NC alums play in JUCO World Series

Two former Neshoba Central baseball stars, Creed Fulton and R.B. Hardin, played for East Central in the NJCAA Division II World Series last week, leading the Warriors to a third place finish.

Hardin, a freshman catcher, saw plenty of action in his first season for East Central. Hardin hit for a .264 average in 29 games, while also adding a home run, 14 RBIS, and two doubles.

Hardin was a force at the plate for Neshoba Central during his time with the Rocket baseball program, racking up a .357 batting average, .494 on-base percentage, and .584 slugging percentage during his last three seasons. He also led Neshoba Central to a playoff appearance in his senior season.

Fulton, a sophomore, came out of the bullpen this season for East Central. Fulton made a relief appearance in the World Series, earning a clutch strikeout for the Warriors.

Fulton starred on the mound for Neshoba Central during his high school career, pitching to a 2.76 ERA, and leading the Rockets to a second round playoff appearance in his senior season.

The pair of former Neshoba Central stars are very familiar with each other, as Hardin served as Fulton’s catcher during their careers with the program.

The NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series was played in Enid, Oklahoma and involved the top 12 Division II junior college baseball programs in the country.

East Central finished third in the World Series, after defeating Catawba Valley CC (NC) 6-5 and South Mountain CC (AZ) 10-9 in their first two games. The Warriors ended up falling 7-6 to Pearl River for their first loss and then defeated Southeastern CC (IA) 13-4 to keep their season alive.

East Central’s season came to an end at the hands of Pearl River, falling 10-0 and clinching third place in the NJCAA DII World Series.

Overall, it was a very successful season for Hardin, Fulton, and the East Central Community College baseball program.