As postseason play across college baseball begins, conferences are recognizing standout performers from this season with many representing Mississippi schools finding their names on the lists.
Beginning in the Southeastern Conference, Mississippi State shortstop David Mershon and pitcher Khal Stephen were named first-team All-SEC while outfielder Dakota Jordan nabbed second-team honors.
Mershon has been a key piece for the Bulldogs at the plate and in the field. The sophomore has posted a .958 fielding percentage while batting .326 with 63 hits and 36 RBI. His 23 stolen bases are third-most in the SEC.
Stephen has proven as one of the most durable arms in the SEC with a conference-high 83 innings pitched. The junior right-hander has a team-high eight wins with a 3.25 ERA and 93 strikeouts.
Jordan, coming off his first career Ferriss Trophy as Mississippi’s top player, has been a force to be reckoned with at the plate. The sophomore leads the team in home runs (17) and RBI (61). His .363 batting average is seventh best in the SEC.
Ole Miss’ lone All-SEC selection was utility player Andrew Fischer, who landed on the second team. The sophomore leads the Rebels in hits, (59), home runs (20), and RBI (57). He is also third on the team with a .289 batting average.
Over in the Sun Belt, Southern Miss placed five on all-conference teams. Pitcher Billy Oldham and designated hitter Slade Wilks landed on the first team, along with shortstop Ozzie Pratt, outfielder Dalton McIntyre, and pitcher Niko Mazza getting second-team nods.
Oldham went 7-2 over 14 starts as the Golden Eagles’ Friday starter. The senior right-hander wrapped up the regular season with a 4.03 ERA and 85 strikeouts.
Wilks has been a stronghold at the plate with a .332 batting average. The senior leads the team in home runs (14) and RBI (58). His current 28-game hitting streak is tied for third in program history.
Pratt, in his first season away from BYU, quickly found a home in Hattiesburg by starting all 53 games for Southern Miss. The junior has a .330 batting average with a team-best 18 doubles along with three home runs and 36 RBI.
McIntyre started the season on the bench before swinging his way into the lineup and never leaving. The junior’s .374 batting average leads the team, complemented by two home runs, 31 RBI, and 10 stolen bases.
Mazza went 8-3 with 15 appearances and 14 starts. The junior righty fanned 87 batters over 77.1 innings. On the season, he holds a 4.19 ERA.
The Southwestern Athletic Conference, which is home to Jackson State, Alcorn State, and Mississippi Valley State, has not yet announced its all-conference teams for the 2024 season.
