The 2026 Northwest Mississippi Community College Baseball/Softball Media Guide is a publication of the Northwest Sports Information Office. This publication was written and edited by former Sports Information Director Brian Lentz, with contributions from the current Northwest Sports Information staff: Caleb Burggraaf, Brian Oakley and Mary Grace Black, and graphic designers Jennifer Corbin and Kevin Pitts. Additional editing provided by the Northwest Office of Marketing and Communications. Cover designed by Jennifer Corbin.
Photography provided by: Kevin Pitts, Brian Lentz, Brian Oakley, NJCAA, Kevin Maloney, Brett Brown, Lee Adams, Michael Miller, Gather Lacefield, Justin Ford, MaKenzi Curtis, Colby Bethany, Maylee Wilhite, Alyssa Pirani, Julie Bauer, Sarah Smith, Carly Fox, and Rocketeer yearbook archives. All records and award winners were compiled based off archived information from Northwest Mississippi Community College and the NJCAA. Any records or statistics not included in this publication can be submitted to the Sports Information Office by emailing Caleb Burggraaf at cburggraaf@northwestms.edu or by calling (662) 562-3303.
Contact information for coaches and staff can be found at nwccrangers.com and northwestms.edu. Conference information can be located on macccathletics.com, while national stats and information can be located at njcaa.org.
President: Dr. Michael J. Heindl (Hinds Community College, A.A. - 1994) (Mississippi College, B.S. - 1997) (Western Michigan, J.D. - 2001) (Mississippi State, Ph.D - 2011)
Director of Athletics: Jake Gordon (University of Utah) (Saint Leo University)
Conference: Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference Colors: Navy Blue (PMS 280), Scarlet Red (PMS 186), Valor Blue (), White Baseball Facility: Jim Miles Field Location: Senatobia, Miss.
Softball Facility: Ranger Field Location: Senatobia, Miss.
Head Coach: Mark Carson (21st season) Alma Mater, Year: Northwest Mississippi Community College (A.A. - 1989) University of Southern Mississippi (B.S. - 1991) Career Record: 571-377-2 (.602); 20 seasons Conference Record: 299-172 (.635)
X (formerly Twitter): None
Assistant Coaches: Bill Selby (21st season) Domenick Carlini (Ninth season)
orthwest Mississippi Community College is an open-access, public, two-year institution primarily serving Benton, Calhoun, DeSoto, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, and Yalobusha counties. NWCC is a learning-centered community providing educational opportunities with quality instruction for students from all walks of life. Our college fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and student success. We strive for continuous improvement, with a standard of excellence in every area of the institution. Our college partners with businesses and industries that seek to grow the economy and the workforce, as well as partners with alumni, friends, and others. Engagement takes place in all communities that the college serves.
PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Northwest offers the pre-requisites you need to prepare for an exciting four-year degree at any of Mississippi’s colleges or universities. We also offer nearly 40 Career and Technical programs designed to teach students the practical skills needed for a wide variety of jobs in the workforce.
AREAS OF STUDY
Department of Business
Department of Education
Department of Fine Arts
Department of Languages and Communications
Department of Social Science
Department of Nursing
Department of Mathematics
Department of Natural Sciences
Career-Technical Education
School of Health Sciences
COST
Northwest is less than half the price of a Mississippi public college or university ($1,695 per semester versus an average $3,700 per semester).
FINANCIAL AID
Over 90 percent of Northwest students receive some sort of financial assistance.
STUDENTS
Over 7,000 students spread across six campuses located in Senatobia, Batesville, Olive Branch, Southaven, Ashland and Oxford. The current student to faculty ratio is 20:1.
Northwest offers 10 competitive athletic programs and is known state‐wide for its tradition of excellence in intercollegiate sports. The Rangers have won six national titles since 1982 in football, women’s basketball and cheer. Since 2000, over 350 Northwest student-athletes have gone on to play at over 150 different four-year schools around the country. Over 50 of those have gone on to play professionally.
STUDENT LIFE
Life at Northwest is so much more than classes and studying. Intramurals, athletics, clubs and organizations and campus activities give Northwest students a chance to unwind from classes and get involved on campus and in the community.
ACCREDITATION
Northwest Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Applied Science degree and certificates in career education. Questions about the accreditation of Northwest Mississippi Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 6794500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
Northwest Mississippi Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or status as a veteran or disabled veteran in all its programs and activities. Northwest Mississippi Community College prohibits sexual harassment and all forms of sexual violence, regardless of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990/Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Disability Support Services Coordinator, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7046, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3309, e-mail address mkelsay@northwestms.edu; Title II of the Age Discrimination Act: Vice President for Finance and Administration, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7017, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3216, e-mail address jhorton@northwestms.edu; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972/Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: (For student-related matters) Associate Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7010, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3409, e-mail address trush@northwestms.edu or (for employment-related matters) Director of Human Resources, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7038, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 560-5216, email estanford@northwestms.edu.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
JAMIE ANDERSON Tallahatchie
DR. RACHELL ANDERSON Tunica
JERRY BARRETT Vice Chairman • Tate
STEVE BOSTICK Benton
JEAN ANN CASEY Calhoun ANGIE CRAWFORD Quitman
STEVE CUMMINGS Yalobusha
BILL DAWSON Marshall
ALEE’ DIXON Tate
DIANA GRIST Benton
SYLVIA HICKEY Tallahatchie
SAMMY HIGDON Yalobusha
BRENDA HOPSON Quitman
STURGIS MONTEITH DeSoto
JOHN T. LAMAR JR. Board Attorney • Tate DR. LISA LANGFORD Calhoun
MIKE MOORE Lafayette
DR. DELL PHILLIPS Panola
DR. CARRIE SKELTON Marshall
CORY USELTON Chairman • DeSoto
JAY FOSTER Lafayette
DOROTHY WILBOURN Panola
DR. MICHAEL J. HEINDL PRESIDENT
Dr. Michael J. Heindl was selected as the ninth president of Northwest Mississippi Community College by the college’s Board of Trustees during a special meeting held April 26, 2018 on the Senatobia campus.
A native of Clinton, Heindl heads the state’s third-largest community college with a current enrollment of over 7,000 students on six campuses and online.
Heindl, a community college graduate, brings with him to Northwest experience in a number of areas, including finance, technology, legal issues, human resources, emergency management, campus leadership, student services, workforce training and admissions.
Heindl holds a Ph.D. in community college leadership from Mississippi State University (2011), a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University (2001), a B.S. in psychology from Mississippi College (1997) and an Associate of Arts in general studies/music from Hinds Community College (1994).
He began his career in education in 2001 as golf tournament coordinator at Hinds Community College and also served as an intern for the Mississippi Supreme Court while working on his law degree during that time. In July, 2001 he became dean of students for Wesley College in Florence before being named district director of Admissions and Records at Hinds in 2003.
In 2006, Heindl was program specialist for Career and Technical Education at the Mississippi Community College Board, where some of his responsibilities included coordination for all career-technical programs and workforce training for the state’s 15 community colleges.
In 2007 he returned to Hinds, where he worked for four years as dean of students for the Rankin County Campus before being named vice president of the Jackson County Campus of MGCCC in 2011. A year later, he moved into the position of executive vice president of Administration and Finance.
In addition to his administrative experience, Heindl has 17 years of teaching experience, having served as an adjunct instructor for legal courses in both the Department of Business and in the Career-Technical paralegal program at Hinds. He has also taught graduate-level courses in higher education law at Mississippi College and was an adjunct professor teaching Community College Legal Issues in the Community College Leadership doctoral program at Mississippi State University
Active in a number of professional groups and community organizations, Heindl served as president-elect of the Community College Business Officers Association (CCBO), a member of the Gulf Coast Business Council Master’s Class and the Education Strategic Planning Committee for the Mississippi Coast, on the Planning Committee for Leadership Mississippi and an Angel runner for Ainsley’s Angels, a national organization that provides racing/running experiences for special needs individuals.
He has served as a member of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Structured Pathways, Statewide Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement Task Force and was on the MGCCC District Athletic Council. He also assisted other colleges with the accreditation process by serving on the Finance Accreditation Review Team for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
J.
with his
Among his many accomplishments are the MGCCC Master Trainer Award, CCBO Outstanding Chief Business Officer Award, and Mississippi Top Ten Business Leaders Under 40. He has participated in leadership programs including the AACC Future Presidents Institute, Mississippi Economic Council, Leadership Mississippi and Leadership DeSoto County. Dr. Heindl was also named as a 2021 Top CEO by the Mississippi Business Journal, and most recently, he was nominated to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges.
Heindl is married to the former Jennifer Ingram, and the couple have three children: Taryn (29), Harrison (21) and Nicholas (19), along with a grandson, Jayson (10).
Under the leadership of DR. MICHAEL J. HEINDL, Northwest has experienced growth in numerous areas. One of those areas include overall facilities, a plan that included upgrades at Bobby Franklin Field, a new, state-of-the-art softball/soccer facility and a new baseball facility, slated for completion in Spring 2025.
DR. MICHAEL
HEINDL pictured
wife, Jennifer, children Taryn (29), Harrison (21) and Nicholas (19), and grandson, Jayson (10). Heindl was selected as the College’s ninth president on April 26, 2018.
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS JAKE GORDON
Jake Gordon enters his fourth year as the Director of Athletics for Northwest Mississippi Community College.
In his three full years of leadership, Gordon has overseen the growth of the Northwest athletic program, helping bring back men’s golf and be one of two Mississippi JUCOs to start a women’s golf program. The two sports will begin competing this fall.
Meanwhile, the Rangers have thrived across the board during Gordon’s tenure. The Northwest football team continues to reach the postseason, while the men’s and women’s tennis teams both made their respective NJCAA tournament debuts in 2023 and 2024. Both tennis programs also made the NJCAA tournaments in 2025, while the women’s golf team advanced to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in its inaugural season.
Additionally, the Northwest women’s soccer program has made three straight appearances in the NJCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Championship tournament, capturing back-to-back NJCAA Region 23 championships and earning the first national title in program history, finishing with a unblemished 22-0 overall record in 2024.
One of Gordon’s first hires at Northwest, rodeo coach Will Lummus, has raised the bar of success for the Ranger rodeo program. After sending Colby Burgess to the College National Finals Rodeo in 2023, the Northwest men’s rodeo team had five athletes compete in the CNFR during the summer of 2024 and a handful of competitors in the 2025 College National Finals Rodeo.
Additionally, Gordon was also responsible for hiring an entirely new women’s basketball coaching staff, led by head coach and 2023 Northwest Sports Hall of Fame inductee LaTaryl Williams. In his second season, Williams’ squad made it to the first round of the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament. Other sports, such as baseball and softball, have also continued to reach the postseason during Gordon’s tenure, including a trip to the NJCAA Division II Softball Tournament in 2025.
Gordon has made it a point to highlight the Rangers’ success in the classroom as well, establishing the inaugural Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the 2022-23 academic year. He also appointed Charlesy Kennedy to the role of athletic academic advisor, while establishing Tori Fugatt’s role as football academic advisor. Together, the duo helped 194 student-athletes earn recognition to the Fall 2024 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and 163 to the spring edition. Northwest also had five teams (football, softball, women’s soccer, women’s golf, men’s tennis) earn MACCC All-Academic Team of the Year recognition.
Gordon came to Northwest in July 2022 from Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, where he spent three seasons as the assistant athletic director for the Buccaneers. While at Blinn, he was in charge of eligibility of all student-athletes, gameday operations and live streaming all home games on the college’s YouTube channel.
Gordon has nine years of experience at the NJCAA level, previously serving two seasons as the assistant athletic director at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio. While at Lakeland, he assisted with the day-to-day operations of the athletic department, eligibility and the Athletic and Fitness Center. Gordon was also in charge of athletic communications, administered the website, promoted the College’s seven NJCAA Division II sports programs, administered an academic tracking system for student-athletes, oversaw the academic retention program for student athletes and held event management duties.
Since being hired as the college’s athletic director in June 2022, JAKE GORDON has helped Northwest grow both on and off the field. In addition to reviving men’s golf and adding women’s golf, Gordon has also helped establish student-athletes’ success in the classroom.
Prior to his tenure at Lakeland, Gordon also had an earlier stint at Blinn College as the communication and sports information specialist for three seasons. Gordon was instrumental in providing coverage to the media on the Buccaneers’ national championship volleyball program in 2014, four national titles in cheer and dance and three national tournament appearances for volleyball, softball and women’s basketball.
Gordon worked at various newspapers in Utah prior to his arrival at Blinn, including the Salt Lake Tribune, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, Deseret News and The Vernal Express. While at The Vernal Express, he served as the sports editor, covering high school and local sports for Uintah County, designing sports pages and maintaining the sports section of the website.
Gordon is a native of Tooele, Utah and received his bachelor’s degree in mass communication from the University of Utah and Master of Business Administration in sports administration from Saint Leo University. He and his wife, Tiffany, have two children, Lucy and Andrew.
NORTHWEST ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
Office: (662) 562-3303
Fax: (662) 562-3303
Mailing Address:
MEDIA INFORMATION
Northwest Mississippi Community College Athletic Communications Department 4975 Hwy. 51 North Senatobia, MS 38668
SPORTS INFORMATION CONTACTS
COVERAGE
CALEB BURGGRAAF
Sports Information Director Office: (662) 562-3303
Email: cburggraaf@northwestms.edu
BRIAN OAKLEY
Sports Media Specialist Office: (662) 562-3269
Email: boakley@northwestms.edu X (Twitter): @briansoakley
MARY GRACE BLACK
Sports Information Specialist Office: (662) 562-3269
Email: mblack@northwestms.edu
Northwest Mississippi Community College maintains a comprehensive official athletic department website. Up-to-date information, including schedules, statistics, rosters, player signings and news releases for all nine sports are provided on the award-winning nwccrangers.com. In-game live stats, live video and live audio is available for each Ranger football contest. Fans can also follow the team on numerous social media outlets, by searching the username @NWCC_Rangers. The Northwest sports information department, consisting of Caleb Burggraaf, Brian Oakley and Mary Grace Black, maintain the athletic website.
CREDENTIALS
Media or photo credentials are required for admittance to Northwest baseball and softball games for working media. However, it is requested that media seeking to cover a game contact the sports information director prior to avoid additional problems. For further inquiries, contact Caleb Burggraaf at (662) 562-3303 or at cburggraaf@northwestms.edu.
INTERVIEWS
All player and coach interviews must be arranged through the sports information director. Coaches and athletes will be available following games after a brief five-minute cooling off period.
PRESS SERVICES
Media guides, game notes, rosters, results and statistics are updated daily on the college’s athletic website, nwccrangers.com. Stat files and other game materials can be printed for media upon request. An official NJCAA box score and play-by-play information may be obtained from the sports information director approximately 15 minutes following the conclusion of the game.
GAME BROADCASTS
Broadcast media in attendance are requested to contact the sports information director at least one week prior to the game in question. All Northwest games will also continue to air on Ranger TV, unless otherwise noted. Ranger TV is available worldwide by visiting nwccrangers.com/watch.
DR. ANDREW DALE Associate Vice President for Community Relations
SARAH SMITH Communications Specialist
MATTHEW MIXSON Video Coordinator & Digital Media Specialist
JENNIFER CORBIN Graphic Designer
CARLY FOX Assistant Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications
KEVIN PITTS Graphic Designer & Communications Specialist
COLLEGE COMMUNICATIONS STAFF
BASEBALL
COACHES AND ROSTER
HEAD COACH MARK CARSON
Now the all-time winningest coach in Northwest baseball history, Mark Carson enters his 21st season in command of the Rangers’ program.
Just two seasons after earning his 500th career victory (April 4, 2023 vs. Coahoma), Carson surpassed his former coach and mentor, Jim Miles, as the all-time winningest coach on March 18, 2025 with a doubleheader sweep at Mississippi Delta.
In 20 seasons, Carson has amassed a career record of 571-377-2, good for a .602 overall winning percentage. During that time, he has also collected a record of 299-172 against conference and division opponents, good for a .635 winning percentage.
In 2025, Carson led the Rangers to a 32-19 overall record and a 14-14 mark in the MACCC, sending Northwest back to postseason for a second consecutive season. Prior to the 2023 season, he led Northwest to 12 straight postseason appearances, excluding a shortened COVID-19 season in 2020. Since taking over as the program’s head coach in 2006, Carson has guided the Rangers to 10 seasons with 30 or more victories.
Despite a rare miss on the postseason in 2023, Carson and Northwest bounced back in a big way during the 2024 campaign, fielding a 37-17 overall record and a 21-7 mark in the MACCC. The program’s 37-win total was the most victories in a single season since 2007, and the Rangers also made it through the entire conference slate without being swept in a single doubleheader.
The 2024 season saw the Rangers make a return to the postseason, but the stay was cut short by a red-hot Hinds team in the first round playoff series. Despite the early exit, several players left their names in the record books for both single-season and career categories, highlighted by Jacob Hill’s career record of 62 stolen bases. NJCAA/ABCA Gold Glove winner Cade Greer also finished his two-year stint with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, joining Chad Wardlaw and Peyton Martin as the only three Northwest players to finish with a perfect fielding percentage with a minimum of 140 chances.
