The Ole Brook Back To School Bash was ablast. Nineteen youth league baseball teams, ages 8-12, convergedon the Hansel King Sportsplex last weekend for two days of USSSATournament action.

    Created by BHS baseball coach Randy Spring and the Diamond Club,the tournament served as a fundraiser for the team’s proposedbaseball field house. For sure, it costs a lot of money to build afield house.

    Spring said he was encouraged by the turnout and the participationfrom the community. “It was a good deal. We had teams fromMeridian, Hattiesburg, the Jackson area, Franklin County, Wessonand McComb. It was good baseball and a lot of fun.”

     Three travel teams fromBrookhaven also participated. They were the Braves, Blazers andDiamond Dogs. Orange Crush of McComb won the 10s division.

    For the record, over 250 players participated. That means a lot ofparents, relatives and friends watched the action.

    The Diamond Club sold soft drinks and candy. Broma’s Deli marketedthe solid food and a snowcone stand provided more refreshment on acomfortable Saturday.

    “Several people from the community came out to watch the games andwe are grateful for that,” said Spring. “There was a lot of hardwork and planning involved. We learned a lot.”

    In fact, Spring met with club members Wednesday to review theresults and determine what could be done to improve the nexttournament.

    The 4-field complex lacks for weekend activity in the months ofMay, June, July, August and September. Independent softballtournaments, featuring 30-plus girls teams, have been held onsummer weekends. The entire community benefits from the influx ofout-of-town visitors.

    “We are not trying to hurt the local baseball league,” said Spring.”Baseball tournaments like this are held on a weekend and resemblea subdistrict for travel teams. The players really benefit from theextra games.”

    And so does the local economy.

 

    Meanwhile, Professor Hoopla B.S., has been trying to find a way toboost his pocketbook economy. Judging from last weekend’sprognosticating performance, he’ll be in the poor house beforeOctober arrives.

    Hoopla predicted the winners of 26 games and managed to get just 16correct. However, special congratulations are due the West LincolnBears who ended a 21-game losing streak by defeating Sacred Heartof Hattiesburg.

    Here’s a preview of this weekend’s winners, starting with threeThursday night specials.

     Hinds at Co-Lin: The once-powerful Eaglesare resurrecting the winning tradition in Raymond and they need aSouth Division victory over the Wolfpack tonight. They won’tsucceed. Co-Lin 24-14.

     Southwest at Pearl River: The Bears are developing aphobia for feline mascots after losing to the Northeast Tigers andthe Pearl River Wildcats on consecutive Thursdays. Pearl River35-18.

     LSU at Mississippi State: It won’t be easy but theTigers will assert themselves tonight in Starkville. LSU 33-17.

     Brookhaven Academy atWayne Academy:  It’s a longride to Waynesboro but the Cougars will have a happy ride home.Brookhaven Academy 36-12.

     Resurrection at BogueChitto:  Unbeaten Bobcatsenjoy a happy homecoming win on Troy Smith Field. Bogue Chitto29-16.

     St. Andrew’s atEnterprise:  Saints havetoo much firepower for the Yellow Jackets. St. Andrew’s 44-14.

     North Pike at Loyd Star: Jaguars are in a bad frameof mind after McComb tattooed them with stripes last Friday night.North Pike 41-17.

     West Marion at Wesson: Cobras are saddled with a3-game losing streak as the Trojans march through Stone Stadium.West Marion 20-12.

     Amite County at FranklinCounty:  Bulldogs take outtheir frustrations on the Trojans from Liberty. Franklin County48-13.

     Lawrence County atVicksburg:  Gators boast ahigh-octane offense and not much defense. Vicksburg 45-30.

     South Pike at Hazlehurst: Willie Brown brings hisonce-beaten Eagles to Copiah County where he  won a state championship with theIndians six years ago. South Pike 20-18.

     In other area games, Leake over Copiah Academy28-12, Parklane over Central Private 23-10 and Jefferson Countyover South Delta 26-20. Brookhaven, West Lincoln, Crystal Springsand McComb have open dates to enjoy their most recent wins.

 

    After sipping an A&W diet root beer, Hoopla reveals Saturday’scollegiate winners.

     Ole Miss at Vanderbilt: This is known as amust-win SEC game for the struggling Rebels. Ole Miss 31-21.

    Southeastern Louisiana at Southern Miss:  Two Brookhaven products, seniorreceiver  Simmie Yarboroughand freshman guard Stone Underwood, along with the rest of theLions; will give it their best shot in Hattiesburg Saturday nightbut the  Golden Eagles havetoo much depth, speed and muscle. Southern Miss 49-14.

     Jackson State at SouthernU.:  Baton Rouge is a niceplace to visit if you’re not an opposing football team. JacksonState 28-17.

     In other college games, Alcorn State over ValleyState 38-12, Hardin-Simmons over Mississippi College 24-13, DeltaState over Arkansas Tech 32-20, Belhaven over Lindsey Wilson 17-7and Millsaps over Louisiana College 28-20.

 

    Contact sports editor Tom Goetz by e-mail:tgoetz@dailyleader.com