Since there were only two teams in Columbia’s district in the 11u age group (Columbia and Sumrall), there weren’t any sub-district or district tournaments for Columbia 11u to compete in. Instead both teams were automatically granted a berth in the 11u Ozone State Tournament and were offered the chance to flip a coin to see which team would earn the top seed.
However, the coaches opted to play against one another to determine a true No. 1 seed June 22. For Columbia’s sake it was a risk well work taking as it dominated Sumrall 19-2 to force a run-rule decision.
Though the all-star squad didn’t have the standard tournaments to play in, it chose to play in some tournaments outside of Dixie Youth to gain some extra playing experience. The all-stars claimed first in a tournament in Petal, beating a 12-year-old team 12-1 in the title game. Then they braved extreme conditions to defeat the top seed and place second in a tournament in Brookhaven.
“The championship game started at 9:30 Sunday night, and we ran out of gas to be honest. They had been playing since 11 in the morning then had to go through a two-and-a-hour rain delay,” Nicole Carney said. “Playing soaking wet is really rough on kids, but they persevered and came in second.”
The main focus for the 11u squad in preparation has been on the mound.
“You need as many pitchers because a pitch count was added this year. We don’t want to hurt arms, so Dixie Youth has went to a pitch count. So what we’ve done is focused on all 10 players being able to pitch strikes,” Carney said. “Every one of our 10 players can pitch.”
Columbia will play either Mendenhall or Puckett Friday night 6 to kick off the state tournament on Howard Field in Laurel and will play either Laurel National or Cleveland East Saturday morning at 9 or 11 depending on the outcome of Friday night’s games.
Pictured Above: Team members include, not in order, Austin Baughman, Mikell Thomas Breland, Ayden Buckley, Nik Carney, Roman Lawrence, Trace McDonald, Caden Mingo, Cameron Rogers, Dillon Rowley and Jackson Speir and coaches Matt Carney (head), Keith Baughman and Gannon Rogers. | Photo Submitted
