The Mississippi high school season kicks off on February 26, the first day for regular season games. Most teams will begin practicing on January 29, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups.

Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we will be rolling out team previews of high school teams all across the state and across all classifications, eventually launching our Preseason Power 25.

We have been sending out our annual Preseason Questionnaire to coaches all across the state and as the responses flood in we will bring you a snapshot of what to expect along with top players and keys to success for that particular team. If you don’t see your team’s season preview make sure your head coach fills out his Preseason Questionnaire.

Team: Florence

2017 Record: 16-13
MHSAA Classification: 4A
MHSAA District: 6-4A
Head Coach: Kelly Greer
Playoff Run: N/A
2017 Final Rank: 4^th in district
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Pitchers: 4

Top Players

Name	State	School	Class	Position	Commitment
Garrett Alliston	MS	Florence	2019	RHP	-
Will Newell	MS	Florence	2018	OF	East Central CC
Reed Barlow	MS	Florence	2020	OF	-
Brayden Muse	MS	Florence	2020	C	-
Grayson Doss	MS	Florence	2020	SS	-
Ryan Williams	MS	Florence	2019	OF	-
Ian Hoover	MS	Florence	2018	SS	-
Walker Ladner	MS	Florence	2019	1B	-

Stat Rat (X-Factor)
Walker Ladner (.390-BA, 24-RBI, 6-2B, 5-HR) (1.50-ERA, 44-K, 19-BB)
Will Newll (.353-BA, 23-RBI, 6-2B, 5-HR)
Garrett Alliston(.348-BA, 13-RBI, 5-2B, 1-HR)
Ian Hoover (.330-BA, 17-RBI, 8-2B)

Outlook
Coach Kelly Greer and the Florence Eagles return five starters and four pitchers from last season's 16-win team. The Eagles will rely heavily on strong performances on the mound and solid defensive play to carry them through the 2018 season. Leading the way will be two-way players 1B/LHP Walker Ladner and OF/RHP Will Newell (East Central CC signee). Providing an offensive spark in the lineup as well as defensive support, the Eagles will turn to 3B/C Ian Hoover and OF Garrett Alliston.

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