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.”