FAYETTE — Christian Day fell in love with the game of baseball playing in the backyard with his younger brother, Joshua. It was their father, David, who introduced them to the game at a young age.

Fast forward to Thursday, the dedication and hard work the Jefferson County High School standout put toward the game he loves paid off with a college scholarship a Copiah-Lincoln Community College .

“I’ve been playing baseball all my life,” Day said. “To get a scholarship after my senior year, I feel like it’s a big accomplishment.”

A dual-sport athlete, Day was selected as The Natchez Democrat’s basketball All-Metro MVP, and has managed to translate his athleticism from the court to the pitching mound, garnering the attention of colleges across the region.

“Baseball is more of an individual sport than basketball,” Day said. “When you get things going and you’re throwing strikes on the mound, you can do anything, so long as you have a good defense behind you.”

Day chose the Wolfpack after receiving interest from Hinds Community College, Alcorn State and University of Southern Mississippi, feeling that he could make the most immediate impact with Co-Lin.

“They seemed like they were needing pitchers,” Day said. “I think I can fit right in with them.

“I have family down there as well, so I think it’s going to be a good fit for me.”

Day hopes to utilize his talent on the mound to help turn around a struggling Wolfpack squad that finished the 2016 season with a record of 10-33.

With graduation fast approaching, Day is eagerly looking forward to stepping on the Wesson-based campus and beginning his collegiate career.

“I can’t wait,” Day said. “I’m so ready to get to college.”

Day, however, said despite where his talents just may take him, the Jefferson County star said his high school will always hold a special place in his heart.

“I’m going to miss playing basketball here,” Day said. “Basketball, the students, coaches and teachers, I’m going to miss everybody. I love this school.”