‘Unfinished business.’ East Central heads to state championships led by Southern Miss commit
TJ Dunsford has always been a talented ball player.
Whether on the gridiron or roaming the diamond, Dunsford is always one of the best athletes on the field when East Central plays.
And When Dunsford went all-in with baseball, his game elevated to the next level.
“The biggest improvement he’s made in his day-to-day part of the game, his approach,” head coach Bo Long said. “When he was young, he left a little to be desired. He worked on that. He’ll be diving for balls in practice, it doesn’t matter... his work ethic, as far as team practices, has improved as much as his individual work ethic.”
The junior entered a frenzy when district play started this season. According to Long, he’s batted over .500 since the games began to matter.
His clutch hitting and excellent pitching has led East Central to where it is now: two wins away from a state championship.
The two-way player had three hits in the South State title series against rival Vancleave and struck out four Bulldogs in his game one start.
Dunsford says his team went in the semifinal series believing they were the better team and are taking the same mentality into the 5A championships against Neshoba Central.
“We’re happy about being there, but it’s not over yet. We still have unfinished business,” Dunsford said. “We’re going to take it to Jackson and hopefully put it on them up there.”
Committed to Southern Miss
Dunsford’s explosive season — he’s got 40 hits in 31 games — comes on the heels of his February commitment to Southern Miss.
Knowing where he’s playing ball at the next level has allowed Dunsford to lock in on what’s been a big season for the Hornets.
“He’s been all the way around really good for us,” Long said. “Very good pitching, he struggled a little bit defensively for us early on but, knock on wood, he’s been really good for us in the second half of the season. And of course, offensively, he’s hitting it real well.”
Dunsford grew up in a household of Alabama fans and had dreams of playing baseball for Auburn. When the time came to choose where he would actually end up, he chose the program he thought would be best for him.
“The SEC was always a dream for me, but as I got older I realized the bigger picture,” Dunsford said. “I love the way the program is ran at Southern Miss. When I went up there on my visit, I just fell in love with the campus and fell in love with coach (Scott) Berry.”
Though Dunsford is rocking a 1.26 ERA through 13 pitching appearances this year, he says his heart is in the infield and that’s where he sees himself playing for the Golden Eagles.
“I’m really looking forward to playing third base,” Dunsford said. “I play shortstop now, but my main position my whole life is third base. I love the hot corner. I love pitching, too, but I don’t see myself carrying on with it through college... If I keep hitting like I’m hitting now, hopefully I’ll do big things at (USM).”
Dunsford and his team will head to Trustman Park next week for a battle with NCHS. Game one is on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
