• 64°
franklin county times

Local teams preapre for state tourney

Two of the three teams representing Russellville in Little League state tournaments this month were working hard Thursday in hopes of bringing a state title to town.

The 11-and-under All-Stars will travel to Huntsville July 15 for their state tournament while the 10-and-under All-Stars will host their state tournament beginning July 16.

(Russellville’s 12-and-under All-Stars will also be competing at the state tournament and will be featured in The Franklin County Times next week.)

The 11-and-under All-Stars feature a line up of players with state tournament experience. The majority of the players on the roster were on last year’s squad that finished 2-2 at the state tourney.

“They are a real scrappy bunch,” said head coach Wade Wallace. “They are a lot of hard players and they show potential.”

Wallace said one of the strengths of his team is the pitching depth. While none of his pitchers are over powering, Wallace has up to seven players he feels comfortable with placing on the mound.

Another asset of the team is the speed of the players. Wallace said the speed of his players would help both in the field and while running bases.

Overall Wallace likes his team’s attitude and chances in Huntsville.

“We demand hustle, attitude and sportsmanship,” Wallace said. “They have been maturing since we began practicing. They are excited about this opportunity.”

The 10-and-under All-Stars lack the experience of the other team, but are equally excited to play in the state tournament — especially since they will be playing on their home field.

“They’re nervous,” said head coach Kelly Bragwell. “There will be a lot more people coming to watch that haven’t been here this season.”

Despite the nerves, Bragwell said the team is working hard to prepare to give the hometown fans a good experience. The team has held several two-a-day practices to prepare for the tournament.

Bragwell has seen an improvement in the team’s hitting and thinks that is one of the best strengths of his squad. If the hitting can stay hot and the pitching is solid, his squad has a good chance of doing well.

Bragwell is optimistic about his team’s chances.

“They are doing well,” he said. “I think we’ll do good in the tournament.”

Franklin County

Tom Strange: Field is testament to councilman’s dedication

Franklin County

Northwest-Shoals offers Summer Youth Employment Program

News

City of Russellville receives Main Street designation 

Features

Beekeeping is buzzy business

Franklin County

Maj. William Russell: City owes its name to pioneer settler

News

Expect closures for U.S. 43 at Walmart 

Franklin County

RCS, FCS offer seamless summer meal programs

Belgreen

Belgreen FFCLA hosts basketball tournament to help hunger

Franklin County

Phi Theta Kappa inducts honorees from Franklin County at NEMCC

Belgreen

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

News

PHOTOS: West Elementary enjoys color run

Lifestyles

Strawberry farm offers u-pick fun

News

PHOTOS: RHS Class of 2023 seniors graduate

Belgreen

PHOTOS: Tharptown, Phil Campbell, Belgreen, Vina, Red Bay seniors graduate

Franklin County

Charles Parrish: Superintendent’s love for school system sees stadium named in his honor

High School Sports

Kiel helps obtain funds for TES bleachers 

News

Area residents among those on ICC honors lists

Franklin County

FC chooses new assistant county engineer 

News

Red Bay’s Weatherford Library gears up for summer reading program

News

NW-SCC students to showcase their art at Tennessee Valley Museum of Art

Franklin County

Tharptown High School rocketry team blasts into second place in nation

News

Vina High School holds Spring Spectacular 

News

RES fifth grade chorus presents “RES Goes Country” 

News

Addie’s Flip Tip and Tap holds 18th annual dance recital

x