TIFTON — First district, now state for the Tift County 12U Major All-Stars.
After routing Bainbridge and Thomasville two weeks ago, Tift County’s 12U team will compete in the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) state tournament, which begins for them on Wednesday at noon in Gainesville.
“It is great to see the sport of baseball moving in the right direction. The recreation department has made great efforts to build back this program and all programs. The numbers in all age groups are up,” coach John White said. “I think you also have to look at the positive impact that coach Greg Williams at the high school has had on these younger players. His presence and efforts to be involved has made a difference.”
This year’s 12U All-Star Major team includes Tony Battle, Jax Bryant, Eli Callison, John Michael Cavenaugh, Keegan Ehlers, Hudson Fowler, Hogan Gordon, Bo Hall, Jackson Howell, Bo NeSmith, Sam Passmore, Charles Sheppard, Bear Southers, Daniel Vonier and Jaxson White.
The coaches include White, BJ Southers, Wes Ehlers and Brad Hall.
“We had 30 ball players that deserved to be on the all-star team in the 12U league. That is a good problem to have. It was decided to create two teams, one for the 12U Major and the other in the 12U Traditional. The 12U Traditional team fell short in their championship, but each kid on that team represented Tift County well and fought to the end,” White said. “My 12U Major team won the district tournament and will advance to the state tournament in Gainesville next week.
“I am extremely proud of the boys, but they are well aware that the job isn’t over. They are set on winning the state title.”
Tift County will play either Gainesville or Carroll County at noon on Wednesday. If it wins, it will play on Thursday at 10 a.m. If it loses on Wednesday, it will play on Thursday at 11:30 a.m.