The baseball season gets underway this week on high school diamonds throughout Mississippi and in the Southern Six area.
Several teams have high hopes for reaching the postseason in the new Class 7A that includes Region 4-7A. Here’s a look at the region:
REGION 4-7A
BILOXI
Head coach: Hawtin Buchanan
The Indians finished the 2023 campaign 22-7 and claimed the Region 8-6A title at 7-2.
After earning a first-round bye, Biloxi was swept in two games by Northwest Rankin in the second round of the playoffs.
Biloxi opens the 2024 season on Thursday and Friday when the Indians host West Harrison and Picayune, respectively. Both games begin at 7 p.m.
D’IBERVILLE
Head coach: Brent Martin
The Warriors finished the 2023 campaign 15-15 and tied for the Region 7-6A top spot at 7-2.
D’Iberville was swept by Petal in the first round of the playoffs.
The Warriors opened their 2024 season at home Monday with a 4-3 win over Long Beach and will play at the Bearcats on Friday at 7 p.m.
GULFPORT
Head coach: Jamie McMahon
The Admirals finished the 2023 campaign 21-11 and were the runner-up in Region 8-6A at 4-2.
Gulfport rolled through the playoffs, sweeping St. Martin, Warren Central, and Brandon, and took two of three games from Northwest Rankin to reach the state championship game, where Lewisburg took two of three from the Admirals to claim the title.
The Admirals open the 2024 season Friday at home against Stone High with the first pitch at 5 p.m. They will host West Harrison on Saturday at 11 a.m.
HARRISON CENTRAL
Head coach: Neil Frederic
The Red Rebels finished the 2023 campaign 10-20 and were 3-6 in Region 8-6A.
Harrison Central saw its season come to an end in the first round of the playoffs, dropping two games to Ocean Springs.
The Red Rebels opened the 2024 season at St. Stanislaus on Monday and dropped a 4-0 decision. They will play Vancleave on Thursday in the home opener at 7 p.m.
OCEAN SPRINGS
Head coach: Ryne Long
The Greyhounds finished the 2023 campaign 18-14 and were the runner-up in Region 7-6A at 5-4.
Ocean Springs swept Harrison Central in the first round of the 6A playoffs but was swept by Brandon in the next round.
The Greyhounds open their 2024 season Thursday in Semmes, Alabama, in Mary G. Montgomery High School’s tournament against the host team at 6:30 p.m.
St. MARTIN
Head coach: Kary Bridges
The Yellow Jackets finished 8-21 in 2023 and 4-5 in 7-6A. St. Martin was swept by Gulfport in the first round of the playoffs.
The Yellow Jackets open their 2024 season Thursday at home against Gautier. The first pitch is set for 6 p.m.