Additionally, six members of the 2024 squad signed to four-year programs, led by Greer (Memphis), James Smith (Memphis), Matthew Roncalli (UAB) and Mason Shropshire (UT-Martin). Additionally, Hill and Cade Leatherwood both inked with Delta State University.
In 2023, Northwest fielded a 23-26 overall record and were still in play for the final postseason spot going into the regular season finale against Pearl River. Six members of the 2023 team signed to the four-year level, led by pitchers Brayden Sanders (Memphis) and Brooks Rice (Samford). The other signees included pitcher Logan Eldridge (Delta State), pitcher C.J. Lofton (Mississippi College), infielder/catcher Eli Selby (Rhodes College) and infielder Dawson Griffin (Freed-Hardeman University).
Northwest finished the 2022 season with a 26-24 overall record and rebounded from a slow start to go 10-6 in conference games during the month of April. That turnaround took the Rangers from the outside looking in to the ninth and final slot in the NJCAA Region 23 Playoffs, where Northwest took a three-game series from No. 7 Meridian to stun the Eagles and advance to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament.
Carson’s club produced six All-MACCC honorees, including MACCC Player of the Year Ryan Lee. A native of Cleveland, Tenn., Lee lit up opposing pitchers for a .402 batting average with 12 doubles, 16 home runs, 52 RBIs and a .902 slugging percentage, leading the team in each of those categories. The Little Rock signee left Senatobia with a multitude of awards, including MACCC Player of the Year and NJCAA Division II Second Team All-American honors.
Lee concluded his time at Northwest ranking fourth in single-season home runs, third in slugging percentage, tied for fourth in runs scored (58), sixth in walks (35) and tied for ninth in both RBIs (52) and total bases (119). Additionally, he fielded .975 with 245 putouts and six runners caught stealing.
Additionally, five other players signed or committed to four-year programs, including John Luke Marlin (UAB), Caleb Hobson (UT Martin), Connor Spencer (Southeastern Louisiana/Ole Miss), Zach Willingham (South Alabama) and Colton Presley (Delta State).
Carson and his staff have also been instrumental in developing players and helping them get to the next level, both collegiately and professionally, with 146 moving onto four-year schools and 17 being drafted by Major League Baseball during his tenure. Northwest had a record four players drafted in 2013, including All-American LHP Cody Reed by the Kansas City Royals at 46th overall, the highest selection in program history.
Carson was named the Region XXIII Coach of the Year in 2007 after leading the Rangers to a third NJCAA World Series appearance. Northwest ended the 2007 campaign with a 40-17 (14-2 MACJC) record and fourth place overall finish in NJCAA Division II.
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HEAD COACH MARK CARSON
Before taking over as head coach in 2006, Carson served as assistant coach for the Rangers for eight seasons from 1998-2005. During that span, Carson helped lead Northwest to a 271-120-4 record alongside head coach Donny Castle, capturing four north division championships (‘99, ‘00, ‘02, ‘05) and a state championship in 2000.
THE CARSON FILE: PERSONAL:
Hometown: Independence, Miss.
Education: Northwest Mississippi Community College (A.A.) - 1989
University of Southern Mississippi (B.S.) - 1991
Prior to Northwest, Carson spent six seasons as head baseball coach and defensive coordinator at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis. In 1997, Carson led the baseball team to a 23-8 mark and claimed the District-15AA Championship. He ended his tenure with a career mark of 93-52 and was twice named district Coach of the Year. Carson was inducted into the Briarcrest Hall of Fame in 2013.
A 1989 graduate of Northwest, Carson saw action on the mound and at third base for the Rangers during his career. A two-time all-state selection, Carson hit .323 for his career with seven home runs and also went 7-3 on the mound with a 3.03 ERA. He was voted team captain his sophomore season, playing in the JUCO All-Star Game and being selected as an NJCAA Academic All-American.
Carson went on to play his final two seasons at Southern Mississippi, where he recorded an 18-5 record on the mound over two years, including an 11-2 record as a senior – the second most wins in USM single-season history. He was named to the All-Metro Conference Commissioner’s List in 1991 as well as team captain and an Academic All-American.
He went on to sign a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Reds in 1991, playing one season for its minor league affiliate.
Carson was inducted into the inaugural 2016 class of the Independence High School Athletic Hall of Fame where he was a four-year letterman in baseball and three-year letter-winner in football and basketball. He was named team MVP in all three sports his senior year and was also president of the senior class and elected Mr. IHS.
Carson is married to the former Shelia Lusher of Independence and the two have a 20-year-old daughter, Hadley.
Family: Shelia (Wife) Hadley (Daughter)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
1988-89: Northwest Mississippi Community College
1990-91: University of Southern Mississippi
1991: Cincinnati Reds organization
COACHING EXPERIENCE:
1992-97: Briarcrest Christian School (Head Baseball Coach; Assistant Football Coach)
1998-05: Northwest Mississippi Community College (Assistant Baseball Coach)
2006-present: Northwest Mississippi Community College (Head Baseball Coach)
After a brief stint in the Cincinnati Reds organization and a five-year stop coaching at Briarcrest Christian School, MARK CARSON returned to Northwest as an assistant baseball coach in 1998, serving on the staff of future Northwest Sports Hall of Famer Donny Castle.
Two seasons after capturing his 500th career victory, Northwest coach MARK CARSON surpassed Jim Miles to become the program’s all-time winningest coach during the 2025 season. Carson was recognized for this achievement prior to the Rangers’ doubleheader against Copiah-Lincoln.
ASSISTANT COACH BILL SELBY
BILL SELBY ASSISTANT COACH
Prior to joining Northwest in 2006, Selby put the wraps on his 14-year professional baseball career that spanned from 1992-2005 and included stops with the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox. He was drafted by the Red Sox in the 13th Round (366th overall) of the 1992 MLB Draft, spending five seasons with the organization.
Longtime assistant and 2017 MACJC Sports Hall of Fame inductee Bill Selby enters his 21st season with the Northwest baseball program in 2025. Selby helps in all aspects of NWCC baseball, including serving as the Rangers’ hitting instructor and third base coach.
Since joining Carson’s staff in 2006, Selby has helped develop 150 four-year players and 18 Major League Baseball draft picks.
Northwest has seen great success at the plate under his watch, ranking among the nation’s best in batting average. In 2024, the Rangers hit .314 as a team and totaled 506 base hits, the most in a season since totaling 599 in 2007 - his second season as the Northwest assistant coach.
Selby and the Rangers were also productive in several other categories, including runs batted in (RBI), totaling 321 for the season. Northwest was also walked 286 times, a new program record, while also setting a new team record with 143 stolen bases.
One of the main leaders in the stolen base category was Jacob Hill, who broke the Rangers’ stolen bases record with 62 career steals. Hill, who later signed with Delta State, finished with 42 steals last season alone, coming up four shy of breaking Dalton Dulin’s singleseason record of 46 (2015).
Hill was also reliable at the plate as well, accounting for 66 hits last season, entering the program record books in a tie for 10th-most single season hits. His teammate, Cade Greer, led the way with 71 base hits and 17 doubles, which joined six other former Rangers for the most doubles in a single season.
Though Northwest finished under .300 at the plate over the last three seasons, catcher Ryan Lee provided a bright spot in 2022, hitting .402 on the season and earning NJCAA AllAmerican accolades. Lee was also named Player of the Year for NJCAA Region 23 and signed with Little Rock following his one-year stint in Senatobia.
Another bright spot over the 2021-22 seasons was Caleb Hobson. The outfielder and Pontotoc native batted well over .300 for his career and signed with UT-Martin following his time at Northwest, and was later drafted to the Colorado Rockies organization in the summer of 2023.
In a shortened 2020 campaign, the Rangers hit 13 home runs and batted .321 in 15 games. Prior to that, Northwest pounded out 55 home runs in 2019, 13th-most in the country, and slugged .490. Northwest has finished in the Top 30 in the NJCAA five times in average, including 18th in 2014 with a .327 average – second best in the state.
Selby also plays a big role in the Rangers’ aggressive play on the basepaths. The signal caller has seen Northwest steal 100 bases in five of the last nine seasons, including 126 in 2015, tying the school-record set in 2013. Northwest swiped 117 bags in 2014, 108 in 2012 and 104 in 2011.
Since his arrival in 2006, the Rangers have amassed an overall record of 539-358-2 (.601) and 285-158 (.643) mark against conference and former division opponents. Northwest has missed the postseason only twice in his 19 seasons, captured the 2007 and 2011 MACJC North Division Championship and has played for the MACJC Championship three times.
Selby played in 198 total MLB games, with a .223 career batting average. Mostly used off the bench, Selby hit a career high six home runs in 2002 with the Indians. The most dramatic of those home runs came on July 14, when he hit a walk-off grand slam against 13-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion Mariano Rivera to defeat the New York Yankees, 10-7, in the bottom of the 9th inning. It was the first walk-off home run that Rivera had allowed in his career.
Selby became the sixth player in Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A) club history to be inducted into the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame on August 25, 2007. In the Bisons’ modern era, Selby ranks first in hits (378), doubles (90), RBI (245) and runs (217). He’s second in games played (370) and third in home runs (60). Selby was the team’s MVP in 1999 (.295, 20 homers, 85 RBI) and played in the 2000 Triple-A All-Star Game in Rochester, New York.
Selby closed his career by being named to the Mexican League All-Star Team while playing for the Campeche Pirates, batting .318 with 25 home runs and 93 RBIs. Before joining the Pirates, he played minor league ball with the Memphis Redbirds and Iowa Cubs. Other career highlights include being named a Carolina League All-Star in 1994 and International League All-Star in 2000.
A 2008 inductee into the Northwest Sports Hall of Fame, Selby was the Rangers’ MVP in his only season in 1990, hitting a single-season school record .477 from the plate with 14 home runs, 13 doubles and 43 RBIs. He was named an All-State and All-Region 23 selection at season’s end.
Selby played his final two seasons for Southern Mississippi, where he was a teammate of current head coach Mark Carson. His name is still scattered in the Golden Eagles’ record books, owning single-season school records for home runs (23), doubles (31) and slugging percentage (.824) and ranking in the top 10 in numerous career categories despite playing just two years. He was inducted into the USM M-Club Hall of Fame in 2011.
Selby is married to the former Teri Capers of Walls, a former Northwest cheerleader. The couple have two children, Erica and Eli (22).
Since
joining Carson’s staff in the 2006 season, former Northwest baseball player and Major League Baseball veteran BILL SELBY has developed countless hitters, bolstering the Rangers’ performance at the plate year after year.
ASSISTANT COACH DOMENICK CARLINI
DOMENICK CARLINI ASSISTANT COACH
Former Ranger and professional baseball player Domenick Carlini enters his ninth season on the Northwest baseball staff, where he primarily works with pitchers.
Since joining the Rangers’ coaching staff in 2018, Carlini has helped develop 27 pitchers that have continued their careers at the four-year level. Additionally, two of his pitchers have been selected in the Major League Baseball draft - Dalton Fowler (drafted twice in 2019 and 2023) and Connor Spencer (drafted twice in 2024 and 2025).
Carlini’s pitching staffs have struck out 300 or more batters throughout the season since 2019, and his 2022 staff set the Rangers’ record for 428 strikeouts. His 2019 squad ranks second (379), followed by his 2023 pitching staff in third (375) and his 2025 staff in fourth with 365 strikeouts.
In 2024, Carlini’s pitching unit also allowed just 27 home runs, the fewest since 2019. His group also pitched a record 402.1 innings, led by 73.2 frames from Scott Sharp. The 2024 pitching staff combined for 5.71 ERA but held opposing batters to a batting average of .271.
Over the previous two seasons, three of Carlini’s pitchers have signed with NCAA Division I programs: Connor McCaslin and Mason Shropshire (both to UT-Martin), and James Smith (Memphis).
Though the Rangers struggled in 2023 both at the plate and on the mound, six of Carlini’s pitchers advanced to the four-year level, led by Brayden Sanders (Memphis), Brooks Rice (Samford) and Logan Eldridge (Delta State).
Carlini’s 2022 pitching staff was led by the aforementioned Sanders, South Alabama signee Zach Willingham and UAB signee John Luke Marlin. In 2021, the Rangers posted a 5.46 ERA and held opposing batters to a .275 batting average.
Despite a shortened 2020 campaign due to COVID-19, Carlini’s pitching staff posted solid numbers through the first 15 games of the season. Collectively, the Rangers posted a 2.27 ERA with 148 strikeouts as part of a Top 10 national ranking and a 14-1 overall record, the best start in program history.
Carlini’s pitchers accounted for five of the Rangers’ six four-year signees, including Dalton Fowler (Oklahoma), Parker Stinnett (Mississippi State), Landon Zizmann (Delta State), Jackson Smith (Mississippi College) and Trent Bunting (Arkansas-Monticello).
In 2019, Northwest’s pitching staff posted a 4.05 ERA, the 19th-best in the NJCAA, with the most strikeouts (379) and lowest opponent batting average (.241) in program history.
Four pitchers earned all-conference honors, with Fowler and Parker Stinnett earning First Team All-MACJC recognition and Carson Stinnett and Colton Peel being named to the second team. Fowler was also drafted by the New York Mets in the 27th round and former Ranger Peyton Plumlee was taken in the 31st round by the Houston Astros.
The Nesbit native and DeSoto Central product spent two seasons in minor league baseball after being drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 21st round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Southeastern Louisiana. Carlini was originally assigned to the Elizabethton Twins (Rookie) in 2016 and spent the 2017 season with the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Single-A).
Carlini was 8-2 with a 2.03 ERA and two complete games in 16 appearances for the SELU Lions as a senior en route to Second Team All-Southland Conference honors and an NCAA Regional berth. In 97.1 innings of work, Carlini held opposing hitters to a .206 batting average while striking out 63 against 36 walks. He was 1-0 with three saves as a junior.
His lone summer ball stint was with the St. Cloud Rox after his junior year at SELU, going 5-2 with a 2.68 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 57 innings pitched.
Carlini pitched the 2013-14 seasons for Northwest, helping the Rangers to back-to-back 30-win seasons and posting a 7-8 career record with five complete games, two saves and a 3.04 ERA. He struck out 119 batters (fourth-most in school history) against 35 walks in 119.2 career innings pitched.
He was named “Mr. Ranger” after his sophomore season in addition to earning Second Team All-MACJC honors. Carlini was also selected the MACJC Pitcher of the Week on April 8, 2014, to kick off his sophomore campaign.
Carlini is married to the former Lauren Carson of Independence, a Northwest graduate and former Ranger cheerleader. The couple has two daughters, Ridley Anne (7) and Adeline (3).
A former standout pitcher for Northwest, DOMENICK CARLINI joined the Northwest coaching staff prior to the 2019 season. Prior to rejoining the Rangers, Carlini was working his way through the Minnesota Twins’ minor league farm system.
Played for head coach Taylor Karr at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 19-10-1 overall record, a Region 1-7A title and a second round appearance in the MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs as a senior...played in 29 games during his senior campaign, batting .347 with eight doubles, a triple and 21 RBIs...went a combined 6-for-6 at the plate in back-to-back shutout wins against Southaven on March 25 and March 28, also earning three doubles and four RBIs...tallied 15 stolen bases...finished the season with a .911 fielding percentage, finishing with 31 putouts and 20 assists in 56 total chances...voted Team Captain and named team’s Pitcher of the Year...recipient of the Patrick Taylor Scholarship...as a junior, also helped HHS to a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Class 7A State Championship series.
Personal:
Son of Cindy and Michael Johnson...has four siblings: Austin, Grant, Emma and Mary... older brother, Grant, played baseball at East Mississippi (2022) and East Central (2020)... enjoys fishing and hunting...studying landscape architecture...nickname is “PJ”...born September 2, 2005.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...played in 36 games, drawing 34 starts...batted .287 with six doubles, a triple, three home runs and 16 RBIs...also finished with a .444 slugging percentage and went 5-for-6 in stolen base attempts...recorded his first collegiate hit against Coumbia State (February 4)...went 3-for-4 at the plate in a pair of pivotal conference games against Hinds (March 28) and Meridian (April 18)...smacked a triple and a home run with two RBIs in a March 26 victory against Holmes..defensively, finished the season with a .987 fielding percentage, totaling 106 putouts and 44 assists in 152 total chances...helped turn seven double plays...off the field, received several academic accolades including Third Team NJCAA All-Academic, Academic All-MACCC and selections to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, President’s List and Vice President’s List for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Justin Reed at Tupelo...helped the Golden Wave to an 18-10 overall record as a senior...batted .430 with a .500 on-base percentage, finishing with 40 base hits on the season...was voted as 2024 Mr. Baseball for Class 7A and the 2024 Mississippi Association of Coaches Player of the Year...also voted for Player of the Year honors by the Northeast Mississippi Coaches Association for Better Baseball (NEMCABB)...received recruiting interest from numerous programs, including Mississippi State, Southern Miss, Memphis, North Alabama, Louisiana and several MACCC teams.
