Phil Campbell wins junior high tourney

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The Phil Campbell junior high softball team played a gauntlet of five straight games beginning at noon and ending around 8 p.m. that night to win the Franklin County Junior High Tournament.

Three teams played in this year’s tournament; Red Bay and Vina didn’t have enough players to field teams.

The Bobcats began the day by beating Tharptown 13-0 then losing to the Belgreen Bulldogs 8-2.

Phil Campbell turned around to beat the Wildcats again, 22-2.

Because of the earlier loss to Belgreen, the Bobcats needed to win two straight to claim the championship. They did just that, beating Belgreen 7-4 and 8-5.

“It was a total team effort,” said Phil Campbell Coach Greg Winstead. “To play five straight games, it takes the whole team.

“We played for eight hours. We talked about how we planned to be there all day. You can’t win the tournament without being there all day.

“Payton Herron and Addi James did a great job pitching today. Bella Welch caught all five games and stepped up as a leader,” Winstead added. “We hit the ball well throughout the lineup.

“I’m very proud of all the players, coaches and the hard work and determination we showed today.”

The junior high baseball, varsity softball and varsity baseball tournaments will be at Tharptown April 8-9.