Ruston American 10u advances to Dixie Youth World Series

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Bottom row (L to R): Barnes Causey, Rhodes Kilpatrick, John Cole Parker, Kingston Culpepper, Henry Walpole, Joseph Davison 
Middle (L to R): Ryder Walpole, Jacoby Smith, Eli Wilson, Grey Ramsey, Brycen Bennett, Grant Alexander 
Coaches (L to R):  Jeff Parker, Steve Davison, Jordan Taylor 

By Malcolm Butler 

 

The Ruston American 10u All-Star team isn’t quite done with their summer season. 

The team defeated Lakeshore out of Jefferson Parish in a two-out-of-three series this past weekend to earn the title of Team Louisiana and qualify for the upcoming Dixie Youth World Series. 

The World Series will take place in Lumberton, North Carolina, from August 6th through the 11th.  

“The biggest strength of our team is its depth,” said Coach Steve Davison. “We have a deep pitching staff led by Ryder Walpole and have gotten good performances from all of our pitchers. 
 
“Our hitters are very capable, but we haven’t hit consistently as a team yet. Hitting will be our focus as we prepare for the World Series over the next ten days.”

After winning the district tournament in Benton and then the North Region tournament in Vidalia, the Ruston American 10U all-stars traveled to face the South Region champion Lakeshore in a best of three series that would ultimately crown one of them as Team Louisiana. 

Ruston won Game 1 on Friday night by a score of 3-1 before dropping Saturday morning’s Game 2 by a score of 7-1. However, in the decisive rubber match Saturday, Ruston dominated from start to finish to win 6-0, clinching the spot in North Carolina in two weeks.  

Ruston (Team Louisiana) will join the title teams from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia in Lumberton for the double elimination tournament.  

Their first match-up will be against South Carolina on August 6th at 3:15 p.m. 

The Ruston American 10u All-Stars consist of Grant Alexander, Brycen Bennett, Barnes Causey, Kingston Culpepper, Joseph Davison, Rhodes Kilpatrick, John Cole Parker, Grey Ramsey, Jacoby Smith, Henry Walpole, Ryder Walpole, and Eli Wilson.  

They are coached by Davison, Jeff Parker and Jordan Taylor. 

“We’re very grateful for the state-of-the-art facilities that the City of Ruston and Mayor (Ronny) Walker have provided for us,” said Davison. “Also, Louisiana Tech baseball players have been very generous by giving our kids instruction and encouragement. 
 
“The team also earned the Sportsmanship Award, voted on by the umpires, at the state tournament. I’m very thankful to our coaching staff and parents for helping emphasize good conduct.”

 

 

 

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