High school baseball: Pitching will be Cougars' strength

Carson has two standout pitchers and a strong middle infield to lead the way this season.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Carson Cougars high school baseball team is poised for a strong season, led by a talented pitching staff and a solid middle infield. Returning starters Kendal Sifford and Maverick Walters anchor the pitching rotation, while shortstop Carson Kirk and second baseman Cameron Williamson provide a formidable double-play combination and offensive production.

Why it matters

The Cougars are looking to build on their success from last season, when they finished third in the South Piedmont Conference and had a 15-10 record. With a deep pitching staff and veteran leadership in the middle of the field, Carson has the potential to challenge for a conference title and make a deep playoff run.

The details

Sifford, a right-handed Catawba signee, is coming off a standout junior season in which he won nine games and posted a 1.20 ERA. Walters, a left-hander headed to Charleston Southern, has high potential and the stuff to beat any team on Carson's schedule. The Cougars also have depth on the mound, with Dylan Alexander, Jacob Prevette, Ryan Snyder, and others providing additional innings. Offensively, Carson will lean on Kirk, the leadoff hitter, and Williamson, a versatile second baseman who can hit for average and drive in runs.

  • The Cougars open their season on February 25 at Ballantyne Ridge.

The players

JC Alexander

The Carson head coach is in his second season, having led the team to a 15-10 record in 2025.

Kendal Sifford

A right-handed pitcher and Catawba signee, Sifford was the South Piedmont Conference and Rowan County Pitcher of the Year in 2025 after winning nine games and posting a 1.20 ERA.

Maverick Walters

A left-handed pitcher headed to Charleston Southern, Walters has high potential and the stuff to beat any team on Carson's schedule.

Carson Kirk

The Cougars' shortstop and leadoff hitter, Kirk hit .354 and scored 25 runs in 2025.

Cameron Williamson

The Cougars' second baseman hit .346 and drove in 20 runs in 2025, and can spray the ball all over the field and bunt effectively.

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What they’re saying

“Pitching is our strong suit, no doubt. We don't look at Kendal and Maverick as a 1 and a 2, we look at them as 1A and 1B. Outstanding pitchers, outstanding young men. Very good athletes. People are going to be surprised this season by how far Kendal has come as a hitter. He's worked hard at it and has added 15 pounds of muscle. He and Maverick swing violent bats.”

— JC Alexander, Head Coach (Salisbury Post)

What’s next

The Cougars will look to build on their strong pitching and middle infield play as they aim to challenge for the South Piedmont Conference title and make a deep playoff run.

The takeaway

With a deep and talented pitching staff, led by Kendal Sifford and Maverick Walters, and a veteran middle infield anchored by Carson Kirk and Cameron Williamson, the Carson Cougars have the pieces in place to be a force in high school baseball this season.