Jackson Academy senior shortstop Justin Word has been named a 2026 Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen selection for baseball, joining one of the most recognized groups in Mississippi high school sports.
The Dandy Dozen, published annually by the Clarion-Ledger, highlights the top high school baseball prospects in the state. The list has long served as a barometer for Mississippi’s elite talent, drawing the attention of college programs and professional scouts alike. Earning a spot requires not only standout numbers but a track record of performance against quality competition.
Justin is the fifth player in Jackson Academy history to receive the honor, and the Raiders have produced at least one Dandy Dozen baseball selection in every decade since the 1990s. Previous selections include Richard Lee (1994), Joseph McCaskill (2002), Matt Denny (2012), and Jackson Conn (2021).
The recognition comes on the strength of two impressive seasons in a Raider uniform. As a junior in 2025, Justin slashed .349/.481/.500 across 36 games, driving in 25 runs while scoring 35. He added five doubles, a triple, and three home runs, posting a .981 OPS over 133 plate appearances.
His senior campaign has taken things to another level. Through 17 games in 2026, Justin is hitting .460 with a .567 on-base percentage and a .940 slugging percentage. He has already matched his junior home run total twice over, hitting six, and has driven in 14 runs while scoring 29.
For his career at Jackson Academy, Justin owns a .385 batting average and a .510 on-base percentage. His 60 hits, 64 runs, 39 RBI, and nine home runs reflect consistent production from the shortstop position over multiple seasons.
Justin is committed to the University of Southern Mississippi, where he will continue his career at the next level.
