Driven with Purpose, Fueled by Faith

EARLY YEARS: JJ is a dedicated Christian and Division 1 baseball player at Wright State University. He graduated from Hopkinsville High School in May 2024 where he was part of a special baseball team that won the regional championship and advanced to the quarterfinals of the State Tournament in Kentucky.

JJ's baseball journey began in Lexington, KY, at the age of three when he played his first year of wee-ball. He progressed to tee-ball for the next few years before moving up to coach pitch and then kid pitch. At age nine, his family relocated to Paducah, KY where his father owned and operated a small business. While in Paducah, JJ continued playing baseball and joined his first travel ball team, the River City Mariners. Although he wasn't a standout player at the time, this experience helped him discover his love for centerfield.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: After two years in Paducah, JJ's family moved to Hopkinsville, KY, also known as Hoptown. In Hopkinsville, JJ made many cherished memories. He played with the Cubs in a rec-ball league hosted at Ruff Park, finding significant time on the mound and in the outfield, and even surprising himself by playing shortstop and third base, uncommon positions for a left-handed defender.

During his 6th and 7th grade years, JJ played spring ball for the Christian County Middle School team. This period marked the beginning of his journey toward becoming a true competitor. The summer of his 6th grade year JJ played with the travel team Western Kentucky Velo. He experienced an unfortunate injury, fracturing the growth plate in his knee and sidelining him for six weeks.

That fall, JJ tried out for the Kentucky Prospects, a highly respected and competitive team out of Paducah, KY. Under the guidance of head coach Tremayne Donald (who had a distinguished minor league career) the team had produced numerous Division 1 players. By God's grace, JJ made the team, but his knee injury forced him to take the fall off.

The summer of his 7th grade year JJ began his official journey with the Prospects. It was his first exposure to a higher level of baseball. Most of the summer he sat the bench and consistently found himself competing for playing time.

HIGH SCHOOL: JJ attended Heritage Christian Academy (HCA) for his freshman year. He went in with the mentality of not just competing but becoming the best player he could be. With excellent chemistry and a strong camaraderie among the players, the team ended the season with a state championship in the Kentucky Christian Athletic Association (KCAA). It was a special time for JJ, marking his first year at a new school and being part of a championship team.

The summer of his freshman year felt like a dream, as everything he had worked for came together. The Prospects won several tournaments and JJ finally felt like a "dawg," learning the true meaning of confidence and carrying it through the summer.

JJ's sophomore year at HCA was marked by determination to reach a new level. The team began playing in the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) and facing tougher competition. The team played selflessly, everyone knowing and executing their roles, and ended the season with another state championship.

Travel ball the summer of his sophomore year had its ups and downs, but ultimately JJ was able to showcase his ability to compete under pressure. He received an offer from Wright State University, a Division 1 school in Dayton, Ohio. Committing to WSU was an emotional milestone, fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing Division 1 baseball.

JJ transferred to Hopkinsville High School for his junior year, constantly seeking arenas with higher levels of competition. Despite working hard in the offseason, he struggled to overcome mental pressures and didn't perform to his potential in the early season. By the time he found his stride the season was almost over, which felt like a low point in his baseball career. However, he regained momentum the summer following his junior year as he played his final (and very successful) season with the Prospects, a team that had been a significant part of his development.

His senior year began with a determination not to repeat the previous year's mistakes. JJ focused on his mental strength, flexibility, and competitiveness. All the work, striving, sweat, and pain paid off for the entire team as Hopkinsville High School went from winning only 9 games the previous season to winning 23, securing the regional championship, and making it to the quarterfinals of the State Tournament. It was a phenomenal season, showcasing the team's resilience and JJ's leadership.

JJ's years at Hopkinsville High School were marked by significant growth and achievement. He became a key player on his team, culminating in their remarkable run to the quarterfinals of the State Tournament. His senior year he was named the PBR Player of the Year for the State of Kentucky, he was named First Team All State, and was a leader in statewide pitching rankings including an incredible 143 strikeouts and a 0.87 Earned Run Average. His journey through various teams and positions has shaped him into a versatile and dedicated athlete, always striving to improve and excel in his sport.