Personal:
Son of Nikki and Justin Reed...has a younger sister, Emmi Rose (17)...enjoys playing golf and hunting in his spare time...studying business administration...born March 24, 2005.
Played for head coach Taylor Karr at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 19-10-1 overall record, the Region 1-7A title and a second round appearance in the MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs as a senior...played in 30 games during his senior campaign, batting .296 with five doubles, a home run and 19 RBIs...went 3-for-4 at the plate with a double and two RBIs in a March 12 matchup against Northwest Rankin...also totaled 13 stolen bases on the season...on the mound, made three appearances, earning a save in a February 10 victory against Madison-Ridgeland Academy...stuck out five batters in 3.1 innings of work in an April 26 matchup against Clinton...as a junior, also helped HHS to a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Class 7A State Championship series...off the field, graduated with a 3.9 GPA.
Personal:
Son of Julie and Brad Young...has one sibling, Brody...hobbies include hunting, fishing, playing golf, working out, attending church and hanging out with friends and family... studying business...nickname is “CY”...born January 10, 2007.
Played for coaches Kelly Greer and Keith Case at Simpson Academy...helped the Cougars to a 20-13 overall record, a district title and an appearance in the MAIS Class AAAAA State Playoffs as a senior...four-time All-MAIS selection...received recruiting interest from Louisiana Tech, Missouri State, ULM, Old Dominion and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Britteny and Ryan Cockrell, and Catlin and Lacie McKenney...has six siblings: Brady, Cash, Caroline, Keely Kate, Mally and Anna...hobbies include playing video games, playing golf and spending time with family...studying journalism...nickname is “B”...born December 6, 2005.
Played for head coach Scott Gann at Tupelo...helped the Golden Wave to a 20-14 overall record and the second round of the MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs as a senior...hit .253 as a senior with six doubles, a triple, a home run and 20 RBIs...defensively, totaled a .978 fielding percentage with 206 putouts...named First Team All-State...off the field, a consistent Honor Roll student.
Personal:
Son of Courtney and Brad Hooker...older sister, Avery, played soccer for Northwest from 2022-23 and currently plays for Delta State University (2024-present)....enjoys fishing and golfing in his spare time...studying business...nickname is “Hook”...born September 19, 2006.
Played for coaches Chris Mitchell and Buster Kelso at Lausanne Collegiate School... helped the Lynx to a region championship as a senior...named to the Daily Memphian’s Division II All-Metro team following his senior campaign...during his 2023 sophomore season, finished with the program’s single-season record for RBIs (40), second-best batting average (.362), second-best on-base percentage (.472), third-most hits (34) and third-most doubles (8)...received the MVP award at the regional tournament.
Personal:
Son of Mary and Ross Doty...has two siblings, Christian and Paisley...brother, Christian, is a current freshman on the Ole Miss baseball program...hobbies include golfing, fishing and duck hunting...studying business marketing...nickname is “Ross”...born October 1, 2005.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...played in 33 games, earning 28 starts...finished with eight doubles and 12 RBIs...one of his best performances of the season came in an April 1 matchup at Northeast, where he finished 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs... also went 2-for-2 at the plate in an April 18 split against Meridian...also finished 6-for-7 in stolen base attempts...drew 21 walks, the fifth-most on the team...posted a .935 fielding percentage with 29 putouts and 43 assists in 77 total chances...off the field, earned Academic All-MACCC recognition, as well as nods to the Vice President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Allen Pavatte at Madison-Ridgeland Academy...helped the Patriots to a 24-14 record and the playoffs as a senior...batted .400 for his senior season and .411 as a junior...two-time All-MAIS Honorable Mention selection...as a junior, was part of an MRA team that posted a program-best 33-6 overall record...off the field, graduated with highest honors...received interest from other MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Carla and Chris Snopek...has three siblings, Kate Russell Snopek (25), Christopher (24) and Lydia (22)...brother, Christopher, graduated from Harvard University and played baseball for the Crimson from 2021-24...enjoys playing golf, chess and basketball in his spare time...studying accounting...nickname is “J-Dub”...born October 14, 2004.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...played in 40 games, earning 39 starts...finished tied for the Rangers’ third-best batting average (.312)...hit nine doubles, a triple, a home run and 21 RBIs...went 3-for-4 in both games of the April 18 doubleheader against Meridian, combining for three doubles, a home run and six RBIs...also batted 3-for-5 with a double in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament against Meridian...finished fourth in stolen bases, going 10-for-13...totaled a .982 fielding percentage with 156 putouts and nine assists in 168 chances...off the field, garnered Academic All-MACCC honors and was selected to the Vice President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Taylor Karr at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 31-5 record and a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Class 7A State Championship as a senior...played in 28 games during his senior campaign, hitting .286 with 11 doubles, a triple, a home run and 14 RBIs...hit two doubles in a 13-6 victory against Tupelo on April 26, 2024...finished with a .992 fielding percentage...as a junior, batted . 458 with 11 doubles, a triple, two home runs and 39 RBIs...went 3-for-3 at the plate with a double and two RBIs in an April 11, 2023 win against Cleveland Central...also finished 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs in an April 4 shutout of Horn Lake...posted a .992 fielding percentage...as a sophomore, hit .318 with three doubles and 10 RBIs...was part of three playoff teams at HHS.
Personal:
Son of Jenny and Aaron Lawson...has one sibling, Asher...hobbies include hunting and fishing...studying general business...nickname is “Hammer”...born May 9, 2005.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...made 10 relief appearances on the mound, finishing with 12 strikeouts against 12 walks in 31.1 innings...posted a 1-0 record, scoring his lone win of the season against Coahoma on April 9, striking out a pair of batters in 2.2 scoreless frames...notched a combined seven strikeouts in 4.1 combined innings during his first three collegiate appearances...off the field, named Third Team NJCAA All-Academic, Academic All-MACCC and selections to the Vice President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Justin Reed at Tupelo...helped the Golden Wave to a 18-10 record and the playoffs as a senior.
Personal:
Son of Heather and the late Casey Deaton...has two siblings, Josie Laird (22) and Lydia (15)...hobbies include hunting, playing golf and listening to music...studying exercise science...born May 24, 2006.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...played in 48 games, earning 47 starts...had the Rangers’ secondhighest batting average, finishing .329 with six doubles, two triples, a team-high eight home runs and 37 RBIs...went 3-for-5 at the plate in his Northwest debut against Bevill State (February 1), finishing with a home run and three RBIs...also went a combined 3-for-7 with two home runs and six RBIs in a March 12 conference twinbill against Jones College...finished with a home run and five RBIs in a conference split at Northeast on April 1...posted a .540 slugging percentage and a .422 on-base percentage, both within the team’s top five...went 11-for-17 in stolen base attempts...drew 24 walks, tied for the second-highest on the team...defensively, finished tied for the team’s top fielding percentage (1.000), committing no errors in 75 total chances...chosen for Honorable Mention All-MACCC accolades...off the field, was also named Academic All-MACCC and selected to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Derrick Thompson at Mooreville...helped the Troopers to the MHSAA Class 3A North Half Championship as a senior...ranked 10th best player in Mississippi by Prep Baseball Report...also named Class 3A “Mr. Baseball”...off the field, a consistent Honor Roll student...received recruiting interest from numerous MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Keri and Brent McMillin...has one brother, Dawson...hobbies include fishing, playing chess and playing basketball...studying business...nickname is “Mac”...born August 31, 2005.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...saw action in 39 games, including 25 starts...batted .292 with six doubles, a home run and 12 RBIs...earned his first collegiate home run on March 22 against Copiah-Lincoln...went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs in an April 1 contest at Northeast...finished 6-for-7 in stolen base attempts...also made 14 appearances on the mound, including three starts...pitched 46 total innings, garnering 37 strikeouts against 21 walks...finished the season with a 5-1 record and a 4.70 ERA...posted his only save in an April 9 matchup against Coahoma, striking out three batters over two complete frames...matched his season-high of five strikeouts in three different outings, including a March 18 road win at Mississippi Delta...longest outing was a 6.1-inning effort at East Central on April 26...defensively, finished with a .944 fielding percentage...off the field, earned a slew of academic accolades, including Third Team NJCAA All-Academic, Academic All-MACCC and selections to the Vice President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Taylor Karr at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 31-5 record and a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Class 7A State Championship as a senior...made seven appearances on the mound during his senior campaign, finishing with a 2.87 ERA and a 3-0 record...struck out 33 batters against seven walks...finished with a season-high seven strikeouts in an 8-7 win against Grissom (Ala.) on March 2, 2024...also hit .315 with two doubles, four triples and 17 RBIs...went 3-for-4 at the plate in a 17-0 victory against DeSoto Central on March 28...also stole 11 bases during his senior season...as a junior, made 10 appearances on the mound and compiled a 4-1 record and a 2.06 ERA...issued 48 strikeouts against 11 walks and held opposing hitters to a .168 batting average...had two games with 10 or more strikeouts, including a season-best 11 strikeout effort against Center Hill on February 21, 2023...batted .281 with five doubles, a triple and 14 RBIs... went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI in a March 23 victory against Southaven... made 13 appearances as a sophomore, earning a 2.62 ERA and a 3-1 record...totaled 51 strikeouts against 10 walks...collected a career-high 14 strikeouts in an April 19, 2022 win against DeSoto Central...at the plate, hit .284 with six doubles, a triple and 13 RBIs... went 3-for-4 at the plate in two games against Southaven and South Panola...was part of three playoff teams at HHS...off the field, graduated with honors and a 3.8 GPA...received interest from Delta State and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Nichole and Greg Sullivan...has a brother, Reece...enjoys hunting in his spare time...studying business...nickname is “Sully”...born June 9, 2005.
2026 ROSTER
12
JOHN GRIFFIN LANE
RHP • 6-5 • 190 • Freshman Senatobia, Miss. • Magnolia Heights School High School:
Played for head coach and Northwest Sports Hall of Famer Chris McMinn at Magnolia Heights...helped the Chiefs to a 39-5 overall record and the program’s seventh straight MAIS Class AAAAA State Championship as a senior...pitched 25 innings during his senior campaign, issuing 31 strikeouts against nine walks and posted a 1.80 ERA...threw up to 90 mph...also competed in basketball at MHS...off the field, a member of the Interact Club...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Sonny and Bryan Lane...mother, Sonny, played softball at Northwest from 19992001...father, Bryan, played baseball for Hinds from 1997-98...has one sibling, Mary... hobbies include hunting, fishing, golfing and playing video games...studying business... nickname is “Lettuce”...born January 18, 2007.
2025 [Freshman]:
13
TYCE POWERS
LHP • 6-3 • 185 • Sophomore Louisville, Ky. • Kentucky Country Day School
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...battled injuries, making only one appearance on the mound...in his lone appearance, pitched a full frame against Iowa Central on February 14, issuing a walk and allowing no runs.
High School:
Played for coaches Dylan Sims, Tim Rice and George Hornstein at Kentucky Country Day School...helped the Bearcats to a 16-12 overall record and the All-A Regional Championship during his senior season...finished with 18 strikeouts in a single game, setting a new Kentucky state record...was a member of Kentucky Country Day’s state championship squad as a freshman in 2021...off the field, a recipient of the Board Award...received recruiting interest from Louisville, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tulane, UCF and McNeese.
Personal:
Son of Sherry and Andrew Powers...has two siblings, Mason and Colt...enjoys fishing, golfing and collecting baseball cards in his spare time...studying business administration...nickname is “TP”...born May 31, 2005.
High School:
14
TRISTAN BALDWYN
Outfielder • 6-1 • 195 • Freshman
Saltillo, Miss. • East Union HS
Played for head coach Jamie Russell at East Union...helped the Urchins to a 35-5 overall record, an undefeated mark in Region 1-2A, the region title and the MHSAA Class 2A State Championship as a senior...batted .333 during his senior season, totaling four doubles, a home run and 15 RBIs...finished with five RBIs in a February 22 victory against Ripley...went 3-for-4 at the plate in a March 12 matchup against Madison-Ridgeland Academy...made three relief appearances on the mound, totaling seven strikeouts...as a junior, batted .312 with a double, four homers and 14 RBIs.
Personal:
No information provided.
High School:
15 MAC ATKINS
LHP • 5-10 • 175 • Freshman
Olive Branch, Miss. • Center Hill HS
Played for head coach Peyton Callahan at Center Hill...helped the Mustangs to a Region 1-6A title and an appearance in the MHSAA Class 6A North Half Championship series... pitched 41.2 innings, garnering 44 strikeouts...racked up 10 strikeouts against Lake Cormorant...two-time First Team All-Region 1-6A selection...off the field, a member of the National Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society and the 30+ ACT Club...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Melanie and Neal Atkins...has two siblings, Mason and Morgan...enjoys golfing, working out and playing video games in his spare time...studying civil engineering...born November 21, 2006.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...played in 14 games and made eight appearances on the mound, pitching 14.1 total innings...finished the season with 18 strikeouts against 11 walks...notched a career-high four strikeouts in 1.2 innings against Mississippi Gulf Coast on April 12...combined for six strikeouts in his first two appearances against Lake Land College (February 7) and SAU Tech (March 1)...pitched his longest outing of three complete frames at East Central on April 26...earned his lone save of the season in an April 9 matchup against Coahoma, tossing three strikeouts in 1.2 innings of relief...off the field, received numerous academic honors including First Team NJCAA All-Academic, Distinguished Academic All-MACCC and selections to the President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Chase Clark at Bruce...helped the Trojans to a 14-10 record and the playoffs as a senior...was part of four consecutive playoff teams at BHS...won three region championships from 2022-24 and was a four-time first team all-region selection...also a three-time region Player of the Year selection...off the field, graduated with a 4.0 GPA... received recruiting interest from a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Morgan and Will Turner...has two siblings, Madison Rodgers (26) and Taylor (15)... enjoys hunting, fishing and going to church in his spare time...studying sports management...born May 23, 2005.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...made 14 appearances on the mound, including two starts... struck out 23 batters in 22.2 innings, finishing with a 1-2 record and a save...struck out three batters in his first collegiate appearance against Bevill State (February 1)...issued a career-high seven strikeouts in 4.2 innings of work against Illinois Central on February 23...picked up his first career win on February 4 against Columbia State...earned his lone save of the season in a March 6 outing against Freed-Hardeman JV...off the field, collected several academic accolades including Third Team NJCAA All-Academic, Academic All-MACCC and selections to the Vice President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Chris McMinn at Magnolia Heights...helped the Chiefs to a 35-5 record and the MAIS playoffs as a senior...was part of four state championship and conference championship teams at MHS from 2021-24...voted as an MAIS All-Star...off the field, an Honor Roll student..received interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Brooke and Mark Howell...has a younger sister, Anna (16)...enjoys playing basketball in his spare time...studying biomedical science...born April 21, 2005.
2026 ROSTER
High School:
18
EVAN LIGHTSEY
Infielder • 6-0 • 210 • Freshman
Tuscaloosa, Ala. • American Christian Academy
Played for head coach Del Howell at American Christian Academy...helped the Patriots to a 35-14 overall record and a state title during his senior season...batted .378 with 14 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 43 RBIs as a senior...earned first team all-state honors...off the field, a member of the National Honor Society and graduated with a 3.8 GPA...received recruiting interest from Bevill State and Lawson State.
Personal:
Son of Danielle and Dave Lightsey, and Tara Lightsey...has four siblings: Bennett, Logan, Addison Goodman and Kylie Goodman...hobbies include hunting, lifting and hanging out with friends...studying business...nicknames are “Big Easy” and “E”...born June 29, 2007.
Played for head coach Scott Gann at Tupelo...helped the Golden Wave to a 20-14 overall record and the second round of the MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs as a senior...hit .304 with 10 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 25 RBIs during his senior campaign...garnered First Team All-Region 2-7A and team MVP honors...off the field, a member of the National Honor Society...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Holly Carroll and Neal McCoy...has two siblings, Mac and Carter Cate...enjoys working out in his spare time...studying business...born June 22, 2006.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...played in 44 games, earning 35 starts...finished with the Rangers’ fifth-highest batting average (.305) with 10 doubles, a team-high five triples, four home runs and 26 RBIs...had the team’s second-best slugging percentage (.576) and stole 19 bases in 23 attempts...went 2-for-3 with a pair of homers and three RBIs in a February 8 matchup against Lake Land College...fell just shy of the cycle at Mississippi Delta on March 18, going 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and four RBIs...finished with a .985 fielding percentage in 66 total chances...also made seven relief appearances on the mound, tossing 12 strikeouts in 7.2 innings...received Honorable Mention All-MACCC accolades.
continued in next column >>>
High School:
Played for head coach Derrick Thompson at Mooreville...helped the Troopers to a 26-10 record and the playoffs as a senior...batted .400 with 42 base hits and 34 RBIs...also finished with a .496 on-base percentage...first team all-region and all-state selection... received interest from a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Lorrie and Chris Gillentine...has an older brother, Wesley (23)...hobbies include hunting and fishing...studying business...nickname is “Gilly”...born July 15, 2005.
