By Josh Beavers
Minden dominated All-Star competition over the weekend on the way to sending five teams to state tournaments later this month.
In addition to the Sweetees, Pony Tails, the 11 and under boys team, and the 7 and under boys team, the Minden Darlings also advanced to state play after three dominating performances in Ruston.
The Darlings defeated their opponents by a combined score of 45-4.
Key performers for the Darlings in game one (a 15-0 victory over Haughton) were Emmaline Harmon with two inside-the-park home runs, and Layla Holiford with another inside-the-park home run.
Following a 12-1 thumping of Ruston in game 2, the Darlings claimed the championship with another defeat of Haughton, this time 18-3. In the title game, Lola Huddleston and Emmaline Harmon each hit inside-the-park home runs.
The Darlings will now represent Dixie District 4 in the state tournament later in July. The Darlings are coached by Amber Huddleston, Chase Huddleston, Bobby Igo and Malori Holford.
Action kicks up again this weekend with several more Minden teams competing in local action. The Minden Recreation Center is hosting the 10U Triple A District tourney while Shreveport is hosting the AA Coach Pitch Tournament. The 12U O-Zone tourney will be held in Minden beginning July 8.
Eight teams will be in town for the 10U Triple A tournament. Minden will play in Game 2 against the Shreveport Nationals. The game is set for today at 6 p.m. on field 10.
In the AA Coach Pitch tourney, Minden will play at least four games. First up are a pair of games today. Minden will play Haughton at 5:30 p.m. on field 3. The second game will be an 8:30 contest against Ruston. That will be played also on field 3.
The second round of games comes tomorrow (July 2). Minden will take on Shreveport at 5:30 p.m. on field 4 and then turn around and play Benton at 8:30. That game is also on field 4.
Look for a recap of team action in Tuesday’s Journal update.
