then piled on three more in the second to seize early control. Morehouse steadied itself and finally flipped the game with a five-run sixth, featuring an RBI double, RBI single, a two-run single by C. Simmons, and a sacrifice RBI to take a 7–6 lead. SUNO answered immediately in the bottom half when K. Shepherd launched a go-ahead solo homer, giving the Knights an 8–7 win in a back-and-forth classic.

Miles 9, Xavier (LA) 0 (Feb. 6)

Miles flexed its depth with a shutout win, breaking the game open with a five-run third inning and adding insurance late. B. Barnes delivered in the middle of the order (2-for-4, 2 RBI) as Miles finished with eight hits and clean defense. Xavier scattered five hits but couldn’t cash in, while Miles’ pitching staff kept the Gold Rush off the scoreboard all seven.

Lane 10, Xavier (LA) 5 (Feb. 7)

Xavier struck first with a three-run third, but Lane flipped the script with the inning of the tournament—an eight-run sixth—to turn a tight game into a comfortable lead. T. Davies stayed hot (3-for-4, 4 RBI, HR) and A. Jorge added fuel (3-for-4, 2 RBI) as Lane piled up 10 hits. Xavier got a strong day from C. Boyd (2-for-3, 2 RBI), but the sixth-inning avalanche proved too much to overcome.

Miles 9, SUNO 4 (Feb. 7)

Miles scored in each of the first five innings, then slammed the door with a four-run seventh to create separation. M. Wessels anchored the offense (2-for-4, 4 RBI, 2B) as Miles matched SUNO with eight hits but made the big swings in the big moments. SUNO kept pace early—getting extra-base pop from J. Geraldo (3B) and B. Guerin (3B)—yet Miles’ late surge decided it.

Morehouse 9, Rust 8 (10 innings) (Feb. 7)

Rust appeared in control after building an 8–3 advantage through five, but Morehouse stormed back with a five-run seventh to erase the deficit. The rally was fueled by patient at-bats and clutch contact—most notably E. Pinckney’s two-run double—as the Maroon Tigers forced extras. In the 10th, Morehouse manufactured the winning run and T. Braswell delivered the decisive RBI single, holding on for a 9–8 extra-inning victory.ire classic.

Rust 5, Miles 4 (Feb. 8)

Miles carried a 4–0 lead into the bottom of the seventh, but Rust authored the comeback of the weekend with five runs in its final at-bat. The inning featured a string of baserunners, a key RBI double by A. Owens, run-producing contact, and a late RBI single by Au. Latting that completed the rally. Miles totaled six hits and led most of the morning, but Rust’s late surge flipped the result in dramatic fashion.

SUNO 4, Lane 2 (Feb. 8)

SUNO struck first with two unearned runs in the opening inning, then added breathing room in the fifth behind C. Cantu’s two-run single. Lane answered with two in the fifth as well—also aided by defensive miscues—but SUNO pitching protected the lead the rest of the way. The Knights finished with nine hits, with D. Jimenez providing table-setting traffic (2-for-2) and Cantu delivering the difference-making RBIs.

Morehouse 4, Xavier (La.) 1

Morehouse grabbed an early lead in the first when E. Pinckney doubled and later scored on T. Whiteman’s sacrifice fly, then added on with a second-inning RBI single from Pinckney. Xavier’s lone run came in the fifth on an RBI single by M. Adams, but the Gold Rush committed multiple errors that helped Morehouse tack on insurance. The Maroon Tigers’ arms limited Xavier to three hits, closing the classic with a solid 4–1 win.

Top Performers of the Classic

Hot Bats

• M. Wessels, Miles — 2-for-4, 4 RBI vs. SUNO (plus a double and three stolen bases listed in the box).
• D. Castillo, Lane — 3-for-5, 2 RBI vs. Xavier (LA), sparking the lineup during Lane’s late surge.
• B. Barnes, Miles — Impacted games in multiple ways, including a 2-hit, 2-RBI day vs. Xavier (LA) and two more hits vs. SUNO.
• J. Geraldo, SUNO — 3-for-3 with a triple and an RBI vs. Miles, consistently pressuring defenses.

On the Bump

• Kyle Cline, Miles — 6.0 IP, 0 R, 7 K in the shutout win over Xavier (LA).
• J. Rhynes, Miles — 7.0 IP, 7 K in the win vs. SUNO.
• L. Salas, Lane — Key relief work to earn the win vs. Xavier (LA), tossing 3.0 scoreless in the middle innings.

