From staff reports
CLAY – Following a comeback performance at the state tournament in Madison, the 10U Clay baseball team has been invited to the Dizzy Dean World Series in Southaven, Miss.
Front row: Caleb Medici, Braxton Cain, Cody Tucker, Deginal Spears, Ethan Hill, J.T. Crocker and Dylan Higgins.
Middle row: Eli Kick, Shawn Welch, Kevin Hurley, Ayden Boatwright and Stephen Manley.
Back row: Jeremiah Whitfield, Derek Cain and Andy Kick. submitted photo
The tournament begins on July 24. Players and coaches are currently fundraising in hopes that the team will be able to compete in the upcoming bracket. Anyone interested in supporting the Cougars’ efforts to play in the World Series can donate at this Go Fund Me page.
Clay began state competition with a loss to Odenville, but rallied for four consecutive wins in elimination play to finish fourth overall. The Cougars had previously placed first in district play and second in area play to qualify for the tournament in Madison.
Coach Derek Cain saw his team’s four-game rampage start with a 19-7 win over Madison. That victory was followed by a 6-1 win over Rock Creek, a 14-13 edging of Springville and a 10-7 decision over North Jackson. Clay avoided elimination in all four contests.
With that hot streak, the Cougars were awarded the tournament’s Sportsmanship Trophy, which is given to the comeback team with supportive families that show respect to officials.
