Chasing the Next Level: Dunham, Durden & Smith Playing With Hope Mills Rockfish

Hope Mills, NC - ​It’s always encouraging to see hometown athletes continue their journey beyond high school—and that’s exactly what’s happening this summer with three former West Bladen baseball players who are suiting up for the Hope Mills Rockfish in the Old North State League.

Garrett Dunham (committed to Brunswick Community College), Brady Durden, and Hunter Smith—each having left their mark in Bladen County—are now stepping into a new chapter, gaining experience in a competitive collegiate summer league just an hour down the road.

Garrett Dunham: Steady, Smart, and Versatile

Coming off an SAC-6 All-Conference season at West Bladen, Garrett Dunham has picked up right where he left off. He’s been a consistent presence in the Rockfish lineup, batting .441 across 12 games with 15 hits in 34 at-bats. He’s shown great patience at the plate with 9 walks, and his .558 on-base percentage is among the best on the team.

Whether it’s moving runners over or coming through in key situations, Dunham has been dependable, driving in 5 runs and scoring 11 himself.

He’s also made the most of his time on the basepaths, swiping 4 bags, and he’s collected three doubles to boost his slugging percentage to .529. His overall offensive production has given the Rockfish a reliable spark in the middle of the lineup.

On the mound, Dunham has quietly contributed in relief, tossing over six innings and allowing just four earned runs. His control and poise continue to show, even against tough competition.

Defensively, he’s been busy—recording 31 putouts, 15 assists, and helping turn four double plays. With a .939 fielding percentage over 49 total chances, his glove has been as reliable as ever.

Brady Durden: A Calm Competitor on the Mound

Another All-Conference selection from the Class of 2025, Brady Durden is showing that he belongs at the collegiate level. He’s thrown 12.2 innings over six games this summer and continues to build confidence with every outing.

He holds a 1-1 record and picked up a start earlier this season against the Tar Heel Kings. He’s faced 70 batters and struck out 11 along the way while allowing just nine earned runs. His ability to manage innings and stay composed under pressure has stood out.

Durden has also seen some time at the plate, collecting 3 hits and driving in a pair of runs. He’s drawn two walks, scored twice, and added two stolen bases—finding ways to contribute wherever needed.

In the field, Durden has been perfect. With 7 putouts, 3 assists, and a 1.000 fielding percentage, he continues to be a dependable option defensively as well.

Hunter Smith: Bringing Experience and Confidence

Hunter Smith, a 2023 West Bladen graduate, his experience has been evident in the way he approaches every at-bat.

Over 12 games, Smith has put together an impressive stat line, hitting .429 with 12 total hits. He’s also added power to his game, collecting 2 doubles, a triple, and launching 2 home runs. He’s driven in 9 runs and scored 11 times, while maintaining a strong on-base percentage of .528 and a slugging percentage of .786. His 1.313 OPS reflects a well-rounded and confident approach at the plate.

He’s also contributed on the mound, pitching in two games (including a start), and has given up just four hits across 3.2 innings while striking out three. His presence on the mound has been steady, and he even picked off a runner.

In the field, Smith has handled all of his chances cleanly with 11 putouts and 1 assist, posting a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage so far this summer.

Hope Mills Rockfish & The Old North State League

The Hope Mills Rockfish are part of the Old North State League—a growing summer league focused on player development, wooden bats, and college-level competition.

Based in southeastern North Carolina, the league gives players like Dunham, Durden, and Smith a chance to sharpen their skills during the offseason while playing in a community-focused environment.

Browsing their website, you’ll find that the Old North State League, what began as a simple conversation between father and son—Reggie and Alec Allred—during a 10-hour drive in 2018 has grown into one of the largest collegiate summer baseball leagues in the country.

The Old North State League, founded in North Carolina, now spans dozens of teams and continues to grow. In 2023, it became the first official partner of The Players League—an innovative, player-centered organization working to unite and elevate summer baseball nationwide.

The Rockfish, a veteran-owned organization, launched in 2024 and play their home games at Hope Mills Municipal Park, where over $100,000 was invested to revitalize the field for their debut season. The team competes in the league’s Coastal Division and emphasizes both baseball development and community involvement.

Catch Them in Action

With games running through July 19, there’s still time to see the West Bladen trio in action. Hope Mills will host six more home games—all scheduled for 6 PM at Hope Mills Municipal Park:

• Sunday, July 6 – vs. Shallotte Shallwags

• Monday, July 7 – vs. Sandhills Bogeys

• Friday, July 11 – vs. Jacksonville Ospreys

• Saturday, July 12 – vs. Laurinburg Highland Hooligans

• Sunday, July 13 – vs. Shallotte Shallwags

• Saturday, July 19 – vs. Shallotte Shallwags

Whether you’re a fan of summer baseball or just love cheering on your local athletes, it’s a great time to support Garrett, Brady, and Hunter as they continue to grow in the game they love.

From the halls of West Bladen to the field in Hope Mills, their stories are still being written—one inning at a time.

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Chasing the Next Level: Dunham, Durden & Smith Playing With Hope Mills Rockfish