Former Demopolis High School Tiger Dustin Roberts had a career week on the diamond for the University of West Alabama, and the conference has taken notice.

After going 5-for-16, including a home run and seven RBI last week, Roberts was named the Gulf South Conference Eastern Division Offensive Player of the Week for the period ending March 6.

Tiger head coach James Moody said he only had Roberts on his squad for one season, but said he made a quick impression.

He immediately made a contribution,” Moody said. “He has an above average arm. He was able to go get balls in the gap. He also had a lot of pop in his bat.”

Roberts’ success, Moody said, came as no surprise to him. Baseball was a game Roberts, who is the son of former DHS principal Ronald Roberts, took very seriously, Moody said, and that has shown in his progress over the last four years.

“He has done a super job since he left Demopolis,” Moody said. “He has always done whatever it took to become a better player. He is definitely a great success story.”

One of the things he most remembers about Roberts, Moody said, was his willingness to take instruction.

“He was easy to coach,” Moody said. “I wish I could have had him for four years instead of one.”

This marks the first time this season and the fourth time in his career that Roberts has earned the honor.

Roberts turned in a 2-for-2 performance, including three RBI, in game two at Arkansas-Monticello last Wednesday, while leading UWA to a 5-0 victory. He capped off the week in walk-off fashion, blasting a three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against Delta State on Sunday, lifting the Tigers to a 3-2 win, and avoiding the sweep of the Statesmen.

West Alabama is 16-6 overall and travels to Ouachita Baptist on Saturday for a doubleheader beginning at noon.