9-10 All Stars Are State Runner-ups
By WYLEY DELEZA
Hard work pays off, simple as that. The 9/10U All Stars of Jasper County Recreation Department (JCRD) exemplified that philosophy over the course of the past week during their GRPA state tournament play. A series of comebacks and resiliency would culminate in this group of boys making a statement and becoming the second overall team in the entire state of Georgia.
The tournament was held at Bill Wood Park in Madison, with the first game taking place on Tuesday, July 10. The 9/10U All Stars battled Long County to kick things off, but ultimately fell short with the final score being 6-4.
Despite this initial loss, the boys demonstrated a true fighting spirit and came back the following day determined to put their team on the map.
Wednesday, the 11th, the boys faced off against Jeff Davis County. Just as it seemed the All Star season was coming to a close with the boys down 4-1, they rallied back and emerged victorious with the final being 5-4.
The third day of the tournament would hold two games for the team with the first being against the park’s home team, Morgan County. The Jasper County All Stars took the lead early and held on for the duration with the final score being 7-6.
The second game on Thursday would serve as redemption and one of the most spectacular performances to date for the boys as they once again found their team pitted against Long County. Several scoreless innings passed with the team being down 4-0 in the bottom of the 4th with time expiring. At this point, the 9/10U All Stars showed everyone who they really were and why they were really there.
Jasper County scored seven straight runs to close out the inning. Only one run was allowed to Long County in the fifth inning before the side changed, time expired, and the Jasper County All Star team walked out with a monumental victory placing them as the second overall team in the state of Georgia.
Friday, July 13th was the final day of the tournament and saw the boys in that coveted position of playing for the state championship. Their opponent was the reputable Brantley County, a very experienced travel ball team. Despite the final outcome being 12-4, the Jasper County boys played a strong game against such a seasoned team.
The Jasper County 9/10U All Star team represented the Jasper County Recreation Department exceptionally well and the Department is proud of and excited for this group of young men. The team was lead by coaches Patrick Diaz, Mervin Campbell, Greg Hamlin, and Josh Bennett. The players representing Jasper County included: Josh Spradling, Grady Jordan, Gabe Moore, JT Thomas, Evan Diaz, Bryce Jackson, Jordyn Campbell, Carter Ellison, Gavin Bennett, Brelynd Beasley, Brayden Lewis, Carson Clarke, and Evan Jeffries.
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In addition to the 9/10U All Star boys, several other teams competed at the state and district tournament levels representing Jasper County well. The staff of the Jasper County Recreation Department is proud of all teams, players, and coaches. A huge amount of gratitude goes out to all parents, friends, and family members for traveling with and supporting these teams. All Star teams that participated in All Star tournament play include:
9/10U Softball All Stars (State)
Coaches: Ben Perry and Keith Morris
Players: Marie Perry, Emma Morris, Kyla King, Haven Cannon, De’Aysia Banks, Gabby Stacey, Sara Alexander, Anna Whittle, Skylar Wyatt, Pressley Donaldson, Haidyn Henderson, Kate Brooks
7/8U Softball All Stars (State)
Coaches: Ashlyn Moore, Kellye Kelly, Jake Salter, Renee Stanley
Players: Dakota Alexander, Ava Cook, Kaylee Gentes, Alora Hewett, Railyn Hoffman, Jazmin Maddox, Amelia Peterson, Abbey Phillips, Carly Rowe, Khloe Stanley
7/8U Baseball All Stars (State)
Coaches: Wes Crowe, Keith Mason, Mike Hudson, Matt Goolsby, Brelan Crowe
Players: Derrick Andrews, Brock Beasley, Bryant Blackmon, Hutch Crowe, John Goolsby, Dylan Hudson, Case Jenkins, Cam Johnson, Lane Mason, Colton Matthews, Chance Ross, Wailer Sands, Evan Smith
11/12U Softball All Stars (District)
Coach: Paisley Stewart
Players: Khayden Hope, Anna Marie Langford, Markinya Thomas, Alayna Stewart, Harley Slauson, Lorilei Fowler, Breanna Fowler, Katie Girdler, Cardasia Jefferson, Carlasia Jefferson
11/12U Baseball All Stars (District)
Coaches: Cordea Dennis, Collin Russell, Coach Skelton
Players: Lane Anthony, Preston Russell, Chase Skelton, Malik Epps, Aarron Barber, Tristen Rogers, Andrew Phillips, Logan Skelton, Owen Boatwright, Bryan Ridley, Trenton Colbert