SYLACAUGA, Ala. – A pair of local baseball all-star teams wrapped up their 2021 season at the Southwest Regional Baseball Tournament this past weekend.
The 9U Sylacauga Cal Ripken team had a stellar post season showing. The team competed in the district tournament in Alex City, where they competed against Phoenix City, Alex City and Smith Station. After placing runner-up in the district tournament, the group of all-stars advanced to the Cal Ripken Small State Tournament in Smith Station, Alabama where they competed against Florence B, Muscle Shoals, Smith Station and Fairhope.
After claiming a 9U Small State Tournament title, the team advanced to the Southwest Regional Tournament in Paragould, Arkansas where they faced more tough competition. After winning their first game against Paragould Spikes, the team suffered back-to-back losses to Meridian and Florence A wrapping up their season.
Members of the 9U State Championship team are: Deon Averette, Jon Davis Bailey, Max Childress, Coleman Gardner, Demetrius Griffin, Grey Hathcock, Chade Nelson, Chandler Pope, Da’Corrian Pope, Tucker Stone, Hunter Thomas, Jeffery Vanzant, Ryals Walker and Jackson Ward. They are coached by BJ Childress, Lee Bailey, Drew Gardner and Martee Pope.
The 15U Babe Ruth all-star team also had a stellar post season showing. While they did not have a district tournament this year, the 15’s competed against Tallassee, Florence, Monroeville, Brewton, Demopolis and Phenix City in the state tournament, where the clinched a state championship title earning a spot in the 15U Southwest Regional Baseball Tournament.
The regional tournament was made up of eight teams from Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.
The 15’s got off to a rocky start with a loss to Meridian but quickly battled back to defeat Seminole Texas and Childersburg, advancing to the semifinal game against Tallassee. While the semifinal game was a hard fought defensive battle between the two teams, unfortunately Sylacauga came up short in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Members of the 15U State Championship team are: William Combs, Hunter Hammonds, Harrison Hardman, Micah Hughes, Tony Landers, Myles McCollough, Hunter Mims, Bryce Oden, Conner Phillips, Brady Thomas, Jamaury Thomas, Tristian Toney and Christian Walker. They are coached by Neal Cross, Kyle Beasley and Tim Hughes.
“We are extremely proud of all of our all-star teams,” said Sylacauga Parks and Rec sports director, Steve Masters. “The extra work that has been put in by the players and coaches has really paid off. Our ultimate goal is to promote the love for the game and to prepare these players for the next level of baseball.”
