McKenzie Softball 12U All-Stars Crowned Champions at Big Bang State Tournament

MARTIN (June 22) — The McKenzie Softball 12U All-Stars along with teams from Halls, Dyersburg, Martin, Obion County, and Henry County recently competed in the 2024 Big Bang State Rec Tournament held at the Martin Recreation Complex.

The tournament was a double-elimination format with warm-up games played on Friday night and tournament action beginning on Saturday morning. After drawing a first round bye, the McKenzie squad quickly found themselves in the loser’s bracket after a 4-3 loss to a solid Obion County team in their first game of what would eventually turn into a very long day.

Facing elimination in each subsequent game, and with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s, the McKenzie squad dug deep to defeat Dyersburg 15-1 and Martin 19-3, to set up a rematch with Obion County. This time, the bats came alive and McKenzie was able to make quick work of the team from Obion County, winning 12-0 in three innings, giving them a chance at the championship. Standing in their way was an undefeated Henry County team that would have to be defeated twice.

Fortunately, the McKenzie squad carried their offensive onslaught into the Henry County games, winning both contests, 12-1 and 12-0, respectively.

The ten young ladies representing McKenzie displayed remarkable resilience, as they played six games, four of which were in back-to-back fashion, over the course of ten hours.

The dogged determination and effort of the members of the McKenzie squad paid off as they accepted their championship rings shortly before midnight.

Team members include: Ruthie Adkins, Charlie Cassidy, Macy Brooks, Sami Mathis, Willow Stenberg, Kristy Towne, Bailee Lovell, Claire Wilkins, AP Gordon, and Kamdyn Tharpe.

Source: Submitted.