Played for head coach Scott Gann at Tupelo...helped the Golden Wave to a 20-14 overall record and the second round of the MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs as a senior...First Team All-Region 2-7A selection...voted team’s Defensive MVP...also competed in archery, swimming and fishing...off the field, a member of the National Honor Society...also received recruiting interest from a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Shelley and Jason Miller...father, Jason, played baseball and football at Itawamba CC (1997-99) and baseball at Delta State University (1999-2001)...mother, Shelley, played soccer at Mississippi State and North Alabama from 1997-2001...has two siblings, Dylan and Drew...enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time...studying pre-medicine... nickname is “D”...born July 7, 2006.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...played and started in 25 games before a season-ending injury... batted .278 with three doubles, a home run and 14 RBIs...went 2-for-5 at the plate with a pair of doubles and an RBI in a March 12 matchup against Jones College...stole 12 bases on 13 attempts...went 2-for-2 in stolen bases in a pair of games against Illinois Central (February 23) and SAU Tech (March 1)...posted a 1.000 fielding percentage with 51 putouts and an assist in 52 total chances...off the field, received several academic honors, including Academic All-MACCC and selections to the President’s List, Vice President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
2024 [Freshman; BYU]:
Redshirted his freshman season at Brigham Young University (BYU).
High School:
Played for head coach Dustin Skelton at Marshall Academy...helped the Patriots to a 19-14 overall record and an appearance in the MAIS Playoffs as a senior...earned MAIS All-Star honors and MAIS All-State accolades...as a junior, was part of a Marshall Academy squad that went 31-6 overall and captured the 2022 MAIS State Championship...earned Defensive MVP honors...off the field, was a member of the school’s Beta Club and was selected to the Marshall Academy Hall of Fame...received interest from BYU and a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Emily and Kurt Sanders...has a younger brother, Cade (18)...hobbies include hunting and playing golf...area of study is undecided...born May 24, 2004.
Played for head coach Taylor Karr at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 19-10-1 overall record, the Region 1-7A title and a second round appearance in the MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs as a senior...played in 30 games during his senior campaign, batting .356 with a team-high 11 doubles, two triples and 13 RBIs...went 4-for-5 at the plate with two doubles and a pair of RBIs in an April 18 contest against Pontotoc, immediately followed by a 3-for-4 effort with two doubles and an RBI in the opening game of the second round playoff series against Clinton...stole 22 bases during his senior season...recipient of the team’s Flash Award and Offensive Player of the Year Award...played for back-to-back Class 7A state runner-up teams as a junior and sophomore...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Jose Peña...has two siblings, Aaron and Noemi...enjoys fishing...studying business...nickname is “JP”...born August 31, 2005.
Played for head coach and Northwest Sports Hall of Famer Chris McMinn at Magnolia Heights...helped the Chiefs to a 39-5 overall record and the program’s seventh straight MAIS Class AAAAA State Championship as a senior...batted .373 with 10 doubles, nine home runs and 44 RBIs during his senior campaign...First Team All-District and an MAIS All-Star selection...off the field, a member of the Principal’s List...recruited by several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Margaret and Larry Sowell...has two siblings, Shelby and Matthew...hobbies include weightlifting and playing basketball...studying criminal justice...born August 15, 2006.
2026 ROSTER
2025 [Freshman]:
25
JACE ROBINSON
RHP • 6-8 • 220 • Sophomore
Southaven, Miss. • Northpoint Christian School
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...made 15 relief appearances on the mound, earning 20 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched...finished the season with two saves against Illinois Central (February 23) and Itawamba (April 24)...longest outing of the season came against Lake Land College on February 7, where he tossed a career-best six strikeouts in four complete frames...off the field, received several academic honors including First Team NJCAA All-Academic, Distinguished Academic All-MACCC and selections to the President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Steven Kirkpatrick at Northpoint Christian School...helped the Trojans to a 23-13 record and a playoff appearance as a senior...team won a state championship during his junior season in 2023...earned all-district honors...received interest from Union University, Southwest Tennessee and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Kim and Jason Robinson...has one brother, Beau (18)...hobbies include hunting and fishing...studying kinesiology...born May 12, 2005.
Played for head coach Taylor Karr at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 19-10-1 overall record, the Region 1-7A title and a second round appearance in the MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs as a senior...played in 29 games, finishing with a .989 fielding percentage behind the plate during his senior season...concluded the season in the top five for fielding percentage in Mississippi...earned the team’s Defensive Player of the Year award...added a double and seven RBIs...was part of back-to-back state runner-up finishes as a junior and a sophomore.
Personal:
Son of Vanessa and Rodney Aikens...has three siblings: Mary, Maddie and Jaks...hobbies include fishing and hunting...studying education and sports administration...nickname is “Joe Joe”...born November 19, 2006.
Played for head coach Brent Heavener at Jackson Prep...helped the Patriots to the MAIS Class AAAAAA State Championship as a senior...pitched 41.1 innings, striking out 39 batters during his senior campaign...received second team all-conference accolades...off the field, maintained a 4.0 GPA and graduated with honors...received recruiting interest from other MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Felicity and Walt Robbins...has four siblings: Logan, Shepherd, Mercy and Rivers... studying pre-dental...nickname is “Rooster”...born July 27, 2006.
2026 ROSTER
Spring 2025 [Freshman]:
28
BRADY STINNETT
RHP • 6-2 • 195 • Sophomore Oxford, Miss. • Ole Miss
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...made 15 appearances on the mound, earning six starts...finished as the Rangers’ saves leader (4)...struck out 49 batters in 36.1 innings, ending the season with a 3-1 record and a 3.72 ERA...notched a season-high seven strikeouts in two games against Illinois Central (February 23) and Copiah-Lincoln (March 22)...longest outing of the season came against Illinois Central (February 23), where he pitched six complete innings...off the field, named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
Fall 2025 [Freshman; Ole Miss]:
Spent the fall semester with Ole Miss.
High School:
Played for head coach Cade Hoggard at Oxford...helped the Chargers to a 23-13 record and an appearance in the MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs as a senior...all-state selection...voted team captain...off the field, made the school’s Dean’s List.
Personal:
Son of Beth and Lonnie Stinnett...has two older brothers, Carson (26) and Parker (25)... brother, Carson, pitched at Hinds (2018), Northwest (2019) and the University of Memphis from 2020-23...brother, Parker, pitched at Northwest from 2019-20, before playing at Mississippi State from 2021-23...enjoys playing golf in his spare time...studying exercise science...born July 16, 2005.
Did not appear in any games for Northwest in his true freshman season.
High School:
Played for head coach Allen Pavette at Madison-Ridgeland Academy...helped the Patriots to a 24-14 overall record and a playoff appearance as a senior...earned First Team AllMAIS honors.
Personal:
Son of Joanna and Dennis Watkins...has a younger brother, Gavin (16)...studying premedicine...born October 4, 2005.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 32-19 overall, earning a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...made 14 appearances on the mound, earning seven starts... finished third on the team with 45 strikeouts in 37 complete innings...concluded the season with a 4-4 record, two saves and a complete game...went the distance in a victory against Hinds on March 28, striking out seven batters in seven complete frames...picked up his first career save on February 14 against Missouri State-West Plains and earned his second save against Coahoma on February 18...off the field, selected to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
High School:
Played for coaches Jonathan Moody and Tyler Poole at Arlington...helped the Tigers to a 33-7 overall record and a playoff appearance as a senior...finished with a 2.70 ERA and 68 strikeouts against 22 walks during his senior season...four-time all-district and all-region selection...was part of two district championship teams at AHS...initially signed with the University of Memphis out of high school...also received interest from Missouri, Cincinnati, Louisiana Tech, Lipscomb and North Alabama.
Personal:
Son of Lauren Deberry...has two younger brothers, Dean Forbis (9) and Ashton Forbis (5)...hobbies include playing golf, shopping and playing video games...studying sports management...born January 2, 2006.
High School:
37
DERRIN RANDLE
RHP • 6-6 • 200 • Freshman Lake Cormorant, Miss. • Lake Cormorant HS
Played for head coach Joshua Burch at Lake Cormorant...made eight appearances on the mound for the Gators during his senior campaign...recorded his lone save of the season in a February 27 victory against North Delta...struck out 29 batters, including a career-high 11 strikeouts in a March 28 contest against Center Hill...also made 65 appearances at the plate, finishing with two doubles, three home runs and 14 RBIs...finished his senior campaign with a .921 fielding percentage, totaling 53 putouts and five assists in 63 total chances...as a junior, finished 2-1 on the mound in eight appearances, totaling a 3.15 ERA...struck out 32 batters against 21 walks in 26.2 total frames...hit .298 at the plate, with three doubles, a home run and six RBIs.
Personal:
No information provided.
SEASON PREVIEW
SEASON OUTLOOK
Though last year’s postseason journey was more brief than Northwest wanted or expected, the 2025 season was still, by in large, a success.
Despite a 14-14 mark in the MACCC, the Rangers were able to solidify their fourth postseason appearance in the last five years, while also securing the 17th playoff bid since Mark Carson took over the head coaching reins in 2006. Carson also became the program’s all-time winningest coach on March 18, 2025 with a 7-6 road win at Mississippi Delta, and Northwest finished with a 32-19 overall record.
To Carson, while winning a championship is a main goal, it isn’t the sole measure of a successful season.
“I always say any time you can win over 30 games in this conference, it has been a successful year,” Carson said. “Last season, we also had a lot of guys develop and go on to four-year programs.”
That pipeline to the four-year level is one constant that the Rangers have been able to keep through the years. Six members of last season’s squad signed with NCAA or NAIA programs, including Division I pitchers Connor McCaslin (UT Martin) and Rudy Baldwyn (Central Arkansas). Additionally, the trio of Walker Maranto, Austin Batts and Levi Lang moved on to Delta State and pitcher Payton Sanders will suit up for Tennessee Wesleyan this season.
This year, Northwest will benefit from a strong set of returners and some new talent on the roster. With 16 freshmen and 15 sophomores, Carson has a near-even balance, including a strong pitching core.
Sophomore right-handers Eli Deberry, Jace Robinson, Brady Stinnett and Tyler Sullivan are expected to be heavy in the Rangers’ rotation, along with returning left-hander Will Howell. All four veteran pitchers tossed at least 20 innings last season and Deberry has already signed with Memphis, joining the Tigers for the 2027 campaign.
Additionally, eight freshmen will join the bullpen, including six right-handers.
“In this league, we are playing doubleheaders every day,” Carson said, elaborating on the importance of pitching. “Those doubleheaders include a nine-inning and a seven-inning game, so that’s 16 innings of baseball every day, two days a week. So you’re talking about 32 innings of baseball in a week’s time. Your bullpen has to be good. The biggest thing is that you want people in there that are dependable and that are going to throw strikes, and I think we have those pieces back there.”
However, Carson’s squad has plenty of other returners in every area. Honorable Mention AllMACCC selections Mason Gillentine and Mason McMillin both return with power at the plate, but both also had starting roles in the outfield last season. While Gillentine is expected to split time in the infield and behind the plate this season, McMillin and Walker Sanders are expected to heavily contribute in the outfield.
Gillentine and McMillin both hit over .300 as freshmen, with McMillin hitting .329, the Rangers’ second-highest batting average. McMillin also led the team in hits (53), home runs (8) and finished tied for second in RBIs (37), and Northwest will look to him to ignite the offense once again this season.
Both players also finished within the top five in stolen bases, showing off speed and sharp decision-making on the basepaths.
Joining Gillentine in the infield will be Hallas Lawson and Lake Reed. Both players also split time behind the plate last season, while Reed also saw significant time at second base. John Whit Snopek and Corey Watkins will also bring experience to the infield.
“When you look at those guys and who we have there, that experience is really going to help us,” Carson said. “That’s one thing I’m really excited about. We return a lot of guys that played a lot last season and they are really good people.”
As mentioned, Carson’s talent doesn’t stop with his returners. The incoming freshman class also brings its own level of value.
Joe Aikens will look to provide extra stability behind the plate, while Tristan Baldwyn and South McCoy will aim to use their athleticism in the outfield. Caleb Doty, Davis Miller and Josh Pena will look to shore up the Northwest infield. Hayes Hooker also arrives as a player with experience as a catcher and an infielder.
Barrett McKenney, Preston Johnson and Doty are also expected to compete for playing time right off the bat, with Johnson and Doy shaping up to be thrilling two-way athletes.
“We have some [freshmen] in there that I think can really help us,” Carson said. “You just have to grow up in a hurry. That is the biggest thing you’re concerned about with freshmen - trying to get them out there early in the non-conference portion of the schedule, and get their feet wet to see how quick they adjust in a really tough league.”
continued on next page >>>>
MASON GILLENTINE
LAKE REED ELI DEBERRY
SEASON OUTLOOK
As referenced by Carson, the MACCC has proven to be a gauntlet for decades. National runnersup Pearl River finished with 53 wins last season and the Wildcats enter 2026 with a No. 2 national ranking. East Central was another group with a deep postseason run, and the Warriors are ranked third in the nation this season. Jones College, a program with championship history of its own, is ranked 14th and Mississippi Gulf Coast rounds out nationally-ranked MACCC programs at No. 25 overall.
However, the MACCC isn’t measured simply by nationally-ranked teams. Programs such as Meridian, Itawamba, Northeast and Hinds have all etched their respective legacies and traditions, and the Rangers are also no exception.
“The state of Mississippi JUCO baseball is second to none, as far as the competitiveness and the balance,” Carson said. “Every team in this conference is really good and any team can go out there and get beat any day.”
There’s no overlooking the non-conference schedule either. Not only will Northwest be tested in neutral-site “non-conference” games by teams within the MACCC, the Rangers will also welcome Lake Land College, an NJCAA Division I program that enters the season with a No. 21 ranking.
Last season, the Lakers took three of four games from Northwest, setting the stage for a run that saw coach Julio Godinez’ club make the finals of the NJCAA Division I World Series.
Additionally, the Rangers are also scheduled to meet No. 15 Parkland College on March 5, further adding to the challenging non-conference slate.
Northwest is slated to begin its 2026 campaign on Saturday, January 31, hosting Columbia State for a home-opening doubleheader. The Rangers will then pay a quick return visit to the Chargers on February 4, before welcoming Missouri State-West Plains to Jim Miles Field.
All home contests will be carried on Ranger TV, accessible by visiting nwccrangers.com/watch.
In MARK CARSON’s 20 seasons at the helm, making the postseason has become the norm for the Northwest baseball program. But after back-to-back early exits, Carson is looking to get his team back to a deep postseason run against a tough MACCC slate.
Columbia State
2026 OPPONENTS
January 31 • 1/4 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Jim Miles Field
February 3 • 1/4 P.M. • Columbia, Tenn. • Dave Hall Field
April 14 • 3/6 P.M. • Goodman, Miss. • Charlie Donald Field
Sports Information Director: Dylan Foley
Phone: (601) 857-3323
Email: dylan.foley@hindscc.edu
Web Address: sports.hindscc.edu
Series History: Hinds leads series, 42-34
First Meeting: 1976 (no date recorded) (Northwest 4, Hinds 3)
Last Meeting: March 28, 2025 in Raymond, Miss. (Northwest 6, Hinds 5)
Copiah-Lincoln
April 18 • 2/5 P.M. • Wesson, Miss. • Walter R. Sullivan Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Wesson, Miss.
Founded: 1928
Enrollment: 3,094
President: Dr. Dewayne Middleton
Athletic Director: Bryan Nobile
Conference: MACCC
Nickname: Wolves
Colors: Blue & Gray
Ballpark: Walter R. Sullivan Field
Head Coach: Kyle Flessner
2025 Record: 34-25 (16-12 MACCC)
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Kevin Kyzar
Phone: (601) 643-8373
Email: kevin.kyzar@colin.edu
Web Address: colinathletics.com
Series History: Northwest leads series, 37-14
First Meeting: March 4, 1990 in Wesson, Miss. (Northwest 10, Copiah-Lincoln 4)
Last Meeting: March 22, 2025 in Senatobia, Miss. (Northwest 10, Copiah-Lincoln 9)
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Goodman, Miss.
Founded: 1925
Enrollment: 5,409
President: Dr. Jim Haffey
Athletic Director: Andy Wood Conference: MACCC
Nickname: Bulldogs
Colors: Cardinal, Black & White
Ballpark: Charlie Donald Field
Head Coach: Adam Chamblee
2025 Record: 34-20 (14-14 MACCC)
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Steve Diffey
Phone: (662) 472-9068
Email: sdiffey@holmescc.edu
Web Address: holmesathletics.com
Series History: Northwest leads series, 80-41
First Meeting: 1964 in Senatobia, Miss. (no date recorded) (Northwest 15, Holmes 2)
Last Meeting: March 26, 2025 in Senatobia, Miss. (Northwest 7, Holmes 6)
Jones College
April 28 • 3/6 P.M. • Ellisville, Miss. • Community Bank Park
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Ellisville, Miss.
