TIFTON — Ocilla has a new national champion.

Irwin County’s Hunter Tyson took home the National Major League Baseball 12U Junior Home Run Derby Championship in Miami earlier this month after out-slugging the competition.

Tyson clobbered nine home runs in the final round to win. He hit 18 overall on only 40 pitches. Players competed at Marlins Park on shortened fences of 225 feet.

“All of my hard work and many, many hours practicing paid off,” Tyson said. “I thank God, my dad and my coaches for helping me prepare and win the Derby.”

Brandon Juarez of Evansville, Ind. was the 14U champion. Both players got to meet Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, who won this year’s Major League Baseball Home Run Derby.

Tyson said his time in Miami was a “once in a lifetime experience,” but he already has plans for defending his championship. His goal is to compete in Washington D.C. at the 2018 Junior Home Run Derby.

“I’m going to give it 100 percent next year to win,” he said.

Tyson advanced to the national Junior Home Run Derby after winning regional competition in Alpharetta.

Tyson is the son of Steven and Stacey Tyson of Ocilla. He thanked his church, family, friends, community and others for their love and support.