Wilberforce University (Bulldogs)

Returning Starting Position Players
C   Julien Patton
1B Thomas Hampton
2B Phillip Williams
3B Chris Alcantara-Diaz
SS Joe Mendy
OF Keith Smith Jr.
OF Darius Woodson
OF Beau Spears

Other Top Returning Position Players
C   Amir Bergen
OF Seth Spann
3B Dorian Evans

Top Returning Starting Pitching
Xavier Thompson
Marjuan Wells
Daunte Ward

Top Newcomers
Andres Anez, Cincinnati, OH, Pitcher/Infield
Junior Vasquez, Cincinnati, OH, Pitcher/Third Base/First Base
Andres Estevez, Highland Community College, Pitcher
Juan Gomez, Highland Community College, Pitcher
Adam Mendoza, Seward Community College, Second Base/Shortstop

Season Preview
Wilberforce Bulldogs has added speed and pitching to an already talented staff. The team struggled a bit on the mound with pitching depth but offensively hit over .330. 4th overall in conference play. The additions of transfers and freshman arms should be the recipe to get the team into the post season.

Savannah State University (Tigers)

Returning Starting Position Players
1B Tyler Tucker
2B Johan Sandoval
OF Hakeem Smith
OF D’Sean Prinkelton
OF Chandler Hicks

Other Top Returning Position Players
C    Gavin Jusino

Top Returning Starting Pitching
Brayden Thomas
Gregorio Gonzalez
Austin McCormack

Top Returning Relivers
Adonis Perez
Noah Brown
Giovante Tomlins
Adrian Turner

Top Newcomers
Gabe Breckenridge, Coppin State University, Shortstop
Kidane Stephens, Florida Memorial University, Outfield/Infield
Noah Rodriguez, Fullerton College, Outfield
Jason Ramos, Florida Memorial University, Infield
Salvatore Urso, Shelton State College, Pitcher
Evan Coartney, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Yan Cartaya, Hialeah,FL, Pitcher/First Base
A J Finkley, Hampton, GA, Third Base/Pitcher

Season Preview
The season outlook is highlighted by a veteran roster with experience throughout the lineup. Pitching should be solid overall, with several arms expected to step into expanded roles. Defensively, this is a reliable group that has addressed key areas of concern. Offensively, the lineup features seasoned hitters with extensive SIAC at-bats, positioning this team to be very competitive throughout the season.

Edward Waters University (Tigers)

Returning Starting Position Players
SS Dannon Smith
OF Jordan Smith

Other Top Returning Position Players
1B  Bobby Torres
INF Andres Carracciolo
INF Luis Nunez

Top Returning Starting Pitching
Liam Prepetit

Top Returning Relivers
Cason Shurling
Josh Taylor
Jeremyah Martinez

Top Newcomers
Daniel Donaldson-Fountain, St Petersburg State College, Outfield
Angelo Prieto, Samford University, Outfield
Calvin Scott, Voorhees University, Outfield
Tyler Pfirrmann, Adrian College, Pitcher
Helson Cabrera, Talladega College Pitcher
Joseph Di Cesare, St Petersburg State College, Catcher
Vladimir Blanco, Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, Catcher/Pitcher

Season Preview
Even though the 2026 Edward Waters University Tigers will have a lot of new faces, we are still looking to compete to win an SIAC championship. A great mixture of good young talent that can play multiple positions will allow guys to have a day off to make sure everyone is as healthy as possible to make a deep playoff run.

Tougaloo College (Bulldogs)

Returning Starting Position Players
3B Robert Powe
OF Grant Carmichael
OF Travarez Thomas

Other Top Returning Position Players
None

Top Returning Starting Pitching
Caleb Carter
Braylon Smith

Top Returning Relivers
Tony Bradley Jr.
James Magee
Nicholas Blake Bostic

Top Newcomers
Graelan Shaffer, Bentonia, MS, Second Base
Chandler Wade, Greenville, MS, Shortstop/Second Base
Lekeidric Sutton, Greenville, MS, Outfield/Pitcher
Chance Varnado, Magnolia, MS, Outfield
Decorian Poindexter, Greenville, MS, First Base
John Haggard, Greenville, MS, Third Base/Designated Hitter
Camden Armon, Jackson, MS, Catcher

Season Preview
The 2026 version of the Tougaloo Bulldogs will be a very inexperienced group, but I think we will be very competitive.