Founded: 1911
Enrollment: 3,876
President: Dr. Jesse Smith
Athletic Director: Chris Robinson Conference: MACCC
Nickname: Bobcats
Colors: Maroon & Gold
Ballpark: Community Bank Park
Head Coach: Wes Thigpen
2025 Record: 35-15 (20-8 MACCC)
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Kevin Maloney
Phone: (601) 477-4146
Email: kevin.maloney@jcjc.edu
Web Address: jcbobcats.com
Series History: Jones College leads series, 35-18
First Meeting: March 3, 1990 in Ellisville, Miss. (Jones County 3, Northwest 1)
Last Meeting: March 12, 2025 in Senatobia, Miss. (Jones College 7, Northwest 4)
HISTORY
2025 IN REVIEW
OVERALL STATISTICS
LOB - Team (196), Opponents (311). DPs Turned - Team (30), Opponents (27). IBB - Team (3), Mason Gillentine (1), Rob Hayes (1), Meyer Maddox (1), Opponents (1). Runners Picked Off - Rob Hayes (2), Austin Batts (1), Mason Gillentine (1), Mason McMillin (1)
PITCHING STATISTICS
PB - Team (14), Lake Reed (6), Austin Batts (5), Hallas Lawson (3), Opponents (28). Pickoffs - Team (1), McClain Ray (1), Opponents (5). SBA/ATT - Totals (98-128), Austin Batts (21-26), Hallas Lawson (17-23), Lake Reed (11-16), Parker Stinnett (8-13), Will Howell (7-7), Tyler Sullivan (7-9), Connor McCaslin (6-6), Gavin McCoy (5-5), Brennan Jones (4-4), Tatum Turner (3-4), Gideon Deaton (2-3), Drew Lamb (2-3), Eli Deberry (1-2), Mason Gillentine (1-1), Thomas Mitchell (1-2), McClain Ray (1-2), Jace Robinson (1-2)
2025 IN REVIEW
BASES
(2/4/25) 3
(2/7/25) 3
(2/22/25)
(4/9/25)
3 Jackson Jenkins vs. Bevill State (2/1/25)
3 Mason McMillin vs. Bevill State (2/1/25)
3 Rob Hayes vs. Bevill State (2/1/25)
3 Walker Maranto vs. Bevill State (2/1/25)
(3/6/25)
(3/26/25)
(4/18/25) 3
(4/18/25)
Mason Gillentine vs. Lake Land College (2/8/25)
Meyer Maddox vs. Columbia State (2/4/25)
Meyer Maddox vs. SAU Tech (3/1/25)
4 Meyer Maddox vs. Freed-Hardeman JV (3/6/25) INNINGS PITCHED 8.0 Connor McCaslin at Northeast (4/1/25)
ALLOWED
RUNS ALLOWED
Gavin McCoy at Hinds (3/28/25)
Gavin McCoy vs. Lake Land College (2/8/25) 6 McClain Ray vs. Itawamba (4/24/25)
Gavin McCoy at Hinds (3/28/25)
Thomas Mitchell vs. Missouri State-West Plains (2/14/25)
With his three doubles in the regular season finale at Southwest Tennessee, WALKER MARANTO skyrocketed at the top of the program record books for most doubles in a single season (18).
THOMAS MITCHELL fanned 11 batters at the Perfect Game JUCO Showcase last season, helping lift the Rangers to a victory against Missouri State-West Plains.
2025 IN REVIEW
CATEGORY LEADERS - BATTING
Batting Average
Levi Lang .326
Mason McMillin .329
Walker Maranto .312
Hallas Lawson .312
Mason Gillentine .305
Slugging Percentage
Walker Maranto .609
Mason Gillentine .576
Mason McMliin .540
Levi Lang .523
Lake Reed .444
Runs Scored
Mason McMillin 44
Levi Lang 34
Walker Maranto 32
Hallas Lawson 31
Rob Hayes 29
Hits
Mason McMillin 53
Levi Lang 50
Walker Maranto 43
Hallas Lawson 43
Mason Gillentine 36
Runs Batted In
Walker Maranto 38
Mason McMillin 37
Levi Lang 37
Mason Gillentine 26
Hallas Lawson 21
Doubles
Walker Maranto 18
Levi Lang 11
Mason Gillentine 10
Rob Hayes 10
Hallas Lawson 9
Triples
Mason Gillentine 5
Mason McMillin 2
Walker Maranto 1
Levi Lang 1
Hallas Lawson 1
Lake Reed 1
Jackson Jenkins 1
Meyer Maddox 1
Home Runs
Mason McMillin 8
Walker Maranto 7
Levi Lang 5
Mason Gillentine 4
Lake Reed 3
Total Bases
Mason McMillin 87
Walker Maranto 84
Levi Lang 78
Mason Gillentine 68
Hallas Lawson 57
Walks
Meyer Maddox 36
Mason McMillin 24
Walker Maranto 24
Levi Lang 23
John Whit Snopek 21
Stolen Bases
Meyer Maddox 29
Mason Gillentine 19
Walker Sanders 12
Mason McMillin 11
Rob Hayes 10
Hallas Lawson 10
At-Bats
Mason McMillin 161
Levi Lang 149
Hallas Lawson 138
Walker Maranto 138
Jackson Jenkins 130
LEVI LANG
MASON MCMILLIN
HALLAS LAWSON
2025 IN REVIEW
CATEGORY LEADERS - PITCHING/FIELDING
Earned Run Average (ERA)
Connor McCaslin 2.80
Brady Stinnett 3.72
McClain Ray 3.94
Tyler Sullivan 4.70
Thomas Mitchell 4.71
Opposing Batting Average
Thomas Mitchell .178
Connor McCaslin .199
Tatum Turner .208
Brady Stinnett .233
Gideon Deaton .235
Wins
Connor McCaslin 5
Gavin McCoy 5
Tyler Sullivan 5
Eli Deberry 4
McClain Ray 4
Saves
Brady Stinnett 4
Eli Deberry 2
Jace Robinson 2
Gavin McCoy 1
Tyler Sullivan 1
Will Howell 1
Tatum Turner 1
Innings Pitched Connor McCaslin
Sullivan
McCoy
Eli Deberry
Brady Stinnett 36.1
Appearances
Gavin McCoy 17
Brady Stinnett 15
Jace Robinson 15
Eli Deberry 14
Tyler Sullivan 14
Will Howell 14
Games Started
Connor McCaslin 10
McClain Ray 8
Gavin McCoy 7
Eli Deberry 7
Brady Stinnett 6
Strikeouts
Connor McCaslin 55
Brady Stinnett 49
Eli Deberry 45
Tyler Sullivan 37
Gavin McCoy 28
Fewest Earned Runs Allowed
(*min. 10 appearances)
Gideon Deaton 8
Brady Stinnett 15
Jace Robinson 16
Connor McCaslin 17
Brennan Jones 19
Fewest Hits Allowed
(*min. 10 appearances)
Gideon Deaton 12
Jace Robinson 18
Will Howell 24
Brennan Jones 29
Brady Stinnett 31
Fielding Percentage
(*min. 70 chances)
Mason McMillin 1.000
Levi Lang .989
Lake Reed .987
Hallas Lawson .982
Austin Batts .957
Runners Caught Stealing
Hallas Lawson 6
Brady Stinnett 5
Lake Reed 5
Austin Batts 5
Tyler Sullivan 2
CONNOR MCCASLIN
ELI DEBERRY
MCCLAIN RAY
NEXT LEVEL RANGERS
Alabama, Univ. of
Charley Sullivan, RHP (2010)
Bethel University
Matt Simpson, INF (2009)
Alabama at Birmingham, Univ. of
Matthew Roncalli, C (2024)
John Luke Marlin, P (2022)
Peyton Puckett, INF (2021)
Arkansas-Monticello, Univ. of
Trent Bunting, RHP (2020)
Stephen Sexton, OF (2015)
James Clark, INF (2015)
Grant Black, RHP (2015)
Landon McFadden, RHP (2015)
Peter Barton, RHP (2015)
Kody Kimbrough, C (2015)
Arkansas State University
Nathan Harrison, RHP (2018)
Chase Ware, P (2007)
Brandon Westmoreland, P (2004)
Brad Burkhead, OF (2003)
Troy Martin, INF (2003)
Darrel Arnold (1955)
Arkansas Tech University
Colt Burns, LHP (2012)
Josh Johnson, INF (2012)
Austin Peay University
Drew Hurst, RHP (2018)
Aaron Campbell, OF (2017)
Belhaven University
Hunter White, C (2018)
Justin Milam, INF (2018)
Tanner Cable, RHP (2015)
Jim Tom Copeland, RHP (2013)
Walt McCullough, OF (2013)
Chad Wardlaw, OF (2011)
Mark Husband, RHP (2010)
Craig Dean, INF (2008)
Kyle Hunt, P (2008)
Charlie Edwards, OF (2007)
Daniel Husband, OF (1999)
Blue Mountain Christian University
Peeko Townsend, OF (2023)
Garrett Riggs, C (2021)
Dylan Hale, OF (2021)
McGreger Lee, INF (2021)
Kelton Hall, INF (2021)
Alonzo Hunt, RHP (2021)
Colton Peel, RHP (2021)
Colt Smith, RHP (2017)
Joel Rich, INF (2010)
Central Arkansas, Univ. of Rudy Baldwyn, P (2025)
Central Methodist University
Adam Friga, INF (2003)
Charleston Southern University
Peyton Mills, INF (2021)
Christian Brothers University
Baron Davies, INF (2018)
Taylor King, INF (2015)
Peyton Willoughby, RHP (2014)
Bill Higdon, LHP (2012)
Josh Hopkins, INF (2011)
Hunter Parham, INF (2010)
Jon-Michael Davis, LHP (2010)
Will Britt, C (2007)
Blake Christian, C (2004)
Steven Oelke, P (1999)
Delta State University
Austin Batts, C (2025)
Levi Lang, INF (2025)
Walker Maranto, INF (2025)
Jacob Hill, INF (2024)
Cade Leatherwood, INF (2024)
Logan Eldridge, P (2023)
Colton Presley, P (2022)
Josh Hill, P (2022)
Hammer Franks, OF/P (2021)
Landon Zizmann, RHP (2020)
Dalton Minton, LHP (2017)
David Herrington, INF (2017)
Austin Towles, RHP (2016)
Delta State University, (cont.)
Jonathan Lindsey, LHP (2016)
Jamell Newson, OF (2016)
Clay Casey, OF (2016)
Tanner Cable, RHP (2014)
Cody Waddell, RHP (2014)
AARON CAMPBELL
CHARLEY SULLIVAN
NEXT LEVEL RANGERS
Delta State University (cont.)
Dex Herrington, OF (2012)
Jeffrey Vance, RHP (2009)
Brandon Hall, P (2008)
Memphis, Univ. of (cont.)
Matt Ferguson, RHP (2014)
Kramer Hollenbach, OF (2014)
Drew Griffin, INF (2011)
Gary-Scott Gabbert, INF (2004)
Tim Lloyd, OF (2003)
Josh Barton, P (2002)
Marcus Van Every, INF (1999)
Chad Thompson, P (1999)
Jeff Walls, P (1999)
Johnny Ray (1987)
Ronald “Runt” McMinn (1964)
Jim Miles (1963)
John Brewer (1949)
A.C. Williams, Jr. (1937)
Freed-Hardeman University
Dawson Grifin, INF (2023)
Houston, Univ. of Clay Casey, OF (2015)
Jackson State University
Peeko Townsend, OF (2022)
LaGrange College
Eli Selby, C (2024)
Lee University
Noah Hattier, INF (2022)
Seth Walker, OF (2009)
Little Rock, Univ. of Arkansas at Ryan Lee, C (2022)
Marshal Hamrick, LHP (2011)
Memphis, Univ. of
Cade Greer, OF (2024)
James Smith, P (2024)
Brayden Sanders, P (2023)
Brayland Skinner, OF (2022)
Dalton Fowler, LHP (2021)
Tanner Booth, C (2021)
Carson Stinnett, RHP (2019)
Reed Harding, RHP (2019)
Ian Hawkins, LHP (2018)
Taylor King, INF (2014)
Rick Russell, C/INF (2009)
Alan Mathis, INF (2009)
Josh Ross, P (2008)
Josh Irvin, OF (2005)
Tim Senter, P (2004)
Brandon Rowan, P (2002)
Joel Posey, P (2001)
Andy Gesell, INF (2001)
David Moss (1984)
Jack Peel (1984)
Mid-Continent
University
Austin Overall, INF (2012)
Jimmy Braswell, INF (2012)
Joseph Blair, C (2011)
Mississippi, Univ. of
Connor Spencer, P (2023)
Ben Van Cleve, INF (2019)
Hayden Leatherwood, OF (2019)
Jay King, INF (2014)
Cody Reed, LHP (2013)*
Jeremy Massie, LHP (2012)
Justin Donovan, OF (2002)
Jon Reeder, OF (2000)
Sledge Floyd, P (1999)
Jamie Howell, Sr. (1958)
*chose MLB Draft over Ole Miss.
Mississippi College
C.J. Lofton, P (2023)
Jackson Smith, RHP (2020)
Daniel Shelton, RHP (2019)
Hunter Wilson, INF/OF (2016)
Hunter Lacefield, LHP (2016)
Tanner Densford, INF/P (2014)
Tyler Scholl, RHP (2014)
J.D. Tackett, C (2013)
Keaton Hankins, INF (2012)
Kyle Blount, OF (2012)
Chris Casto, LHP (2012)
Blake Embrey, OF (2007)
Conner Douglas, P (2005)
Hugh Brown, INF (2005)
Mississippi State University
Thomas Cheatham, OF (2023)*
Brayland Skinner, OF (2020)
Parker Stinnett, RHP (2020)
Tanner Leggett, INF (2019)
Peyton Plumlee, RHP (2016)
Sean Johnson, OF (2007)
Leslie Buford (1931)
*joined football program at MSU.
BRAYLAND SKINNER
CONNOR SPENCER
NEXT LEVEL RANGERS
Mississippi Valley State University
Dylan Castoria, OF (2013)
Southern Mississippi, Univ. of, (cont.)
James Lear, OF (2014)
Matt Shaw, RHP (2010)
Taylor Walker, INF (2008)
Missouri State University
Ryan Skalnik, INF (2016)
Murray State University
Tanner Booth, C (2019)
North Alabama, Univ. of
Kyle Moore, RHP (2018)
Bradley Noland, INF (2012)
Todd Hill, INF (2002)
Brandon Kizer, C (2000)
Tatum Brown, P (2000)
Nathan Bowden, INF (2000)
Oklahoma, Univ. of
Dalton Fowler, LHP (2021)
Rhodes College
Eli Selby, C (2024)
Bill Selby (1990)
Mark Carson (1990)
Tennessee-Southern, Univ. of Landon Rogers, OF (2022)
Since being hired to lead the program prior to the 2020 campaign, Bramlett has transformed the trajectory of the Northwest softball program. The former Mississippi State and Team USA standout has collected a career coaching record of 170-82, with a 90-52 record in conference play.
Last season, the Rangers posted a 44-12 overall record, marking the program’s first-ever 40-win season. Northwest also finished 21-7 inside the MACCC, made the postseason for the fifth straight season and advanced to the NJCAA Division II Tournament for the second time in program history, with both appearances coming during Bramlett’s tutelage.
Two members of Bramlett’s 2025 squad captured All-American accolades. Infielder Ellie Fryar earned NJCAA Division II All-American honors, becoming the fourth Ranger to receive the honor from the NJCAA, joining Saige Koczka (2021) and McKaylee “K.K.” Polk (2022, 2023). Additionally, pitcher/utility Sommer Tyes was also chosen for All-American honors by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, joining Koczka and Polk (both 2022) to receive that distinction from the NFCA.
Fryar and Tyes also helped continue the pipeline of Northwest players to move on to the four-year level, as both players signed with Mississippi College and Jackson State University, respectively. Other signees included outfielder Thenya Kennedy (Jackson State), outfielder Carly Dunigan (Delta State), pitcher Abby Rogers (Oklahoma Wesleyan University) and infielder Addison Owen (MUW). In total, 21 of Bramlett’s former student-athletes have signed to continue their careers at four-year programs.
In 2024, Northwest finished 27-20 overall and battled through a 13-15 mark in conference play. Despite the Rangers’ struggles, the program still went 10-7 against nationally-ranked opponents through the regular season, a stretch that included sweeps against NJCAA Division II Tournament teams Des Moines Area and Kirkwood, with other wins against Jones College, Pearl River, Spoon River College and South Suburban College.
In 2023, Bramlett’s group finished 32-11 overall and 20-8 in the MACCC, marking back-to-back 30-win seasons for the first time in program history. The Rangers’ 20-8 conference record was also the best mark since the 2009 season, when Northwest achieved a 21-3 mark. Additionally, the 2023 squad remained in the NJCAA Division II national rankings all year, peaking at No. 2 in the nation midway through the regular season. The Rangers ultimately fell in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament in an extra-innings battle to Pearl River, another team that finished the regular season ranked in the Top 10 nationally.
