By By Rob Sigler/The Meridian Star
July 11, 2001
As the weather heats up, so does youth baseball and softball district and state tournaments for local teams.
This past weekend, the Meridian U-10 All Stars from Phil Hardin Ballpark captured the Cal Ripken Youth Baseball Tournament of Champions state tournament, going undefeated on the Gulf Coast.
The team advances to the regional tournament in Arkansas later this month.
In 9&10 action, the district championship between East Mississippi and West Lauderdale was held Tuesday night at Center Hill Ballfield with the winner advancing to the state tournament in Petal.
The 11&12's begin district tournament play Thursday at Center Hill.
In girls softball, the North Meridian U-8 continued their surprising run this summer.
This team, up until the State Games, had not even come close to posting a victory. But they finished third at the State Games and that began a snowball in July.
They placed fourth overall at Pearl Day, one of the largest tournaments in the state and the following weekend brought home a third place trophy in the USSSA state tournament. This past weekend, North Meridian was runner-up at the ASA North State Tournament in Columbus and in two weeks will be going to the ASA Nationals in Tupelo.
Rob Sigler is sports editor for the Meridian Star. E-mail him at rsigler@themeridianstar.com or call him at 693-1551 ext. 3235.