Barbour County Little League Team Advances To State Tournament For First Time Since 1967

By Marija Ilic

The Barbour County All Stars, a formidable team of 11 and 12-year-old baseball players from Belington Little League, have clinched a spot in the state tournament for the first time since 1967.

The All Stars' most recent triumph occurred on Sunday in Elkins, where they faced off against Summersville in the championship game. The team dominated early, scoring an astounding 15 runs in the first inning. The game concluded with a resounding victory, 18-8, after Maddix Weese's three-run home run invoked the mercy rule in the fourth inning. Eli Bolyard earned the win on the mound, cementing the All Stars' place in the state tournament.

After an initial loss to Summersville, the team rebounded with four consecutive victories. They defeated Pocahontas, Clay, Craigsville, and finally Summersville again to secure the consolation bracket title and a berth in the state playoffs.

The Barbour County All Stars will travel to Madison, WV, from July 18-24 to compete in the state tournament. This achievement marks the first time in 57 years that the 11/12 age group from Barbour County has advanced to the states.

The team is managed by BJ King and coached by Derrick Blake and Evan Workman. The roster includes Braxton Collins, Rustyn Harris, Cooper Ryan, Cordell Blake, Silas Morgan, Eli Bolyard, Easton Workman, Scott Wright, Landon Wolfe, Jaymin Harris, Callen Cherok, Maddix Weese, and Carter Morrison.