POPLARVILLE, Miss. — A record-setting 53-win season and a National Runner-up finish got a little bit sweeter Thursday afternoon as the Pearl River baseball team took home an incredible five NJCAA All-America awards. The five selections tied for the most in the country and were the most in a single season in program history.
Jacob Johnson (Carriere; Pearl River Central) earned Honorable Mention, Topher Jones (Hernando) earned Third Team, Jacob Keys (Brandon) and Caston Thompson (Jayess; Brookhaven Academy) took home Second Team honors and KK Clark (Brandon) earned First Team.
Pearl River has now had an All-America selection in seven consecutive seasons.
"What a special day for our program," head coach Michael Avalon said. "To have five of our players earn the honor of All-America — a record for our program — is a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about the direction and stature of Pearl River baseball.
"While individual honors are being recognized today, this accomplishment is a testament to the effort of the entire team. None of this would be possible without the hard work, sacrifice and selfless play of their teammates, who push each other to be the best they can be. Success like this is also a reflection of the outstanding work of our coaches, who pour countless hours into developing these young men both on and off the field. We are proud of these five, but even more proud of the culture and standard they represent."
KK CLARK
Clark had a season to remember in his lone year as a Wildcat. He was as advertised after transferring to Pearl River from Mississippi State, wrapping up the year with a team-leading 88 innings pitched, 1.84 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 116 strikeouts. He ended the year with a 12-2 record, throwing a pair of complete games. His 116 strikeouts ranked fourth nationally, and his 12 wins tied for second nationally. His strikeout total is also the second-best in a single season in program history.
Clark was previously named First Team All-MACCC, MACCC Pitcher of the Year and All-Region 23. He now heads to Louisiana Tech to continue his baseball career.
JACOB KEYS
Keys will go down as one of the best catchers in Pearl River's rich history. In addition to being a threat in the batter's box, he was lights-out behind the dish. Offensively, Keys wrapped up the year with a .333 batting average, a .490 on-base percentage and a .582 slugging percentage. He tacked on 73 runs, 50 RBIs, 38 walks, 17 doubles and 10 homers. His 73 runs were the third most in a season in PRCC history. Defensively, Keys did not make an error across an unbelievable 454 total chances. He allowed just six passed balls and caught 15 runners stealing.
He has already been named First Team All-MACCC and All-Region 23. He will take his talents to Southeastern Louisiana in 2026.
CASTON THOMPSON
It was a three-year process for Thompson, but it ended with one of the highest honors a player can receive. After redshirting in 2023 and battling an injury in 2024, the left-handed hitter turned in a 2025 campaign for the record books. In his redshirt sophomore season, Thompson had a .370 batting average, a .483 on-base percentage and a .649 slugging percentage. He tallied 78 hits, 68 RBIs, 17 doubles and 14 homers. He also walked an incredible 45 times — good enough for the second most in a season in Pearl River baseball history. Thompson was also incredible defensively, as the first baseman made just five errors in 434 chances for a .988 fielding percentage.
The honor is another one to add to the trophy cabinet for Thompson, who had previously earned First Team All-MACCC, MACCC Player of the Year and All-Region 23.
TOPHER JONES
It took Jones some time to adjust to the JUCO level after transferring from Mississippi State in January, but once he did, it was tough for opposing pitchers. Across 28 conference games, Jones hit an unbelievable .452 with a .556 on-base percentage and .817 slugging percentage. His end-of-season numbers were a .358 batting average, a .459 on-base percentage and a .608 slugging percentage. He led the team in RBIs with 72 to go along with 76 hits, 29 walks, 16 doubles, 11 homers and two triples.
He was also incredible at the hot corner, making just eight errors in 131 chances. The freshman also had an eight RBI game during the season against Itawamba — the most in a single game in program history.
Jones has already earned First Team All-MACCC and All-Region 23.
JACOB JOHNSON
Johnson cracked the starting rotation early in the season for Pearl River and never looked back. He finished the year with a 2.28 ERA and 1.03 WHIP through 71 innings pitched. He struck out 70 batters, allowing 24 walks and 18 earned runs. He ended the season with 12 wins, tied with Clark for first on the team and second nationally. Johnson sent Pearl River to the World Series by throwing seven innings of scoreless baseball against East Central, allowing just three hits.
Johnson was previously named First Team All-MACCC and All-Region 23. He now heads to Auburn for the 2026 season.
PREVIOUS ALL-AMERICA HONOREES
PRCC's five All-America selections grow the list to 21 in the program's history. Previous selections by the NJCAA include Greg Guidry (First Team; 1994), Jake Smith (Second Team; 2003), Rhyne Hughes (First Team; 2004), Craig Rodriguez (First Team; 2005), Kyle Lindsey (First Team; 2008), Krisjon Wilkerson (Second Team; 2013), Meaux Landry (Second Team; 2018), Wiley Cleland (Third Team; 2019), Graham Crawford (Third Team; 2021), Landon Gartman (First Team; 2021), Alex Perry (Third Team; 2022), Tate Parker (First Team; 2021-22), Cooper Cooksey (Second Team; 2023), Bryce Fowler (Second Team; 2024) and Hollis Porter (First Team; 2024).
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