The road to the NJCAA Division II World Series in Enid, OK runs through Poplarville this week as Pearl River Community College hosts the 2025 Region 23 Baseball Tournament at Dub Herring Park. The double-elimination tournament, featuring top teams from the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC), kicks off Monday, May 5, and runs through Friday, May 9.
Tournament Overview
The six-team field includes:
- #1 Pearl River Community College (Poplarville, MS)
- #4 MS Gulf Coast Community College (Perkinston, MS)
- #5 Northeast Mississippi Community College (Booneville, MS)
- #8 Northwest Mississippi Community College (Senatobia, MS)
- #9 Meridian Community College (Meridian, MS)
The tournament begins with a play-in game on Monday at 4 p.m. between #9 Meridian and #8 Northwest Mississippi. The winner of the play-in game advances to face #1 Pearl River on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Earlier on Tuesday, #4 Mississippi Gulf Coast will take on #5 Northeast Mississippi at 2 p.m.
Here is a team-by-team breakdown of the teams participating in the tournament this week.
#1 Pearl River
The Wildcats enter the tournament as the top seed, boasting a strong season record and the advantage of playing on their home field. Their consistent performance throughout the season makes them a formidable contender.
Caston Thompson (INF): A Nicholls State signee, Thompson leads the Wildcats with a .390 batting average and 12 home runs, showcasing his power and consistency at the plate.
Jacob Keys (C): The former Southern Miss catcher, committed to Southeastern Louisiana for 2026, Keys boasts a .358 batting average and a .500 on-base percentage, making him a formidable presence both offensively and defensively.nemccathletics.com
Topher Jones (OF): With a .359 batting average and 53 RBIs, Jones has been instrumental in driving in runs and maintaining offensive momentum for PRCC.
Keegan Giger (INF): Giger’s .366 batting average and 35 RBIs highlight his role as a reliable contributor in the Wildcats’ offense.
Jackson Hood (OF): Combining power and speed, Hood has hit .351 with 9 home runs and 9 stolen bases, making him a versatile threat on the field.
#4 Mississippi Gulf Coast
The Bulldogs, seeded fourth, have shown flashes of brilliance this season and will look to capitalize on their opportunities in the tournament.
Ethan Garner (OF): Garner has been a consistent performer for the Bulldogs, contributing significantly to their offensive efforts throughout the season.
Logan Terry (INF): Terry’s performance at the plate has been pivotal for MGCCC, providing stability and run production in the lineup.
#5 Northeast Mississippi
Entering as the fifth seed, Northeast Mississippi has the potential to upset higher-seeded teams, starting with their play-in game against Meridian.
Tyler Byrd (OF): Byrd adds to his decorated career at Northeast with a #65 prospect rating, indicating his potential impact in the tournament.
Samuel Curtis (RHP): As one of nine returning pitchers for the Tigers, Curtis brings experience and depth to the pitching staff, playing a crucial role in NEMCC’s defensive strategy.nemccathletics.com
#8 Northwest Mississippi Community College
- Gavin McCoy (RHP): A sophomore from Saltillo, Mississippi, McCoy has been a reliable pitcher for the Rangers, contributing significantly to their success on the mound.
- Brennan Jones (RHP): Hailing from Madison, Mississippi, Jones has been an essential part of NWCC’s pitching rotation, demonstrating skill and consistency.
#9 Meridian
As the sixth seed, Meridian faces a challenging path but has the opportunity to make a statement with a strong performance in the play-in game.
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