Ronald Sims
Mississippi Scouting Director

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The Prep Baseball Report Mississippi scouting staff recently sat down with West Lauderdale catcher to discuss his recent commitment to Jones County Junior College. Below is a transcript of our question and answer session:

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?
Tilghman: I was expecting to receive interest from some smaller division 1 programs and several junior college in the state.
 

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision? 
Tilghman: Somewhat, it’s important to me to have my family be able to be within driving range to catch some of the games.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Tilghman: The coaches saw me play in several of my high school games and in summer ball tournaments. The initial contact was made through questionnaires but the relationship later developed through several face to face conversations.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?
Tilghman: I would have to go with a good friend of mine, Chance Denson. He has been up to 95 mph on the mound with movement on his fastball.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
Tilghman: I realized when I was around 12 years old and suited up for the first time. I had never put on gear before and I threw runners out, with two blocked third strikes. Being a catcher has always felt sort of natural to me.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Tilghman: I was looking for a ball club with a ton of tradition and drive, and Jones JC program seemed to fit that mold well and made me really excited to see their interest.

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?
Tilghman: My presence behind the dish really helps my pitchers focus on the batter and my arm allows them to trust that I will control the running game.
 

PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?
Tilghman: I would have to say my hitting for sure, I’ve been told countless times that all I need to do is swing the bat and the sky is the limit. My plan is to become stronger with a better understanding of my approach and swing.
 

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Tilghman: Work hard as often as you can and to always have confidence in yourself.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?
Tilghman: I workout with my high school team and really emphasize getting my defensive reps as well as time in the cages.
 

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Tilghman: I love the fact that they have the confidence and resources to help me become a better player and person over all, as well as the tradition of the program.
 

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Tilghman: I had two other schools that were really interested, Pearl River CC and Meridian CC, before making my decision to attend Jones County JC.

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