Voorhees University (Tigers)

Returning Starting Position Players
2B Kawan Ellerbe-James Jr.
SS Jaiden Godette
OF Yojairon Juan

Top Returning Starting Pitching
None

Top Returning Relivers
Keith Copeland
Trey Sauls
Lucas Brown

Top Newcomers
Roberto Lamour, Florida Memorial University, Pitcher
Manuel Duran, Highland Community College, Pitcher
Jayden Clay, Atlanta, GA, First Base/Third Base
Rashad Hutchings, Atlanta, GA, Outfield
Bryce Austin, Houston, TX, Second Base
Deundra Latham, Milwaukee, WI, Pitcher
Jorge Romero, Highland Community College, Pitcher

Season Preview
We are a young team that will have to grow up fast but we definitely have a roster that is very flexible and electric at times. Should be top 4-5 when it is all said and done.

Dillard University (Bleu Devils)

Returning Starting Position Players
C  Gustavo Torrealba

Other Top Returning Position Players
2B K’Wality Williams

Top Returning Starting Pitching
Dontre Henry
Daryl Tillman Jr
Brandon Dickerson

Top Returning Relivers
Keymoni Coleman
Trenton Roseborough

Top Newcomers
Joseph Ramsey, Paine College, Outfield
Ronaldo Rivera, University of Fort Lauderdale, Catcher
Malcolm McKay, Atlanta, GA, Shortstop/Pitcher
Kobe Wimberly, Atlanta, GA, Pitcher

Season Preview
Look to be very competitive and aggressive on the bases. Use speed to their advantage and putting pressure on defenses. Play fundamentally sound defense and pitchers keeping Dillard close in games.

Lane College (Dragons)

Returning Starting Position Players
C   Trey Babbitt
3B Gabe Garza
OF Cason Blunt (Preseason All-SIAC)
OF Desean Rogers

Top Returning Starting Pitching
Anderson Jorge
Desean Rogers

Top Returning Relivers
Brayden Perkins

Top Newcomers
Leonardo Albornoz Salas, Voorhees College, Pitcher
Teagan Davies, University of Ft Lauderdale, First Base
Roberto Perez, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Pitcher
Christopher Martinez, St Petersburg, FL, Infield
Wilfredo Soto, Tampa, FL, Infield

Season Preview
At Lane, we’re entering this season with more confidence, particularly due to increased depth in the infield and on the pitching staff—two areas that challenged us a year ago. We were able to complete a full summer of recruiting and have a full fall semester together as a team, which has made a big difference. Last season came with growing pains and players being asked to fill roles out of position, yet we still earned a spot in the conference tournament. With that foundation in place, our expectations for ourselves are higher. We’re focused on competing at a high level every day and putting ourselves in position to challenge for a SIAC championship.

Southern University at New Orleans (Knights)

Returning Starting Position Players
C   Avery Spriggs
1B Dylan Jimenez
SS Enrico Herazo
OF Miles Bowens (Preseason All-HBCUAC)
OF Kyler Sheppard
OF Kerrigan Edmonson

Top Returning Starting Pitching
Christopher Nunez (Preseason All-HBCUAC)

Top Returning Relivers
None

Top Newcomers
Christian Soto, Alabama A&M, Third Base/Catcher
Braylon Guiren, Dillard University, Outfield (Preseason All-HBCUAC)
Jason Matthews, Berwick, LA, Pitcher

Season Preview
Look to be very competitive and aggressive on the bases. Use speed to our advantage and putting pressure on defenses. Play fundamentally sound defense and pitchers keeping us close in games.

Rust College (Bearcats)

Returning Starting Position Players
SS Kyrent Cole
OF Marcus Smith
OF Christopher Brock
OF Jordan Fitzpatrick

Top Returning Starting Pitching
Jalen Ward
Arvis Latting
Kris Moody

Top Returning Relivers
Kyron Baker
Ismael Recio

Top Newcomers
Madden Williams, New Orleans, LA, Catcher
Kyle Terry, Detroit, MI, Infield
Parrish Smith, Detroit, MI, Infield
Devon Allen, Kennedy King Community College, Third Base
Jaylen Smith, Philadelphia, MS, Pitcher
Tiwun Lattimore, Kansas Christian College, Outfield
Trevon Stephens, University of Indianapolis, Outfield/Pitcher
Donovan Dixon, Morrow, GA, Outfield/Pitcher
Ahmad Owens, Coastal Alabama Community College, Outfield

