DYB 8U All-Stars finish out season at state tourney

RUSTON -- The Ville Platte 8U Coach Pitch All-Stars completed their season this past weekend after finishing 2-3 in the Dixie Youth State Tournament.
The All-Stars had a tremendous summer taking home a sub-district title and a district runner-up trophy. After the last out at the state tourney, Ville Platte head coach Justin Johnson talked about the season and his team’s overall performance.
“I am very pleased at the way these players handled themselves throughout the All-Star season,” stated Johnson. “We would have liked to go on to the World Series, but it just wasn’t in the cards for us. The kids gave everything they had all summer long. I am really proud of them and their effort.”
“I would like to thank my assistant coaches, Lucas Vidrine, Sam Lahaye and Jared Blanchard,” Johnson continued. “It was great to have these guys with me. Without them, it would have been a long season. I would also like to thank the parents for their support. We had a great group of kids and parents to work with this summer.’
Ville Platte began tournament play with a commanding 9-0 pool play win over Shreveport American on Independence Day. In that contest, the All-Stars only allowed four base runners the entire game and did not allow a runner past second base.
Game two did not turn out as Ville Platte would have hoped, as they fell to Mangham 19-16 in their second pool play game of the tournament. The All-Stars led 12-10 after the third inning, but allowed seven runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth to give Mangham the win.
In the third pool game on Friday, the Ville Platte offense struggled to get going in a 10-6 loss to Alexandria. That loss put the All-Stars in the single elimination consolation bracket that began on Saturday.
Facing elimination, Ville Platte rebounded with authority in a 12-5 win over Springhill in the first game of the consolation bracket. A combination of big hits and a steady defense allowed the All-Stars to advance on.
Unfortunately, Ville Platte could not find the offense to overcome Vernon American, as they fell 9-3 in the second consolation bracket game to be eliminated from play.