Young All Stars Make Memories

By BRITNEY HAIZLIP

Last week the 7/8 Jasper County All-Stars team traveled to Calhoun, to compete in the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) state championship.

With only a month to practice together, this group of boys fought through all odds to place fifth. However, it wasn’t the rank we will remember. What we will remember, is the moment our catcher Logan Nesler made his first catch in a completely new position. We all know how bad he wanted it. We will remember the home run and double play duo Jackson Haizlip (short stop) and John Goolsby (second base) made. Their ability to back each other up is incredible.

Bryce Manville was always the first one to pat his team members on the back after an awesome play. With only a week to learn third base, the other teams learned quickly there wasn’t much that would get past him. We will remember how the Irwin twins (outfield) were a force to be reckoned with in their first year playing baseball.

We won’t forget how Christion Dearro (outfield) didn’t let his fear of getting hit with the baseball again hinder him from giving it all he had on the field, or how Russell Bartlett (outfield) landed one of the highest batting averages. We could always count on him to hit and hustle.

We’ll always remember Landon Thomaston (outfield) and Nelson Hooberry (outfield) for making sure if the ball was moving they were ready to get it in. Our pitcher Lennox Sands was always there to cover. He always knew right where to be. Lastly, we will never forget the diving catch made by Keilynd Porter (first base). He had no fear of flying.

We will never forget our coaches, Justin Haizlip, Matt Goolsby, Ben Manville, Chris Hooberry, Isaac Nesler, and Kerry Sands, for the time they spent with each player. They are all leaders, and we are proud to call them “coach.”

One day we may not remember the teams we played but we will never forget the friendships made. We’ll never forget the moments that made the stands roar. We will never forget the support we had from the coaches, parents, Jasper County Recreation Department, our sponsors, and most of all our hometown Monticello.

The boys will forget the wins and losses, but they will never forget how all of the support made them feel famous in a small town. Thank you again to everyone, near and far, who cheered on our All-Stars team.

Jackson Haizlip 12 for 13 with 8 runs scored, 9 1B, 1 3B, 2 HR (ITP), 8 RBIs, and no strikeouts.

Keilynd Porter 10 for 12 with 6 runs scored, 9 1B, 1 3B, 7 RBIs and one strikeout

Lennox Sands 9 for 14 with 9 runs scored, 6 1B, 3 2B, 5 RBIs, and no strikeouts

John Goolsby 7 for 14 with 6 runs scored, 4 1B, 2 3B, 1 HR (ITP), 2 RBIs and no strikeouts

Bryce Manville 7 for 13 with 4 runs scored, 5 1B, 2 2B, 6 RBIs, and 2 strikeouts

Logan Nesler 7 for 13 with 4 runs scored, 6 1B, 1 2B, 3 RBIS, and no strikeouts

Landon Thomaston 7 for 9 with 3 runs scored, 4 1B, 2 2B, 1 3B, 5 RBIs, and no strikeouts

Nelson Hooberry 6 for 11 with 1 run scored, 6 1B, 4 RBIs and one strikeout

Christion Dearro 6 for 9 with 5 runs scored, 3 1B, 3 2B, 4 RBIs, and two strikeouts

Levi Irwin 5 for 9 with 4 runs scored, 3 1B, 1 2B, 1 3B, 3 RBIs, and one strikeout

Landin Irwin 4 for 5 with 3 runs scored, 2 1B, 1 2B, 1 3B, 4 RBIs, and one strikeout

Russell Bartlett 4 for 5 with 1 run scored, 3 1B, 1 3B, 3 RBIs, and no strikeouts