Season Preview
Coming off a 22 win season, the Bearcats look to rebound. Losing key players to graduation and transfers Coach Bates brought in a nice freshman and transfer class. We had a pretty good fall season with high expectations to compete for the East Division in the HBCU Athletic Conference. Our season opener is against Midway University (KY) and # 2 ranked Georgia Gwinnett College in Atlanta. With Junior Kyrent Cole a 1st team All Conference selection moves to shortstop as he brings veteran leadership while Junior Jalen Ward anchors the pitching staff.

ATLANTA, GA |

The returning veteran bats

If you’re looking for the heartbeat of the 2026 club, start with the senior trio that has proven it can produce in bunches:

• Elijah Pinckney (Sr., SS) – One of the league’s toughest outs a year ago: .407 average, 51 walks, 26 stolen bases, and an elite on-base profile that fuels everything in front of him. If you’re building a lineup that can score in multiple ways, it starts with a senior who gets on base at that clip and instantly turns singles/walks into scoring position.
• James Thorpe (Sr., OF) – Middle-of-the-order thump: 9 HR and 30 RBI while hitting .353. Thorpe brings the big damage. Keeping the extra-base threat in the middle makes everybody’s job easier, especially with on-base guys hitting in front.
• Elijah James (Sr., OF) – A steady veteran presence in the outfield group and a proven bat returning to the mix. Can that impact scale with more ABs? If yes, it’s another senior bat that changes how teams pitch to the middle.
• TJ Whiteman (Sr., 2B/3B) – Whiteman’s 2025 stats: .343 average, 5 HR, 27 RBI, .519 SLG. He’s a veteran bat who can lengthen the order and punish mistakes late in counts. Whiteman is a consistent bat who can impact the game on both corners of the infield.
• Nicholas Pittman (Sr., OF) – Pittman showed real pop in 2025: 4 HR with 16 RBI in 70 AB. He is a matchup problem when the lineup turns over, especially if he’s driving the ball gap-to-gap.

Now add the junior anchors who helped make Morehouse a relentless lineup:

• Raymond Jenkins (Jr., OF) – A complete offensive player who hit .346 with 7 HR and 42 RBI. He brings that blend of pop and speed plays anywhere in a lineup (leadoff, 2-hole, or even as protection behind the OBP guys).
• Robert Robinson Jr (Jr., C/1B) – A run producer with plate discipline: .331, 44 RBI, and 43 walks. He is the lineup glue with on-base skill, run production, and the kind of at-bats that wear down a pitching staff.
• Myles Gordon (Jr., OF) – A key returning piece in an athletic outfield that can defend, run, and create matchup problems. He’s a classic “more reps = more impact” candidate, especially with that on-base ability.

And don’t overlook the infield/outfield veterans who round out the core:

• Kendyn Fredieu (Sr., OF) – Veteran athleticism and versatility in the outfield group.
• Kareem Weaver (Sr., OF/RHP) – A senior two-way option who adds depth and flexibility.
• Myles Tucker (Sr., 1B/OF) – Tucker returns to baseball full-time, after splitting the past two seasons between baseball and volleyball. He’s a left-handed bat with senior experience who can lengthen the lineup.

Veteran arms: the step forward that can change the season

The lineup gives Morehouse a chance in any series—the next jump comes from converting offense into series wins with cleaner pitching.
The good news: there are veteran options to lead that improvement.

• Cameron Solomon (Sr., RHP/OF) – A senior arm who can impact games if he takes a command step and attacks earlier in counts. if the veteran can reduce walks and limit the “big inning,” this staff looks dramatically different without needing a total overhaul.
• Zachary Kelly (Jr., RHP/1B) – A returning junior who adds depth on the mound and matchup options as a two-way piece. As a junior, he’s a depth piece who can help in multiple ways—exactly what teams need over a long season.
• Vernon Clay (Jr., MIF/RHP) – A key two-way junior whose versatility helps stabilize both sides of the ball. He’s a two-way player with a veteran middle-infield presence who can also give innings is a roster stabilizer.

What the numbers say: offense is real, and it can travel

In 2025, Morehouse hit .312 as a team, with 51 HR and 111 stolen bases (111-for-131). Can Morehouse turn that style into more wins? It will mean tightening the areas that give away free bases.

