Hartselle softball all-stars to compete in area playoffs
The Hartselle Black 8U Allstars won the North Region Pre-Area tournament this past weekend at Clements. They went 6-0 and defeated Athens in the finals 14-1. Coaches are (back) Kristy Jones, Shaun Jones, Jason Preuitt and Brad Drake. Team members include, from left, (middle) Karsi Lentz, Alyssa McMinemon, Breanna Sengstacke, Larissa Preuitt, Catherine Keel, Lydia Firpo, (Front) Angel Dowdy, Kaelyn Jones, Kiera Stutts, Sage Patrick, Alanna Evans, Brantley Drake.
Hartselle will be represented by five USSA all-star softball teams in area competition in Muscle Shoals today through Friday.
Area winners will advance to the State tournament at Liberty Park in Birmingham Thursday and Friday, June 27-28.
All five teams advanced after competing and doing well in sub-area tournament last weekend.
Information about five teams has been submitted as follows:
This is the first year 6U all-stars have been allowed to compete in post-season play. Team members are Tiger Howell, Caroline Coulter, Isabella Guest, Madison Cryer, Haley Jones, AnnaBeth McCormick, Kameron Sparkman, Morgan Osborn, Morgan Shnaeyfelt, Emilee Vanvlett, Braelyn Harvel and Holland Foote. Coaches are Johnny Howell, Dan Coulter and Chad and Bridgette Guest.
“This group of girls takes off like a rocket in some games and in others they take a little more time to get started,” said Coach Howell. “They play well together and are getting better every game we play.”
The posted a 3-3 record in sub-area tournaments.
The 8U Black all-stars won the North Region Sub-A area Tournaments at Clements, going 6-0 and defeated Athens 14-1 in the finals.
Team members are Karsi Lentz, Alyssa McMinemon, Breanna Sengstacke, Larissa Preuitt, Catherine Keel, Lydia Firpo, Angel Dowdy, Kaelyn Jones, Kiera Stutts, Sage Patrick, Alanna Evans and Brantley Drake. Coaches are Jason Preuitt, Kristy Jones, Shaun Jones and Brad Drake.
“This team has a good mix of hitting and defense and relies on defense to win games,” said Coach Preuitt. “Our infield is solid and our outfield does a great job of keeping the ball in front of them and holding the other team to singles. All 12 girls have a great work ethic and all of the potential in the world. It has been a joy work with them and watch them get better every day.”
The 8U White all-stars finished fourth among 12 teams in sub-area tournaments.
Team members are Kirsten Segars, Gracie Jones, Brie Voss, Emma Parker, Callie Parker, Lydia Higginbotham, Marlee Jones, Zoey Crawford, Kennedy Sheats, Kendall Pylant, Brooke Collins and Mary Elizabeth Booth. Coaches are Mason Booth, Al Collins, Justin Jones, Chris Crawford and Brad Sheats.
“We have a lot of seven year olds on this team but they have worked hard and are playing beyond their age,” said Coach Booth. “I’ve got some great coaches helping me and the parents have been great supporters. We’re looking forward to finishing in the top four in the area tournament and moving on to state competition.”
The 10U all-stars compiled a 6-2 record against 15 other teams in sub-area competition.
Team members are Hayley Clemons, Emma Ferguson, Mattie Ferguson, Jenna Smith, Natalie Wallace, Courtney Steele, McKenna Wright, Alli Parker, Presley Weldon, Kayla Weldon, Kayla Halbrooks and Allie Anders. Coaches are Chuck Parker, Melinda Wallace, Dusty Winsett and Shane Wright.
“These girl have really worked hard and improved a lot since they’ve been together,” said Coach Ferguson. “Several of them moved up from the 8U team that won a World Series title in 2o12. Their strength is hitting and defense.”
The 15U all-stars finished second and third in two sub-area tournaments.
Team members are Alexis Blevins, Emily Clemons, Heather Grimes, Kayla Murphy, Hogan Kennadi, Jasmine Jones, Natalie King, Lauren Speer, Sawyer Swader, LaNinya Wiggins and Aubree Cuit. Coaches are Skip Drinkard, Kenny Hogan, Willie Jones, Heath King and Nick Cuit.
“This team is coming together at the right time,” said Coach Drinkard. “We should be very competitive in both area and state tournaments.
