By SAM STAFF/Sports Writer

BILOXI — Unfortunately, unlike the past three years Konnor Griffin won’t be displaying his outstanding prep baseball wares in South Mississippi over the next 10 days.

The former Jackson Prep All-American was one of the top first round picks in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft in July, and was seen roaming centerfield earlier this week for the Pittsburgh Pirates in a Spring Training game against the Boston Red Sox in Bradenton, Fla.

But despite his absence, and despite the fact that no player from the “Southern Six” was selected to the prestigious “Dandy Dozen” list as produced annually by The Jackson Clarion-Ledger, fans will still be able to catch some top talent from six different states at the annual “Battle of the Beach” over the next 10 days.

Eight members of that 2025 “Dandy Dozen” team will be in action in at least one game of the BATB, which began Thursday at Biloxi High.

Let’s take a look at those eight outstanding prep baseball players that will be roaming the diamonds across the “Southern Six” over the next 10 days.

Tanner Beliveau

Petal | Senior–Catcher

The Mississippi State signee had five home runs with 17 RBIs, a .303 on-base percentage and a .921 fielding percentage. Beliveau is the highest-rated catcher in the state, according to PerfectGame and Mississippi Prep Baseball Report.

You can see Petal vs. Mobile Christian at 3 p.m., Thursday, March 13th at Biloxi High.

Tre Bryant

Jackson Prep | Senior–Infield

The Arizona State signee had a .383 batting average and a .509 on-base percentage with 44 hits, 55 RBIs and 18 stolen bases and helped Jackson Prep to its seventh consecutive MAIS baseball title.

You can see Jackson Prep vs. Ocean Springs Monday night at OSHS at 7:00 p.m.

Landon Harmon

East Union | Senior–Pitcher | Outfield

The Mississippi State signee had a .398 batting average, seven home runs and 39 RBIs. He had a 1.43 ERA with 128 strikeouts in 73⅓ innings, helping East Union to a MHSAA Class 2A title appearance. Harmon was the only junior who won the MHSAA Class 2A “Mr. Baseball” award.

You can see East Union vs. Germantown Thursday, march 13th at 10 a.m., at Biloxi High.

Jamaurion “Jay” McQueen

Brandon | Senior–Outfield | Pitcher

The South Alabama signee recorded a .351 batting average, 22 RBIs, 39 hits, 30 runs scored and 18 stolen bases. McQueen also had 27 strikeouts on the mound, helping the Bulldogs take the first-ever Class 7A state title.

You can see Brandon vs. Columbia Academy Thursday, March 13th in Gulfport at Noon.

Leo Odom

Sumrall | Senior–Pitcher | Infield

The Ole Miss signee had a .306 batting average with 33 RBIs and 38 hits. Odom had a 9-0 record on the mound, helping the Bobcats claim the Class 4A state crown with a fastball that topped out at 93 mph.

You can see Sumrall vs. defending Class 6A state champion George County at 5 p.m., Thursday, March 13th in Lucedale.

Jacob Parker

Purvis | Senior–Infield | Pitcher

The Mississippi State signee hit .442 with 35 RBIs on 43 hits and five home runs. Parker also recorded 37 strikeouts in 39⅔ innings. Parker was a finalist in the 2024 All-Star High School Home Run Derby at the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.

You can see Purvis vs. Oak Forrest Academy Wedesday at 3 p.m., in Biloxi.

Joseph “JoJo” Parker

Purvis | Senior–Infield | Pitcher

The Mississippi State signee hit .464 with seven home runs, 53 runs, 39 hits, 28 RBIs and 28 stolen bases. Parker also recorded 66 strikeouts on the mound last season, helping Purvis to a 25-9 record.

You can see Purvis vs. Oak Forrest Academy Wedesday at 3 p.m., in Biloxi.

Luke Romine

Hernando | Senior-Infield

The Ole Miss signee had a .359 batting average with 38 RBIs, 33 hits and nine home runs. Romine helped take Hernando to a MHSAA Class 7A title game appearance last season.

You can see Hernando vs. northwest Rankin Wednesday at 1 p.m., in Pass Christian.