The 2026 improvement points (where veteran teams usually make the jump)

1) Run prevention and free bases
Team pitching in 2025: 7.70 ERA, with 258 walks in 348.1 IP. That’s the clearest lever to pull, especially in a conference race where one big inning can flip an entire weekend.
2) Control the running game
Opponents stole 149 bases on 165 attempts against Morehouse in 2025. That’s a ton of extra 90-foot advantages—veteran rosters typically improve here through better battery execution and cleaner infield timing.
3) Clean up the defense
Morehouse posted a .940 team fielding percentage with 83 errors. This is where juniors and seniors often translate experience into wins—routine outs, fewer extended innings, fewer “hidden” runs.

A realistic “veteran-led” formula for 2026

If you’re looking for what the season could look like when it clicks, here’s the clean blueprint:

• Start innings with baserunners (Pinckney/Jenkins/Gordon-type OBP pressure).
• Turn traffic into crooked numbers (Robinson + Thorpe + Whiteman run production).
• Cut the free bases (walk reduction + better control of the run game).

This is how an experienced team can turn “good offense” into “good weekends,” and good weekends into a real climb in the conference race.

2026 schedule spotlight

The early portion of the schedule gives Morehouse a quick measuring stick, then the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference grind arrives fast. Starting the season a week late due to the cancellation of the Morehouse Baseball Classic (weather), here are a few key series to note dates as canceled.)

A few key checkpoints:

• Early neutral-site tests at the Ron Washington Classic in New Orleans (Feb. 6–8), including games vs. Southern University at New Orleans, Rust College, and Xavier University of Louisiana.
• Road series at Edward Waters University (Feb. 13–14) and Tuskegee University (Feb. 20–21).
• Rivalry weekend vs. Clark Atlanta University (April 11–12) in Peachtree City.
• Conference series swings that will shape postseason positioning, including Miles, Spring Hill, and Kentucky State weekends.
• The postseason path ends at the SIAC Baseball Championships (April 30, TBA).

Outlook: why the experience matters

This is a roster that should score, and it should pressure defenses with speed and on-base ability, especially with Pinckney, Jenkins, Robinson, and Thorpe returning as a proven run-producing foundation. The swing factor is whether the veteran arms can deliver more consistent strike-throwing and shorten games; if that happens, Morehouse has the experience (and the lineup) to be a problem every weekend in 2026.

Source: A.D. Drew | Morehouse Athletic Marketing Manager

Miles College (Golden Bears)

Returning Starting Position Players
OF Michael Smith

Other Top Returning Position Players
None

Top Returning Starting Pitching
Jaelyn Rhynes
Jayson Wood

Top Returning Relivers
Marques Dunn
Elijia Barney

Top Newcomers
Malachi Jeffries, Shorter University, Shortstop
Greg Willis, Mountain View Community College, First Base/Pitcher
Ajani Lyons, Grambling State University, Third Base
Antwan Jackson, Chicago, IL, Catchher
David Cline, Lawson State Community College, Pitcher
Elyjah Anderson, Cedar Valley Community College, Second Base/Shortstop
Darryl Johnson, Cosumnes River College, Pitcher

Season Preview
The Miles College baseball program enters the upcoming season embracing a new chapter built on opportunity, competition, and belief. After an offseason defined by change, the Golden Bears return just two starters from last year’s roster — a rare reset that has energized the program from top to bottom.

While experience from last season is limited, Miles College has reloaded in a major way. The coaching staff aggressively attacked the transfer portal, adding eight impact transfers who bring immediate Division II and collegiate experience, along with a hunger to make their mark in purple and gold. These newcomers have elevated the level of competition at every position and reshaped the identity of the team.

The two returning starters provide valuable leadership and familiarity with the program’s standards, serving as anchors during the transition.

Surrounding them is a roster filled with athleticism, depth, and versatility — players capable of contributing right away on both sides of the ball. Fall workouts and preseason practices have emphasized chemistry, accountability, and toughness as the team learns to play together quickly. With so many new faces, the Golden Bears are focused on establishing a strong culture built on trust, effort, and relentless preparation.

Miles College heads into the season as a team that may be new on paper, but one that is determined to compete from day one. With fresh energy, proven transfers, and a clear sense of purpose, the Golden Bears are ready to turn opportunity into results and set the tone for the future of Miles College Baseball.