A young team is full of rising star athletes as the Russellville 6U team heads to state tournament following decisive wins against Central (21-18), Lexington (21-6) and Colbert Heights (18-7) in the district.

By Kadin Pounders

For the FCT

The Russellville 6U coach pitch all-stars will be playing in the state tournament in Hueytown starting July 9.

The Russellville all-stars were champions of District 11 in the tournament June 19-22. Russellville won all three of games against Central, Lexington and Colbert Heights by scores of 21-18, 21-6 and 18-7, respectively.

“We played three good teams,” said head coach Blake Entrekin. “We started off slow, but once we settled down and started having fun, we played a lot better.”

The state tournament will host 16 teams and will be double elimination. The format of the tournament calls for two separate brackets with the winner of each bracket facing off in the championship game. The championship game will be best two out of three.

Entrekin says getting his players to stay focused is the toughest part, but he takes joy in helping the young athletes learn the game.

“You know with kids this age, you have to keep letting them know what they’re supposed to be doing and let them know where they’re supposed to go with the ball and all that,” he said. “But as long as they’re learning and having fun, that’s what it’s all about. That’s what I like to see.”

Going into the state tournament, Russellville will face its stiffest competition yet. Whichever team comes out on top in the tournament will have to do two things, according to Entrekin: Make contact and get the easy outs.

“The team that puts the ball in play the most will be the team with the best chance to win it,” he said. “Another thing you have to do is make the routine outs. Basically, whoever puts the ball in play and makes the easy outs will win.”

Entrekin has a lot of confidence in his team and said when the children are having fun, they are at their best performance-wise.

“Like I said, it’s all about having fun and learning,” said Entrekin. “There are going to be good teams in the tournament, but when our kids are having fun out there, they can play with the best of them.”

This Russellville team is young – they are 5 and 6 years old – but the coach sees plenty of potential in the bunch.

“I have a special team, man,” said Entrekin. “If these kids stick together, whether it’s me or another guy coaching them, they are going to be good players.”

This great all-star season is not yet over for the Russellville 6U team, but Entrekin credits all of the players, coaches, and parents for making it a success so far.

“Shout out to my coaches. Without them this wouldn’t be possible,” he said. “The parents have been great, and they have supported us and every decision we’ve made. I can’t thank them enough.”

Russellville’s first tournament game will be June 9 at 2 p.m.