Brennan Hancock after another dinger

12U Tigers reach state semis

By Michael Butler

The Tallassee 12U baseball all-stars made an impressive run but came up just short of a state championship. Of 30 teams in the USSSA tournament, the purple and gold was among the top four - falling in the semifinals.

Alexandria took the title in the 12U Gold Bracket. Tallassee went 4-1 in the tourney.

The Tigers played at three different complexes in Lincoln, Pell City and Oxford on Thursday, Friday and Saturday winning its first four games over Munford (7-0), South DeKalb (11-1), Huffman (7-5) and Northport (7-0). They were one win away from reaching the championship but lost 13-2 to HYB.

"(We) fell to the juggernaut Hueytown," coach Tommy Burton said. "What a ride. 9-1 record is not too bad." Burton's club went 5-0 in the Region 7 Tournament in early June.

Brennan Hancock hit three homeruns in the state tournament. Drake Wood also had a homer.

Tallassee's 8U and 10U teams play this week beginning on Thursday, June 23 with games at the same venues where the 12U played.

The Tallassee 15U Babe Ruth all stars will be in the state tournament this week as well with action beginning on Friday, June 24 in Sylacauga.

As for the girls. Tallassee's 6U, 8U, 10U and 12U teams also move on to the state level this week (June 23-25) in Wetumpka, Millbrook and Prattville.

The 8U girls were area champs last week in Alex City. The 6U girls were runners-up.

The 6U team beat Millbrook (10-9), Clanton (17-16) and Wetumpka (20-19) before losing to Wetumpka 19-11 and 19-18 in the finals.

The 8U girls cruised to the title with a 4-0 record. They defeated Dadeville (21-0), Alex City (18-9), Wetumpka (15-2) and Prattville 16-4 in the championship.

Tallassee's 10U stars went 2-2. Wins were over Prattville Gray (11-8) and Alex City (14-4). Losses came against Millbrook (14-2) and North Chilton (10-8).

The 12U squad lost two two-run games to Prattville (8-6) and Wetumpka (9-7).