TJC’s Garrett Hayes on Power Surge, Whitehouse Baseball, and Chasing Grand Junction

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, former Whitehouse Wildcat and current Tyler Junior College Apache Garrett Hayes joins the show after catching fire at the plate. Hayes talks about his recent power surge, including homering in four straight games, and explains how confidence, rhythm, coaching, and hard work have helped him find success during his redshirt freshman season.

Hayes breaks down his strong year at TJC, where he is hitting over .330 with seven home runs, 25 RBI, and 29 runs scored. He discusses the biggest improvements in his approach at the plate, especially learning better pitch selection, becoming less aggressive outside the zone, and adjusting to smarter college pitching.

The conversation also covers Hayes’ difficult redshirt year after suffering a broken nose during practice, the mental challenge of getting back in the batter’s box, and how faith, teammates, and coaches helped him work through that setback. Hayes also talks about TJC’s strong April, the Apaches’ momentum heading into postseason play, and the close bond within a roster filled with East Texas talent.

Hayes reflects on his move from North Carolina to Whitehouse, the jump in competition from small-school baseball to East Texas 5A baseball, and how his time with the Wildcats helped prepare him for the college level. He also shares why he prefers turf fields and what it means to continue playing close to home at TJC.

Also in this episode, the show recaps the Brookeland Lady Cats falling just short in the Class 1A softball state title game, the Bullard Lady Panthers winning their first softball state championship, and the latest East Texas baseball playoff results, including Grov eton Centerville advancing to the state championship game.

East Texas Sports Now, hosted by Kyle Owens, delivers fast-paced coverage of East Texas high school sports. Featuring game recaps, weekly matchups, player spotlights, and coach interviews across football, basketball, baseball, softball, and more. Stay locked in for scores, rankings, highlights, playoffs, and recruiting buzz with expert analysis and local sports talk for fans across the region.