Four members of the 2023 Rangers’ squad signed to play at the four-year level, including MACCC Player of the Year, McKaylee Polk. The Senatobia native signed with Memphis and shattered nearly every offensive record in both single-season and career categories, including a sophomore campaign that featured a .554 batting average with 24 home runs, a 1.339 slugging percentage, a .647 on-base percentage and 27 walks, all of which became new single-season records.
Pitcher Gabby Dickerson (Christian Brothers University) also shattered the record books for career strikeouts (376), wins (41), innings pitched (319.1) and appearances (63). Her 2023 season resulted in 137 strikeouts issued and a 15-4 record in the circle, including four games with 10 or more strikeouts.
Bramlett guided the Rangers to new heights in 2022, garnering the program’s best record (39-15), first NJCAA Region 23 title and the first trip to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament, where the Rangers finished as one of the final four teams remaining in a 16-team field.
Prior to the team’s run through the national tournament, Bramlett was named the NJCAA Gulf A District Coach of the Year, her first national coaching award since taking over the Northwest program.
Bramlett’s 2022 squad matched or surpassed every previous record. The Rangers finished the season with a .333 team batting average and single-season records for runs scored (402), hits (517), doubles (98), home runs (60), runs batted in (356), total bases (823), walks (155), sacrifice flies (22) and highest strikeouts (385).
Two-time All-American Saige Koczka led the team with a .433 batting average and left Northwest with career records in at-bats (350), hits (161), doubles (37), triples (6), home runs (26), runs batted in (122), total bases (288), walks (43) and a whopping .823 career slugging percentage.
Other standout members of Bramlett’s 2022 squad include Laila Armstrong, who set the program’s new single-season and career records for stolen bases. The Tennessee State signee also won the NFCA/New Balance Golden Shoe Award as the stolen base leader in the NJCAA Division II ranks. (Bramlett also won the same award in 2009 and 2010 at Mississippi State.)
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Chelsea Bramlett enters her seventh season as the head softball coach at Northwest.
HEAD COACH CHELSEA BRAMLETT
In the circle, Bramlett relied heavily on Dickerson, who finished the 2022 season with the Rangers’ new single-season record for strikeouts (239). The Olive Branch native also tallied a 26-9 record in the circle, tied for the most single-season victories and fourth in the career totals. She also finished with 18 complete games, eight shutouts and 203.1 innings pitched, all ranking in the top 10 of those respective categories.
The 2021 season also sparked plenty of excitement, as the Rangers finished 20-18 overall and 15-13 in MACCC competition. Northwest punched its ticket to the MACCC Tournament for the first time since 2017 and advanced to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament for the first time since the 2012 season, defeating tournament host and 15th-ranked LSU Eunice, scoring the program’s first Region 23 Tournament win.
Bramlett’s 2021 squad also finished the regular season as the best hitting team in the MACCC, with a batting average of .376. The Rangers shattered nearly every previous single-season hitting record, including home runs (51), hits (410), RBIs (287), doubles (83) and slugging percentage (.617).
Among those eye-popping stats were a slew of heavy hitters, most notably Koczka, who finished the season with single-season records in batting average (.489), hits (65), doubles (20), home runs (14), RBIs (59) and slugging percentage (.985). Additionally, her 14 homers also marked a new career record.
Behind Koczka, Brower, Bednarek, Harris and MyCala Helms all worked their way into the record books as well. Brower’s nine home runs put her second all-time behind Koczka, while seven home runs from Bednarek placed her third all-time. Comer and Harris finished tied for fourth with six homers apiece, while Helms shattered the program’s career triples record with six, including five during the 2021 season.
Despite a shortened 2020 campaign due to COVID-19, Bramlett guided Northwest to an 8-6 record, which included a conference sweep against Pearl River and ended with a four-game winning streak. Three of her players went on to sign or commit to the next level, including Lacey Coats (Delta State), Delta Claire Newman (Millsaps College) and Madison Crosby (Mississippi University for Women).
Bramlett is a familiar name across softball circles in Mississippi and on a national scale. A native of Cordova, Tenn., she spent five successful seasons at Lewisburg High School in Olive Branch, compiling an all-time record of 116-28-3 and a stellar .799 winning percentage. Since taking over the reins of the program after the 2014 season, Bramlett guided the Lady Patriots to five playoff berths and four Region 1-5A titles, the most recent coming in 2019 while finishing 24-2 overall.
Prior to Lewisburg, Bramlett earned her first coaching stint at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn. from 2010-14.
Bramlett became a national name in college softball during her playing career at Mississippi State from 2007-10. She remains one of only two players in Southeastern Conference history to be named All-American in all four years of her career while also garnering three-time national catcher of the year honors. Bramlett’s name is scattered across the record books at MSU, still holding career records in batting average (.461), runs scored (219), hits (359) and stolen bases (207). She also holds single-season records for batting average (.536, 2010) and stolen bases (61, 2010). Her .536 average in 2010 still stands as the 10th-best season in NCAA softball history.
While in Starkville, Bramlett raked in numerous accolades from organizations and publications such as the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), CoSIDA, Adidas and ESPN. She was inducted into the MSU Sports Hall of Fame in 2016 and recognized as an SEC Legend the same year.
During her time with Team USA in 2009-10, Bramlett played alongside some of the most notable names in softball, including Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott. In 2009, she was selected to the United States National Team roster and helped Team USA to gold medals at the Canada Cup, World Cup of Softball and Japan Cup alongside former MSU head coach Jay Miller. She was a two-time World Cup of Softball gold medalist, hitting .500 with four runs scored in 2010. That same year, she also helped Team USA to an International Softball Federation (ISF) World Championship and batted .714 with five RBIs and five runs scored. In her two seasons, Team USA compiled a 41-2 combined record, including a perfect 22-0 mark in 2009.
Prior to her days at Mississippi State, Bramlett played for First Assembly Christian School for coach Phillip Spain and played club softball for the Memphis Fusion. At FACS, she finished her varsity career by hitting .735 (86-for-117) with 26 extra-base hits, 10 home runs and 41 RBIs. She also compiled a 19-2 record in the circle and stole 98 bases on 102 attempts, earning “Best of Preps” recognition by the Commercial Appeal.
Bramlett and her husband, Adam Hampton, celebrated their first wedding anniversary on September 8, 2023.
THE BRAMLETT FILE: PERSONAL:
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Education: Mississippi State University (B.S.) - 2010
Family: Adam (Husband)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
2007-10: Mississippi State University
2009-10: Team USA
COACHING EXPERIENCE:
2010-14: Briarcrest Christian School
2015-19: Lewisburg High School
2020-present: Northwest Mississippi Community College
With a season-opening victory against Dyersburg State on February 8, 2024, Northwest softball coach CHELSEA BRAMLETT captured her 100th career win. Presenting her with a commemorative bat following the game is Northwest President Dr. Michael J. Heindl.
ASSISTANT COACH DUSTIN YOUNG
DUSTIN YOUNG ASSISTANT COACH
Dustin Young enters his seventh season as the Northwest softball assistant coach.
Combined with head coach Chelsea Bramlett, Young makes up one of the MACCC’s most formidable softball coaching staffs. Since being hired to Bramlett’s staff prior to the 2020 season, the duo has combined for an overall record of 170-82, with a 90-52 record in conference play.
Young and Bramlett have sent the Rangers to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament in each of the last five seasons and have guided the program to a pair of appearances in the NJCAA Division II Softball Tournament, with the most recent berth coming last season. Northwest finished with a 44-12 overall record and a 21-7 mark in the MACCC, the all-time winningest season in the program’s history. In 2022, Northwest won its first-ever NJCAA Region 23 Championship and advanced to the NJCAA Division II Softball Championship tournament for the first time.
With Young’s support, Bramlett was named NJCAA Gulf A District Coach of the Year for 2022. The duo also helped Northwest to back-to-back 30-win seasons in 2022-23, the first time in history the program has achieved such a milestone.
Since the 2020 season, Young and Bramlett have produced 21 four-year players, including Division I signees Sommer Tyes and Thenya Kennedy (both Jackson State), Kara Johnson (UT Martin), Laila Armstrong (Tennessee State) and McKaylee “K.K.” Polk (Memphis).
Young was hired to head coach Chelsea Bramlett’s coaching staff in fall 2020 and immediately made his impact felt on the Rangers’ program. Despite a shortened 2020 season due to the effects of COVID-19, Young and Bramlett helped Northwest to an 8-6 overall record, a conference sweep against Pearl River and a four-game winning streak to close out the abbreviated slate.
Young is no stranger to Northwest or Tate County. A 2003 graduate of Independence High School, Young played baseball at Northwest under coaches Donny Castle and Mark Carson from 2005-06, batting .299 with 13 doubles, four home runs and 24 RBIs as a sophomore in his two seasons in a Ranger uniform. He also tallied a .940 fielding percentage with 78 putouts.
From Northwest, Young went on to continue his career at the next level with the now-defunct Crichton College, coached by another former Ranger in Brandon Rowan. Young played for the Comets from 2007-08.
Since earning his degree from Crichton, Young has remained close to both baseball and softball, coaching youth teams and also assisting with the Senatobia High School softball program, coached by his wife Tammy. From 2010-19, the Youngs’ helped Senatobia to a combined record of 150-90-1 with numerous playoff appearances, while helping produce numerous college athletes, including former Rangers Lindsey Brewer, Amanda Bies, Lindsey Shaw, Whitney King, Leeah Henson, Annah Catherine Storey, Mary Britton Faulkner, Johnson, Polk and recent Delta State signee Carly Dunigan.
Young and his wife Tammy reside in Senatobia and have two children, Camden and Brinleigh.
THE YOUNG FILE: PERSONAL:
Hometown: Independence, Miss.
Education: Northwest Mississippi Community College (2005-06) Crichton College (2007-08)
Family: Tammy (Wife)
Camden, Brinleigh (Children)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
2005-06: Northwest Mississippi Community College
2007-08: Crichton College
COACHING EXPERIENCE:
2010-19: Senatobia High School (Assistant Coach)
2020-present: Northwest Mississippi Community College (Assistant Coach)
Former Northwest baseball player DUSTIN YOUNG was selected as the assistant coach for the Rangers’ softball program prior to the start of the 2020 season.
ASSISTANT COACH MEREDITH OWEN
MEREDITH OWEN VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT COACH
As part of the Rangers’ coaching staff in 2025, Owen helped guide Northwest to its best season in program history, as the team finished 44-12 overall and 21-7 in the MACCC. To top things off, the Rangers also made a return trip to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.
In her first season as a volunteer assistant, Owen helped Northwest to a 27-20 overall record and a brief run in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament. Over her two seasons with the Rangers, she has helped develop 10 four-year signees, including three Division I commits: Sommer Tyes (Jackson State), Thenya Kennedy (Jackson State) and Kara Johnson (UT Martin).
Owen is no stranger to the Rangers or head coach Chelsea Bramlett, as the Covington, Tenn. native played on two of the most accomplished teams in Northwest history. Owen dressed out for the Rangers from 2021-22, helping Northwest to consecutive appearances in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament, and to the 2022 NJCAA Division II Softball Championship Tournament as a sophomore.
Owen concluded her Northwest career with a .300 batting average, nine doubles, three triples, two home runs and 26 runs batted in. She also stole 15 bases, with 12 of those coming as a sophomore.
Owen is a graduate of Tipton-Rosemark Academy, where she played for coach Johnie Sanfratello. With her senior season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, most of Owen’s accomplishments came as a junior, where she helped TRA to a 33-11-1 overall record, a district title and a TSSAA Division II Sub-State appearance. For the 2019 season, she batted .342 with three doubles, two triples and 21 RBIs.
Owen is the daughter of Missy and David Owen.
THE OWEN FILE:
PERSONAL:
Hometown: Covington, Tenn.
Education: Northwest Mississippi Community College (2021-22) Arkansas State University (2023-24) University of Mississippi (2025-present)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
2021-22: Northwest Mississippi Community College
COACHING EXPERIENCE:
2024-present: Northwest Mississippi Community College (Volunteer Assistant Coach)
Meredith Owen enters her third season as the volunteer assistant coach for Northwest softball.
A member of the 2022 NJCAA Region 23 Championship team, MEREDITH OWEN has returned to Northwest as a volunteer assistant coach on Chelsea Bramlett’s staff.
2026 ROSTER
2026 ROSTER
High School:
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SELA MANCINI
Infielder • 5-7 • Freshman
Cleveland, Miss. • Bayou Academy
Played for coach Lauren LaSuzzo at Bayou Academy...helped the Lady Colts to a 23-6 overall record, district and an MAIS Class AAAAA North State title during her senior season...four-time all-district selection...was named an Outstanding Senior and a recipient of the DAR Award and Colt Award...also was chosen for MAIS All-Star honors...as a junior, named team’s Defensive MVP...as a sophomore, garnered recognition as an MAIS Future All-Star and team’s Offensive MVP...also competed in cheer and track at Bayou Academy, being voted as cheer captain and a two-time state champion in track...off the field, served as President of school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter...received recruiting interest from other MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Lesley and Paul Mancini...has an older sister, Marleigh (20), that was a member of the Northwest softball program (2024-25)...enjoys working out, shopping, leading Bible studies, working at a botique, modeling and playing pickleball in her spare time...area of study is undecided...nickname is “Money Mancini”...born February 18, 2007.
Played for coaches Logan Dollins and Jessica Baker at Kennett...helped the Lady Indians to a 28-10 overall record, conference and district championships and a third place finish in the state as a senior...garnered all-conference, all-district and all-state accolades during her senior campaign...also named Bootheel Conference Player of the Year... all-time career hits record-holder in Missouri (256)...also set single-season record for hits (78) and doubles (27)...as a junior, named SEMOBall Female Athlete of the Year and earned SEMOBall Softball Player of the Year honors as a junior...off the field, a member of the National Honors Society and graduated Top 20 in her senior class...received recruiting interest from Central Baptist College and Three Rivers College.
Personal:
Daughter of Laurie and Bart McAtee...father, Bart, was a member of the 1987 Northwest baseball team...has one sister, Sydni...hobbies include playing tennis, pickleball and working out...studying marketing...nicknames are “Han” and “Hanny”...born March 4, 2007.
High School:
2
MARY MADISON KELLEY
Utility • 5-7 • Freshman
Oxford, Miss. • Lafayette HS
Played for coach Greg Lewis at Lafayette...helped the Lady Commodores to a 25-9 overall record, the MHSAA Class 5A North Half title and a runner-up finish in the Class 5A State Playoffs as a senior...chosen to compete in the North Mississippi Softball Coaches Association All-Star Game during her senior season...was also chosen as a Class 5A North Scholar Athlete...off the field, graduated with honors, and was a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society.
Personal:
Daughter of Tiffany Shankle and Pat Kelley...has one brother, Grant...enjoys hunting, tanning, shopping and hanging out with friends in her spare time...nickname is “Lulu”... born September 28, 2006.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished with a program-best 44-12 overall record and earned just the program’s second appearance to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament...played in 13 games, earning four starts...hit .333 in 18 at-bats, including a pair of doubles and two RBI...off the field, earned Academic All-MACCC honors and was selected to the Vice President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Dana Migivney at Oxford...helped the Lady Chargers to MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs as a senior...batted .347 with eight doubles, a home run and 27 RBIs... also competed in soccer at OHS.
Personal:
Daughter of Rebecca Arant and David Gillis...has a younger sibling, Brantley (8)...enjoys fishing and hunting in his spare time...studying nursing...nickname is “LG”...born October 17, 2005.
2026 ROSTER
High School:
5
AVA CLAIRE RHODEN
Utility • 5-0 • Freshman Boaz, Ala. • Boaz HS
Played for coaches Chad Hall, Labron Lusk, Tiffany Rhoden and Leah Milam at Boaz... helped the Lady Pirates to a 34-10-1 overall record and an area championship as a senior, along with the program’s first trip to the state championship since 2004...three-time All-Area selection...two-time all-state honoree...holds multiple career and single-season records at BHS...finished her varsity career with 313 hits, 255 runs, 134 stolen bases and a career batting average of .501...also competed in flag football and was a member of the school’s cheer squad...off the field, graduated Suma Cum Laude and was named Miss BHS...was a member of the school’s National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and received the DAR Good Citizenship Award...received recruiting interest from Samford, Millsaps College, Snead State, Gadsden State, Shelton State, Northeast Alabama and a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Tiffany and Adam Rhoden...has two siblings, Cameron and Brenlea...hobbies include crafts, painting, handwriting and watching football in his spare time...studying exercise science and physical therapy...nickname is “AC”...born August 10, 2007.
