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: West Union

2017 Record: 21-7
MHSAA Classification: 1A
MHSAA District: 2-1A
Head Coach: Ashley Russell
Playoff Run: 3^rd round
2017 Final Rank: 1^st in district
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Pitchers: 3

 

Top Players

Name	State	School	Class	Position	Commitment
Cole Phillips	MS	West Union	2019	OF	-
Boo Robertson	MS	West Union	2020	OF	-
Luke Willard	MS	West Union	2020	C	-
Ryder Willard	MS	West Union	2019	RHP	-

 

Stat Rat (X-Factor)
Cole Phillips (.486-BA, 25-RBI, 9-2B)(1.58-ERA, 76-K, 19-BB)
Luke Willard (.397-BA, 27-RBI, 9-2B)
Boo Robertson (.377-BA, 15-RBI, 6-2B)
Ryder Willard (.286-BA, 12-RBI)(2.28-ERA, 50-K, 6-BB)

Outlook
Coach Ashley Russell has increased expectations for this group after claiming a district title a season ago. Returning seven starters and three pitchers puts West Union in a nice position to make a run in 2018. The Eagles will rely on stellar defense and strong pitching to propel them through this season. Leading the way will be two-way players OF/LHP Cole Phillips and SS/RHP Ryder Willard, as they look to improve on their combined 126-K’s in 2017. Look for two underclassme C Luke Willard and OF Boo Robertson to impact the Eagles’ lineup.

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