Here are five dark horses for the MHSAA high school softball playoffs

As the Mississippi high school softball playoffs are in full swing, The Clarion-Ledger has identified some intriguing dark horses in the MHSAA brackets.

Below are five teams that have a chance at making a deep playoff run in their respective brackets.

Corinth

Record: 16-6

Beating Class 6A powerhouse South Panola to end the regular season couldn't have been a bigger boost for the Lady Warriors. Corinth is heading into the Class 5A playoffs with a first-round series against Yazoo City. With the help of Kinley Pittman, McKinley Moore and Addison Moore, Corinth could make a playoff run, but potentially having to face talented Pontotoc, New Hope or East Central stands in the Lady Warriors' path.

Hancock

Record: 16-3-1

Hancock has had impressive wins throughout the regular season and a split with fellow Class 6A team George County (a potential rematch in the third round). North Panola and Nehsoba Central on the other side of the bracket could be the test for Hancock in its state title bid. The Hawks, who are led by Teegan Dewitt and Chaley Peterson, face Terry in the first round Friday.

Kosciusko

Record: 20-7

Kosciusko, led by Anna Grace Whitehead and Makynlee Dickerson, won 10 of its last 12 regular-season games. The Whippets face North Pontotoc in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs on Friday. If Kosciusko prevails, its sets up a potential matchup against No. 2 West Lauderdale. With a win in that series, the Whippens have a good chance to claim a state title.

Ocean Springs

Record: 23-7

One team sticks out in Class 7A with undefeated Northwest Rankin, but Ocean Springs can meet the Cougars in the seminal final of the Class 7A playoffs. The Greyhounds must get by Oak Grove in their first-round series starting Friday, then advance past either Petal or Gulfport. Ocean Springs, led by K’lee Gum, Gracie McDonald and Caitlyn Ludwig, could give Northwest Rankin a challenge. It also could face strong north teams in Lewisburg and Hernando.

Puckett

Record: 23-8

Puckett dropped a few games in the regular season to Class 6A-7A teams, but that might help the Wolves in the Class 2A state playoffs. Puckett, led by Marlee Dampeer, Aubrey Pardue and Lila Murphy, takes on Loyd Star in its second-round series matchup on Friday. The Wolves' playoff obstacles could include talented Clarkdale, Pisgah and East Union.

Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion-Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.