Played for coach Brady Dancer at Ripley...helped the Lady Tigers to an MHSAA Class 4A Playoff appearance as a senior...finished her varsity career with the most stolen bases in school history...garnered first team all-division and All-Tipton County honors...also named team’s Defensive Player of the Year...also competed in powerlifting at RHS, winning three titles...off the field, named President of her senior class and was a member of the National Honor Society...received recruiting interest from Alabama State, Lane College and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Angela and Allen Christmas...father, Allen, played basketball at Northeast (1987-88)...has one sibling, Simone...enjoys hanging out with friends in her spare time... also has a black belt in karate...studying nursing and is pursuing a minor in business... nickname is “AC”...born July 4, 2007.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished with a program-best 44-12 overall record and earned just the program’s second appearance to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament...played in 20 games, drawing four starts...batted .474 in 19 at-bats, finishing the season with a double, a triple, a home run and 19 RBIs...best performance of the season came in a 3-for-4 effort with a home run and five RBIs in an April 16 victory against East Mississippi...also went 3-for-4 with a double and four RBIs in an April 8 win against Coahoma...off the field, garnered several academic accolades including Second Team NJCAA All-Academic, Distinguished Academic All-MACCC and selections to the President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Brett Prosek at Magnolia Heights...helped the Lady Chiefs to the MAIS Class 5A Playoffs as a senior...was part of a district championship team during her senior season...chosen as team captain and earned first team all-conference honors...off the field, a member of the school’s Interact Club.
Personal:
Daughter of Kelly and David Massing...enjoys coaching softball and teaching Sunday School in her spare time...studying radiology...nickname is “Aubie”...born July 6, 2005.
2026 ROSTER
2025 [Freshman]:
15
CATELYN BROWN
RHP/Utility • 5-9 • Sophomore Wheeler, Miss. • Wheeler School
Was part of a Northwest team that finished with a program-best 44-12 overall record and earned just the program’s second appearance to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament...made 19 appearances in the circle, drawing 11 starts...finished the season with a 6-1 record and a 3.08 ERA...struck out 38 batters and allowed just seven walks... also pitched two shutouts and a pair of complete games...tallied a season-high seven strikeouts in a complete game shutout of Mississippi Delta on March 18...also delivered five strikeouts in three complete frames in a March 7 outing at Jackson State (Tenn.)... off the field, received numerous academic accolades including First Team NJCAA AllAcademic, Distinguished Academic All-MACCC and selections to the President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters...wore jersey number #11 last season.
High School:
Played for head coach Molly Brown at Wheeler...helped the Lady Eagles to a 14-10 overall record, the Region 1-1A title and an appearance in the MHSAA Class 1A Playoffs... batted .324 as a senior and finished with a 2.00 ERA in the circle...was part of four region championship teams at Wheeler...earned First Team All-Region 1-1A and Region 1-1A Player of the Year honors following her senior season...was also selected as a North Mississippi Softball Coaches Association All-Star in 2024, while previously earning All-Star recognition by the Mississippi Association of Coaches following her junior season...an All-State and Rising Star selection by the Mississippi Association of Coaches in 2022...also played volleyball, where she was chosen as a team captain...off the field, a recipient of numerous academic accolades and a member of several clubs...chosen as the valedictorian of her senior class and Student Body President...member of the Wheeler Hall of Fame and was chosen as a Mississippi Scholar...was also a member of the school’s Beta Club, Math & Science Club, Civics Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes...received interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Natasha and Curt Brown...has a younger brother, Caleb (14)...hobbies include reading, painting and taking walks outside...studying pre-health...born August 17, 2006.
Helped Gulf Breeze to a 12-win season her senior year...earned the All-State Achievement Award...off the field, a consistent Honor Roll student...received recruiting interest from East Georgia State CC, Bishop State CC and Reid State CC.
Personal:
Daughter of Victoria and Steven Hersom...has two siblings, Chandler and Veronica... enjoys fishing and working out in her spare time...studying kinesiology...nicknames are “Syd” and “Syd The Kid”...born August 4, 2007.
Played for coaches Jeremy Wilkins and Faith Guy at Enterprise...helped the Lady Bulldogs to a 28-11 overall record, Region 5-3A title, MHSAA Class 3A South Half crown and the MHSAA Class 3A State Championship during her senior season...dual threat athlete with a .400 batting average and 200 strikeouts in the circle...garnered MVP honors in the state championship series, while also earning First Team All-Region 5-3A accolades...was also selected as team’s Best Defensive Player...two-time Bulldog Award recipient...as a junior, earned MVP and All-Region 5-3A honors...also competed in volleyball at EHS, helping the program to its first region championship...off the field, graduated with honors...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Casey and Jed Dearman...has three siblings: Bayley, Jake and Cash...has several hobbies, including painting, hunting, fishing, going to the river, playing volleyball and playing board games...studying kinesiology...nicknames are “Mere” and “M”...born July 4, 2007.
2026 ROSTER
High School:
18
LONDEN ARMSTRONG
Outfielder • 5-6 • Freshman
Nesbit, Miss. • DeSoto Central HS
Played for former Northwest softball standout and current DeSoto Central coach Harley Bumpous...helped the Lady Jaguars to a 22-5 overall record and appearance in the MHSAA Class 7A State Playoffs as a senior...named Region 1-7A MVP and earned First Team All-DeSoto County honors...also selected for NMSBCA All-Star accolades...off the field, graduated with special distinction and a 4.3 GPA...received recruiting interest from Southern University, Prairie View A&M and a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Erica and Jamie Armstrong...has three siblings: Jorden, Jaylen and Rayme... enjoys crafting and DIY projects in her spare time...studying electrical engineering...born February 10, 2007.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished with a program-best 44-12 overall record and earned just the program’s second appearance to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament...played in 50 of the team’s 56 games, earning 37 starts...batted .240 with four doubles, two triples, four home runs and 24 RBIs...went 3-for-3 at the plate with a home run and a pair of RBIs in a February 22 victory against LSU-Eunice...also went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs in a February 21 win against Coastal AlabamaNorth...defensively, finished the season with a .917 fielding percentage in 108 total chances...turned two double plays, finishing third on the team...off the field, collected several academic honors, including First Team NJCAA All-Academic, Distinguished Academic All-MACCC and selections to the President’s List and Athletic DIrector’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters...wore jersey number #8 last season.
High School:
Attended Hernando...played basketball and volleyball for the Lady Tigers...was the recipient of several academic honors, including National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Honor Society of High School Scholars and the Region 1-7A Volleyball Academic Team...received interest from Delta State and a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Emily and Carl Calarco...has a younger brother, Cayden (18)...enjoys snowboarding in her spare time...studying orthodontics...born November 29, 2005.
2025 [Freshman]:
27
EMMA JENNINGS
Utility • 5-5 • Sophomore
Mantee, Miss. • East Webster HS
Was part of a Northwest team that finished with a program-best 44-12 overall record and earned just the program’s second appearance to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament...played in all but one of the team’s 56 games last season, earning 51 starts... batted .301 with 10 doubles, a triple, three home runs and 17 RBIs...also totaled a .448 slugging percentage and was 10-for-12 in stolen bases...went 2-for-2 with a triple in a February 4 victory against Missouri State-West Plains...went a combined 6-for-13 at the plate with three doubles and an RBI in four games of the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament, helping the Rangers secure an at-large bid to the national tournament...went 3-for-3 in stolen base attempts in a February 18 road win at Calhoun...defensively, finished the season with a .909 fielding percentage in 77 total chances...off the field, received several academic accolades including First Team NJCAA All-Academic, Distinguished Academic All-MACCC and selections to the President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach John Harris at East Webster...was named co-MVP for Region 4-3A as a senior...received All-Region 3-4A honors and batted over .500...as a sophomore, was a member of the Lady Wolverines’ state championship squad...also ran cross country at EWHS and was a member of the school’s cheerleading squad...off the field, received several academic honors, graduating with special honors...was a member of the Beta Club, Interact Club and the leadership team for Fellowship of Christian Athletes...received interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Donnie Ann and Jay Jennings...has an older sister, Coy (23)...enjoys swimming in her spare time...area of study is undecided...nickname is “Emma J”...born Spetember 2, 2005.
Played for coaches Kristi Montgomery and Curry Freeman at Mantachie...helped the Lady Mustangs to a 13-win season as a senior...five-time all-region selection beginning with her eighth grade year...was named Region 1-3A Co-Offensive Player of the Year and Region MVP following her senior campaign...two-time NMSBCA All-Star selection... as a junior, helped MHS to the Class 3A State Championship...earned all-state and All-Daily Journal accolades...as a sophomore, named a Rising Star by the Mississippi Association of Coaches...off the field, voted as MHS Homecoming Queen and graduated with distinction...consistent Honor Roll student and recipient of the Cyndal Cleveland Memorial Scholarship...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Scarlett and Dean Cates...has two siblings, Gunner and Tucker...enjoys reading, shopping, traveling and hunting in her free time...studying applied science... nickname is “Lil”...born May 19, 2007.
Played for coach Nicki Whitten at Hernando...helped the Lady Tigers to a 33-4 overall record, the Region 1-7A title, MHSAA Class 7A North Half champions and a runner-up finish in the Class 7A State Championship series as a senior...was part of three region champion squads that made three appearances in the Class 7A State Championship series...voted Honorable Mention All-DeSoto County following her senior season... as a junior, received a slew of honors that included Mississippi Association of Coaches All-State, First Team All-Metro and All-Region 1-7A...also received All-DeSoto County, All-Region 1-7A and All-Metro accolades following her sophomore season...off the field, a member of numerous clubs and organizations including National Honor Society, Hernando High School Hall of Fame, Student Ambassador President, Superintendent Youth Leadership Council, Science National Honor Society, Rho-Kappa Honor Society, Key Club, Junior Auxiliary Crown Club and was chosen as the secretary for the school’s Student Council...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Christina and Brent Johnson...has one sibling, Cooper...enjoys serving at her church, spending time with friends and family, walking her dog and going to concerts in her spare time...studying sonography...nickname is “KJ”...born June 26, 2007.
SEASON PREVIEW
SEASON OUTLOOK
After a season that saw Northwest softball eclipse the coveted 40-win mark, head coach Chelsea Bramlett’s team looks to carry that success into this season.
In 2025, the Rangers started off the campaign on a strong note, opening the season with a fourgame sweep at the Sand Mountain Claiss, including a pair of ranked wins against 14th-ranked Central Alabama and No. 16 Marion Military Institute. The strong start proved to be a preview of how the remainder of the season would go, as Northwest advanced to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament for just the second time in program history.
There, the Rangers closed their season with a 2-2 run in the national tournament, collecting wins against powerhouse Phoenix College and Bryant and Stratton College (Wisc.), ending the season with a program-best 44-12 record and a 21-7 finish in the MACCC.
Getting back to the national tournament is becoming the standard for Bramlett’s teams and this season is no different.
“[The NJCAA Division II level] continues to stay strong throughout the country,” Bramlett said. “We didn’t have as much depth in the circle last year as we do this year, so I believe that is going to help us in the long run. Winning a national title isn’t easy for sure, and we will continue to push each year to achieve that goal.”
Northwest will be a young team this season with ten freshmen, three of which are bringing strong arms to the circle, and only five sophomores. The team will lean on the experience of their sophomores to guide them throughout the season.
Catelyn Brown, a returning sophomore pitcher, will look to increase her production in the circle after a season that saw her post a 3.08 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched. The Rangers will depend on Brown to be a main starter.
“Catelyn is one of our main starters on the mound,” Bramlett said. “She has great composure and a lot of movement with all of her pitches. She is going to be hard to square up and take us a long way.”
Returning with a .917 fielding percentage, sophomore infielder Carleigh Calarco will look to continue as a trusted glove in the field.
“Carleigh is a shortstop and third baseman,” Bramlett said. “She is energetic, constantly talking, and making sure everyone is on task and ready for the next play.”
Northwest will see three utility players return in sophomores Lindsey Gillis, Emma Jennings and Aubrey Massing. The returning trio will be vital leaders to the team this season, both at the plate and in the field.
“Lindsey Gillis will be our starting catcher,” Bramlett said. “She has come a long way behind the plate and has done a great job managing our pitchers. Emma is an outfielder who has been a leader since she was a freshman. She is constantly in the game, always pushing herself and her teammates to be better and holding them accountable. Aubrey is also a great outspoken leader on the team. She keeps everyone pumped up and focused and loves what she does.”
With a lot of young talent, the freshman class will look to contribute immediately. Pitcher Meredith Dearman will look to add a sense of calm to the circle, while fellow newcomers Londen Armstrong and Ava Claire Rhoden aim to contribute to the Rangers’ offense.
“Meredith has a great presence on the mound and did really well this fall against four-year schools,” Bramlett said. She doesn’t get rattled and continues to make it hard for the hitters. Londen is a local power hitting outfielder. She was one of the best players to come out of our area this past year and she continues to make strides here. [Ava Claire Rhoden] is a quick slapper who led off for us the majority of the fall. She stepped right in and has become a spark plug for my offense.”
Fellow freshman Handley McAtee will look to shore up the Northwest defense.
“Handley is another freshman who pitches, but can also hold down third base,” Bramlett said. “She has handled the hot corner well so far and I am excited to see her grow and compete more at that position.”
“We have a large freshman class that is full of talent,” Bramlett added. “All of them are competitive and pushing each other and our sophomores to be better every day.”
Preseason expectations are once again high for Northwest. The Rangers will start the season ranked No. 20 in the NJCAA Division II preseason polls, joining a slew of MACCC opponents in the national rankings. Defending national champions Copiah-Lincoln checks in at No. 2 overall, followed by fourth-ranked Jones College, No. 7 Pearl River and 12th-ranked Itawamba. Additionally, fellow NJCAA Region 23 nemesis LSU-Eunice is also represented at No. 13 in the national poll.
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CARLEIGH CALARCO
AUBREY MASSING EMMA JENNINGS
SEASON OUTLOOK
Northwest will open MACCC competition against Jones College at home on Saturday, March 7. Down the line, the Rangers will also host both Co-Lin and Itawamba, while traveling to Pearl River, rival Northeast and the always-challenging tandem of Mississippi Gulf Coast and East Central.
“I truly believe we are the toughest NJCAA Division II conference in the country,” Bramlett said. “Every game we play is a battle. Anyone can beat anyone on any given day. We are just tough all the way around, which is one of the things I love about coaching in this conference. It is never boring.”
Before entering the meat of the conference slate, the season will once again start off at the Sand Mountain Classic in Alberville, Ala. from January 30-31. The two-day event will pit the Rangers against Wallace State-Hanceville, Northwest-Shoals, Calhoun and Chattanooga State.
Another tournament also lies further down the schedule, the Coyote Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala. Hosted by Coastal Alabama-South, Northwest is slated to face off against Motlow State, Pensacola State, Gulf Coast State and Reid State.
Aside from the hustle and bustle of the season schedule, Northwest has benefitted from several facility upgrades over the past few years. In 2022, the joint facility next to the field was opened, featuring locker rooms, coaches’ offices, team meeting rooms and a new concession stand for fans. Lights and a new scoreboard also quickly followed.
Now, the Rangers will look to utilize a new facility for indoor work. Completed at the end of the Spring 2025 semester, the Castle Complex (named for former Northwest baseball coach and athletic director Donny Castle) is a shared facility for baseball and softball, equipped with multiple batting cages, a full turf area and other amenities.
Additionally, the program will also have access to a multi-purpose indoor facility that is nearing completion beyond right field, putting the cherry on top of facility upgrades unlike anywhere else in the MACCC.
“We already had wonderful facilities,” Bramlett said. “Now, we just opened this new facility equipped with four batting cages, enough turf area to do a full infield, and all the top-notch amenities. They are also about to finish our all-athletic facility that has 70 yards of covered turf. It is truly an incredible building to see, and we will have access to that once it is complete.”
Northwest will host Jackson State (Tenn.) in a double-header for their home opener at Ranger Softball Field on Saturday, February 7 with the first game slated to start at noon. Coverage of all home games can be found once again on Ranger TV this season, accessible for free at nwccrangers.com/watch.
Returning sophomore CATELYN BROWN enters the 2026 season as the only returning pitcher from last season’s NJCAA national tournament team. As a freshman, the Walnut native compiled a 3.08 ERA with 38 strikeouts against just seven walks.
Wallace State-Hanceville
January 30 • 10 A.M. • Albertville, Ala. • Sand Mountain Park
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Hanceville, Ala.
