North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Annie Rigby
The NCUSSSA 10U and 12U tournaments were held on Saturday, Sept. 5, beginning at 3 p.m. and ending at 2 a.m. at the Loris Sports Complex. Each team played two full games. Depending on how the teams score they are placed in a bracket. A bracket is where they place in rank; if they lose one game they go home if they continue they will go to the championship which began at 11:30 p.m. Normally the tournaments begin at 8 to 9 a.m. however this was a night tournament.
The Vipers are 8 to 10 years old (10U). Sadie is an eight year old who plays second base and has played ball since she was four years old. Her favorite part of the game is hitting the ball to the outfield. Sadie explained the directions her coaches stress is how the ball is thrown and what team position they choose to throw the ball. She said, “When I get the ball I throw it to the pitcher, unless I think I can throw the ball to first base for an out.”
The concessions were a busy place feeding the crowd. Brandon Harrelson, Joey Letts and Cameron Dozier sizzled up steaks on the grill. Harrelson said, “We thought people would want dinner so we decided to grill up some steaks.” The steaks with french fries sold for $10 a plate. Paiton Harrelson volunteers taking orders. She oversees the young paid employees who work the concessions during tournaments.
The next tournament will be held on Sunday, Sept 13, at the Loris Sports Complex. The NC USSSA Beast of the East Ring Tournament 14U will have eight teams compete with all winning teams to receive a 2020 USSSA Championship ring.
The Loris Recreation Department has extended the registration deadline for fall sports until Friday, Sept. 11, at 5 p.m. Harrelson said, “We have had plenty of kids sign up in the last couple of weeks during our registration period, but felt that some members of the community and neighboring communities may still be unaware of the fact that we are offering fall sports.”
To sign up for youth tackle football or youth cheerleading, register online at www.lorisrec.com or call the recreation office at 843-756-9804.
“We have waived the $45 registration fees until the start of the season;” says Harrelson, “if anyone who has already registered for fall sports and know someone who may be interested, send them our way.”
The department will follow the Horry County high school guidelines for football and cheerleading. The department or coaches will contact the parents soon after the deadline to schedule equipment fittings.
