By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

HATTIESBURG — A Baker’s Dozen of prep baseball senior standouts in the “Southern Six” are expected to be in action here at Wheeler Field over the next two days to wrap up their prep baseball careers.

Thirteen area stalwarts were picked to compete in the 50th annual Crossroads Diamond Club All-Star Baseball Games, one of the more prestigious all-star events in the Southeast. The three contests will take place on consecutive days starting Tuesday here at in this Hub City on the campus of William Carey University.

First up is the largest classification game, the Class 7A contest, which will take place on Tuesday at 6 p.m. That game is the most heavily populated with “Southern Six” standouts and coaches as nine players were honored with selection to participate. (The game was moved to Petal at the same time because of rain).

In addition, Brent Martin of D’Iberville and Ryne Long of Ocean Springs will guide the South squad in that game.

“I’m excited to be able to be apart of it for sure,” Martin said Monday afternoon. “It’s one of the top events our state puts on each year and to have the opportunity to coach in it is an honor. It’s a really talented group and I’m excited to see them compete against the north half.”

Long will lead a trio of of his Greyhounds in the contest, as pitcher/infielder Jack Jordan, infielder Cannon Hensarling and outfielder A.J. Arguello are all a part of the South squad.

“Those three have been invaluable to Ocean Springs baseball program the last two years,” Long said. “They are great leaders and relentless workers. They’ve grown up a lot and learned from their experience, and our program is better now than when they started because of them and guys like them. I’m proud of them and blessed to have the opportunity to be their coach one more time.”

George County, which just played for its second straight Class 6A state championship, also had three players selected for the South team. Outfielder Ben Davis, outfielder Tripp Lightsey and pitcher Preston McAdory were all selected from a Rebel squad that has captured the past two Class 6A South State titles as well as the 2024 state championship.

“We have a talented group of seniors and it’s always an honor to have players selected,” veteran Rebel head coach Brandon Davis said.

Picayune followed with two picks in Parker Helton and Cooper Moreaux.

Gulfport’s Davis Ormes rounded out the “Southern Six” contingent in the largest classification all-star game.

The Class 5A/4A game will take place on Wednesday, May 28th at 6 p.m.

The Class 3A/2A/1A game will end the proceedings on Thursday, May 29th at 6 p.m.