Founded: 1966
Enrollment: 6,000
President: Vicki P. Karolewics
Athletic Director: Paul Bailey
Conference: ACCC
Nickname: Lions
Colors: Blue & Orange
2026 OPPONENTS
Northwest-Shoals
January 30 • 2 P.M. • Albertville, Ala. • Sand Mountain Park
Ballpark: Bobby McCraken Stadium/Pete Harris Softball Field
Head Coach: Sallie Burch
2025 Record: 52-15
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Jesse Cobb
Phone: (256) 352-8361
Email: jesse.cobb@wallacestate.edu
Web Address: athletics.wallacestate.edu
Series History: First meeting
Calhoun
January 31 • 10 A.M. • Albertville, Ala. • Sand Mountain Park
March 4 • 3/5 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Ranger Softball Field
4 Thenya Kennedy vs. Southern Union State (1/31/25)
4 Lulu Franks at Coahoma (4/8/25)
4 Carly Dunigan vs. Snead State (1/31/25)
4 Kylie Frost vs. Jackson State (Tenn.) (3/7/25)
4 Ellie Fryar vs. Northeast (5/5/25)
6 Sommer Tyes vs. Jones College (3/11/25) DOUBLES
TRIPLES
HOME RUNS
(3/11/25)
HINDS (3/28/25)
(2/22/25)
SAC HITS
SAC FLIES
STOLEN BASES
RUNS ALLOWED
3 Kylie Frost vs. Jackson State (Tenn.) (3/7/25)
3 Ellie Fryar at Copiah-Lincoln (5/6/25)
2 Carly Dunigan vs. Snead State (1/31/25)
2 Ellie Fryar vs. Missouri State-West Plains (2/4/25)
2 Ellie Fryar vs. National Park College (3/13/25)
2 Sommer Tyes at Jones College (3/11/25)
3 Marleigh Mancini at Holmes (3/25/25)
3 Lulu Franks at Coahoma (4/8/25)
3 Kylie Frost at SW Mississippi (4/9/25)
3 Thenya Kennedy at Calhoun (2/18/25)
3 Sommer Tyes vs. Parkland College (2/22/25)
2 Marleigh Mancini at SW Mississippi (4/9/25)
2 Marleigh Mancini at Gadsden State (3/3/25)
3 Emma Jennings at Calhoun (2/18/25)
3 Carly Dunigan vs. Coastal Alabama-North (2/21/25)
3 Sommer Tyes at Meridian (4/18/25)
6 Morgan Brewton at Jones College (3/11/25)
6 Abby Rogers at Jones College (3/11/25)
6 Morgen Brewton vs. Northeast (4/1/25)
6 Morgen Brewton at Copiah-Lincoln (5/5/25) WALKS ALLOWED
Morgen Brewton vs. Hinds (3/28/25)
Morgen Brewton at Meridian (4/18/25)
Abby Rogers at Jones College (3/11/25)
Brown vs. Hinds (3/28/25)
Rogers vs. East Mississippi (4/16/25)
Abby Rogers vs. St. Johns River State (5/21/25)
(5/22/25)
Brewton vs. Snead State (1/31/25)
Morgen Brewton vs. LSU-Eunice (2/22/25) 2 Morgen Brewton vs. Mississippi Delta (3/18/25)
Morgen Brewton at SW Mississippi (4/9/25)
MORGEN BREWTON issued a season-high 10 strikeouts in a conference doubleheader at Meridian, finishing her sophomore campaign with the second-most strikeouts in a single season.
2025 IN REVIEW
CATEGORY LEADERS - BATTING
Batting Average
Ellie Fryar .451
Carly Dunigan .397
Thenya Kennedy .364
Sommer Tyes .338
Addison Owen .331
Slugging Percentage
Ellie Fryar .794
Sommer Tyes .766
Carly Dunigan .620
Thenya Kennedy .463
Addison Owen .448
Runs Scored
Ellie Fryar 62
Sommer Tyes 51
Carly Dunigan 44
Thenya Kennedy 43
Emma Jennings 37
Hits
Ellie Fryar 79
Carly Dunigan 71
Thenya Kennedy 59
Sommer Tyes 52
Addison Owen 51
Runs Batted In
Sommer Tyes 58
Ellie Fryar 44
Carly Dunigan 43
Addison Owen 35
Thenya Kennedy 30
Doubles
Ellie Fryar 18
Carly Dunigan 17
Addison Owen 11
Emma Jennings 10
Sommer Tyes 10
Triples
Carly Dunigan 10
Ellie Fryar 9
Thenya Kennedy 4
Marleigh Mancini 3
Addison Owen 2
Home Runs
Sommer Tyes 18
Ellie Fryar 8
Carleigh Calarco 4
Emma Jennings 3
Thenya Kennedy 2
Total Bases
Ellie Fryar 139
Sommer Tyes 118
Carly Dunigan 111
Thenya Kennedy 75
Addison Owen 69
Walks
Ellie Fryar 18
Thenya Kennedy 18
Sommer Tyes 18
Marleigh Mancini 11
Carly Dunigan 6
Stolen Bases
Sommer Tyes 25
Ellie Fryar 20
Carly Dunigan 15
Thenya Kennedy 13
Emma Jennings 10
At-Bats
Carly Dunigan 179
Ellie Fryar 175
Thenya Kennedy 162
Addison Owen 154
Sommer Tyes 154
SOMMER TYES
ELLIE FRYAR
THENYA KENNEDY
2025 IN REVIEW
CATEGORY LEADERS - PITCHING/FIELDING
Earned Run Average (ERA)
Morgen Brewton 2.51
Abby Rogers 2.94
Catelyn Brown 3.08
Opposing Batting Average
Morgen Brewton .204
Abby Rogers .254
Catelyn Brown .255
Wins
Morgen Brewton 26
Abby Rogers 10
Catelyn Brown 6
Alyssa Boswood 1
Sommer Tyes 1
Innings Pitched
Morgen Brewton 175.2
Abby Rogers 119.0
Catleyn Brown 50.0
Sommer Tyes 8.1
Alyssa Boswood 6.2
Appearances
Morgen Brewton 36
Abby Rogers 36
Catelyn Brown 19
Alyssa Boswood 6
Sommer Tyes 3
Games Started
Morgen Brewton 31
Catelyn Brown 11
Abby Rogers 10
Alyssa Boswood 2
Sommer Tyes 2
Strikeouts
Morgen Brewton 178
Abby Rogers 98
Catelyn Brown 38
Sommer Tyes 12
Alyssa Boswood 2
Earned Runs Allowed
Morgen Brewton 63
Abby Rogers 50
Catelyn Brown 22
Alyssa Boswood 7
Sommer Tyes 1
Hits Allowed
Morgen Brewton 137
Abby Rogers 120
Catelyn Brown 51
Alyssa Boswood 12
Sommer Tyes 5
Fielding Percentage
Kylie Frost 1.000
Lulu Franks .996
Thenya Kennedy .988
Sommer Tyes .985
Carly Dunigan .980
Caught Stealing
Lulu Franks 4
Abby Rogers 3
Kylie Frost 2
Morgen Brewton 1
ABBY ROGERS
LULU FRANKS
CARLY DUNIGAN
NEXT LEVEL RANGERS
Belhaven University
Lindsey Young, INF (2003)
Memphis, Univ. of
McKaylee “K.K.” Polk, INF (2023) Kristin Chrestman, OF (2004)
Victory University (formerly Crichton College) Christian Reyes, OF (2008) Carrie Canizaro, OF (2008)
Blue Mountain Christian University
Neely Cooper, P (2024)
Carla Avant, OF (2015)
Haylei Plummer, INF (2010)
Central Baptist College
Candice Brasher, P/UTIL (2010)
Sarah Gill, P (2009)
Christian Brothers University
Gabby Dickerson, P (2023)
Haley Vance, INF (2014)
Megan Shackleford, INF (2004)
Delta State University
Carly Dunigan, OF (2025)
Allyson Harrison, P/INF (2023)
MyCala Helms, INF/C (2021)
Lacey Coats, P (2020)
Jessica Holliday, P (2015)
Katelyn Westbrook, OF (2014)
Lauren Kendall, P/INF (2011)
Kayla Wilson, UTIL (2011)
Angela Carden, INF (2010)
Freed-Hardeman University
Kylee Brown, P (2023)
Henderson State University
Meagan Allen, P (2022)
Jackson State University
Thenya Kennedy, OF (2025)
Sommer Tyes, INF/P (2025)
Vicki Johnson, OF (2013)
Middle Tennessee State University
Carlie Jenkins, OF (2013)
Millsaps College
Delta Claire Newman, INF/P (2020)
Mississippi, Univ. of Laina Collier, P (2010)
Mississippi College
Ellie Fryar, INF (2025)
Caylee Comer, INF (2022)
Heath Griffith, C/INF (2016)
Mobile, Univ. of
Madeline Houk, OF (2024)
Ally Judkins, OF (2018)
MUW
Addison Owen, INF (2025)
Madison Crosby, INF (2020) Morgan Gresham, OF (2018)
North Alabama, Univ. of Mandy Bolden, INF (2010)
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Abby Rogers, P/OF (2025)
Spring Hill College
Morgen Brewton, P (2025)
West Alabama, Univ. of Bree Thompson, INF (2016)
Annah Catherine Storey, OF (2016) Haley Vance, INF/OF (2015)
William Carey University
Molly Harris, C (2022)
Lane College
Amber Thomas, OF (2009)
Tennessee at Martin, Univ. of Kara Johnson, INF (2024)
Caleb Burggraaf was named the Director of Sports Information at Northwest in September 2025.
Burggraaf may be new to the Rangers but not to the NJCAA, as he spent the previous three years as the Sports Information Manager at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyo.
While at LCCC, Burggraaf covered all eight sports for the Golden Eagles, including volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s rodeo, and e-sports.
Prior to his stint at LCCC, his path took him through seven different states, covering athletics from the high school, NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, club and professional levels. Burggraaf holds 15 years of experience in both broadcast and print media.
A graduate of Colorado Mesa University (then Mesa State College) in 2011, Burggraaf graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with a focus in sports broadcasting. While his passion has been radio, his experience has allowed him to venture into print media and TV broadcasting, including being the lead voice for the NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championships on ESPN+ in 2024 and 2025, as well as a member of the broadcast teams for the NJCAA Division I World Series from 2019-24 and the NAIA World Series in 2025.
His ties to junior college athletics began after being the voice of the Western Nebraska Community College Cougars in the 2011-12 season. Prior to that, Caleb worked with the Iowa Cubs in their front office directly after graduating from CMU.
BRIAN OAKLEY
SPORTS MEDIA SPECIALIST
Brian Oakley enters his seventh year in the Northwest Sports Information department and was elevated to the full-time role of sports media specialist on July 1, 2022.
Oakley formally joined the Northwest staff as a part-time sports information specialist in August 2019, but has had a hand in various gameday duties well before then. Since 2015, Oakley has assisted in gameday production, primarily operating the videoboard at Bobby Franklin Field and handling public address announcing at Northwest men’s and women’s basketball games.
Oakley received his Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University in 1998, with focuses on political science and communication studies. While at Vanderbilt, he served as a cadet in the ROTC program and as a marketing and promotions intern in the Commodores’ athletic department, where he was responsible for gameday promotional operations, scheduling of student-athletes for campus tours, off-campus promotion of athletic contests, design of various promotional materials and retail sales of university-related apparel.
At Vanderbilt, Oakley was selected to revamp a struggling KidsZone program and helped increase kids club membership from 10-15 to over 250 per home football game.
Oakley is a native of Senatobia and is the older brother of Ranger assistant football coach Scott Oakley and former Northwest head men’s basketball coach Shane Oakley.
MARY GRACE BLACK
SPORTS INFORMATION SPECIALIST
Mary Grace Black enters her first year in Northwest’s Sports Information Department serving as a Sports Information Specialist, effective November 1, 2025.
Black received her Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi State University in May 2025 with a degree in communication with a concentration in public relations. While at MSU, Black worked as an intern with the athletic communications department where she operated scoreboards, aided with the facilitation of press conferences, kept live statistics and fulfilled general office duties.
Black is a native of Amory.
ED CARROLL
SUPPORT STAFF
ATHLETIC GAME OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Ed Carroll enters his 18th year at Northwest, and second year as the Athletic Game Operations Coordinator and “Voice of the Rangers”. Carroll previously served Northwest as the Director of Residence Life & Housing, assistant director, assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator.
Carroll came to Northwest and back to coaching in August of 2007 as an assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator ,after spending seven years in public relations and marketing with the American Express Company. The Rangers earned a trip to the MACJC Playoffs that year, but fell to Mississippi Gulf Coast in the first round. After one year, and a head coaching change, Carroll moved into administration as the Assistant Director of Campus Life and Housing, responsible for the adjudication of student conduct on all campuses.
In 2020, Carroll added the role of director to his responsibilities and all daily operations of housing and residence life for ten residence halls and 1,237 resident students on the Senatobia campus. During his tenure, Northwest opened up a 10th residence hall in 2021, the ultramodern Calhoun Hall.
In his role as Athletic Game Operations Coordinator, Carroll is also the college’s official public address announcer for Northwest’s intercollegiate athletic programs, including football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, baseball, softball and volleyball. In addition, Carroll supports the athletic director and daily operations in all aspects of providing a positive atmosphere for student-athlete academic success and eligibility.
Carroll spent over a decade in the 80’s and 90’s coaching high school and college football including a stop at Murray State University from 1991-1993, as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for coach Mike Mahoney and the Racers.
Carroll is a graduate of Simpson College (Iowa Conference), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology. While at Simpson, he spent four years at cornerback as well as special teams for the Storm, becoming a starter his senior season.
Carroll is a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and received his bachelor’s degree in biology at Simpson College in 1984. He received his bachelor’s in education from Northwestern State in 1996. Carroll also attended the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences (Iowa) for medical studies from 1984 until 1986.
CHARLESY KENNEDY
ATHLETIC ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Charlesy Kennedy enters her third season as the athletic academic advisor for Northwest Mississippi Community College.
In all three years of her tenure as the main athletic academic advisor, Northwest student-athletes have excelled in the classroom. For the 2024-25 academic year, 168 student-athletes received Academic All-MACCC recognition, followed by 116 NJCAA All-Academic selections. Additionally, the Northwest women’s soccer program topped the rest of the NJCAA with a 3.79 team GPA.
Five Northwest teams were named MACCC Academic Teams of the Year, including football, softball, women’s soccer, men’s tennis and women’s golf. Softball sported a remarkable 3.86 team GPA for the academic year, followed by women’s soccer, men’s tennis (3.76) and women’s golf (3.57).
Kennedy’s guidance also helped numerous Northwest student-athletes receive recognition to the President’s List, Vice President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. 194 Rangers and Lady Rangers were chosen to AD Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 semester, followed by 163 in the Spring 2025 semester, while 191 were chosen to either the President’s or Vice President’s List for the Fall 2024 semester. That was followed by 178 selections in the spring term.
During the 2023-24 academic year, Kennedy helped Northwest produce 146 student-athletes to the President’s and Vice President’s list for the Fall 2023 semester and 117 to the respective lists for the Spring 2024 semester. Additionally, 175 student-athletes finished with 3.0 GPAs or better in Fall 2023, while 142 achieved the same milestone for the most recent spring semester.
A native of Calhoun City, Kennedy arrived to Northwest from the Water Valley School District, where she previously served as an eighth grade teacher and the school’s head softball coach since 2021. Prior to her stint in Water Valley, Kennedy taught at Calhoun City High School, her alma mater, from 2019-21 and served as an assistant softball coach for the Lady Wildcats.
Prior to Calhoun City, Kennedy was the assistant coach at Vardaman High School in Calhoun County from 2016-19. She also played one season of college softball at Holmes Community College in 2015.
Kennedy is a graduate of Mississippi State University, where she attained a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2018. She later earned her master’s of athletic leadership from Rider University in 2022.
JUSTIN WARE
SUPPORT STAFF
DIRECTOR OF SPORTS MEDICINE
Justin Ware, LAT, ATC, is entering his third year as the Director of Sports Medicine for Northwest Mississippi Community College.
A native of Greenville, Ware is employed by Athletico Physical Therapy and previously served as the Head Athletic Trainer for Oxford High School and Ole Miss club sports for seven years. At Oxford, Ware provided sports medicine coverage for all athletics in grades 7-12, while handling Ole Miss club soccer, lacrosse, rugby, hockey and basketball.
Ware attended Mississippi Delta Community College and played baseball for the Trojans, before moving on to Delta State University. While at DSU, he served as a student athletic trainer for football, baseball, softball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s soccer.
After leaving Delta State with a Bachelor of Science in athletic training in 2014, Ware formally joined the Athletico staff and began his aforementioned stint at Oxford High School.
In his spare time, Ware volunteers his time to provide coverage for the Mississippi Special Olympic games. He is a member of the Mississippi Athletic Trainers’ Association and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and has held a CPR/AED certification since 2011.
Ware is married to the former Lindsey Dunn of Dyersburg, Tenn. and the couple welcomed their first child in December 2022.
TAYLOR
YOUNG
ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER
Taylor Young enters his third year as an athletic trainer for Athletico Physical Therapy and Northwest Mississippi Community College.
A native of Greenwood, Young arrived at Athletico and Northwest after spending seven years as an athletic trainer at Mississippi Delta Community College. After serving as an assistant trainer during his first two years in Moorhead, Young was promoted to the head athletic trainer role and remained in that role for five years, serving football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, softball and baseball.
Young graduated from Pillow Academy in 2009 and played baseball at MDCC, where he was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. He was also named Mr. MDCC in 2011.
After departing MDCC with his associate’s degree, Young moved on to Delta State, where he finished with his bachelor’s degree in athletic training in 2014 and later earned his master’s degree in Sport and Human Performance in 2016, with an emphasis in Sports Management.
While working on his undergrad, Young also interned with the University of Memphis, where he covered football and track and field. He is currently a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Mississippi Athletic Trainers’ Association.
