Elizabethtown Coach Pitch All-Stars Compete with Heart in District Tournament

Elizabethtown, NC - ​Despite weather delays and a tough draw in the bracket, the Elizabethtown Dixie Youth Coach Pitch All-Stars showed grit, teamwork, and plenty of heart this past week in the 2025 North Carolina District 9 AA (Coach Pitch) Tournament, held right here in Elizabethtown.

Teams from Lumberton, West Robeson, Fairmont, and host Elizabethtown battled throughout the rain-soaked week. The Elizabethtown squad earned a convincing 15-5 win over Fairmont but ultimately fell twice to a talented and well-rounded West Robeson team.

Still, the boys from Elizabethtown left it all on the field — playing hard, cheering for one another, and creating memories that will last far beyond this summer.

In their win over Fairmont, Elizabethtown’s bats came alive.

Holt Hall had a standout performance at the plate with two singles and a double, crossing home three times. Camden Wooten and Branson Gooden each turned in three-hit performances, helping keep the offense moving and scoring two runs apiece.

Tyrone “TJ” Smith delivered a booming double and a triple, while Jameson Tatum added a triple of his own to go along with a single. Atlantis Ripley electrified the team with an inside-the-park home run and also added a double to his day, scoring twice.

Carver Hair was another key contributor, recording both a single and a double while scoring two runs. Drake Beard chipped in two singles and crossed the plate once.

Bryson Lee reached with a single and later scored, and King Ballard knocked a single of his own. Rhett Brisson and Myles Owens each put the ball in play, keeping pressure on the defense and contributing to the team effort.

In their matchups with West Robeson, the Elizabethtown boys continued to compete with energy and toughness. Holt Hall added two more hits to his tournament total, while Wooten, Gooden, and Smith continued to swing the bat well — combining for several key hits and runs.

TJ Smith’s double and single helped spark Elizabethtown’s offense, and Tatum stayed hot with two more singles and another run scored. Ripley knocked a double, and Drake Beard ripped a stand-up double of his own in one of the games.

King Ballard, Bryson Lee, and Carver Hair each added hits during the two contests with West Robeson, and both Brisson and Owens continued to compete with poise at the plate and in the field.

Defensively, the All-Stars had several strong plays that kept innings alive and showcased their hustle. Whether it was snagging a grounder, backing up a throw, or hustling to the bag, each player had moments that showed growth, effort, and the heart of a true teammate.

Coaches included Head Coach David Tatum, Camrin Wooten, Jordan Lee, and Garrett Brisson.

While the tournament didn’t end with a trophy, the Elizabethtown All-Stars showed what it means to play for each other and represent their town with pride.

Coach David pointed out that it is hard to put into words that growth the players had. He said it was a blessing to be able to coach this group of talented kids.

Their sportsmanship and smiles were just as memorable as the hits and runs — a reminder that youth baseball is about more than just the scoreboard.

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Elizabethtown Coach Pitch All-Stars Compete with Heart in District Tournament