Knox County 10U All-Stars Gain Valuable Experience During District Tournament

Barbourville — The Knox County 10U Softball All-Stars may have seen their postseason end earlier than they had hoped, but the young squad battled through every inning while gaining valuable experience against some of the district’s top competition.
Knox County finished the District 4 Tournament with an 0-2 record, facing two strong opponents in Rockcastle County and Hazard-Perry. Despite the results, the All-Stars continued to compete and showed determination from the opening pitch to the final out.
Knox County opened tournament play against Rockcastle County and jumped out to a strong start by scoring four runs in the first inning before eventually falling 19-6.
Paisley Hobbs led the offense by collecting a hit, scoring twice and driving in a run while also doubling and reaching base twice. Mallorie Lowe added a hit, scored a run and drove in another, while Alessa Webb singled and scored. Allie Miles also recorded a hit, and Olivia Hinkle and Kirionna Hearld each crossed the plate after drawing walks. Harper Smith added an RBI, and Mallory Messer reached base twice and scored. Mallorie Lowe started in the pitcher’s circle and struck out three over two innings.
Facing elimination, Knox County returned to the field determined to extend its season against Hazard-Perry.
Although Hazard-Perry pulled away for an 11-1 victory, Knox County continued to battle throughout the contest.
Alessa Webb turned in one of the team’s top performances of the tournament, going 1-for-1 with a double, a walk and the team’s lone run. Mallorie Lowe and Kinsley Cecil each added singles while Cecil, Webb and Lowe all stole bases. Lowe also gave Knox County another solid effort in the circle, striking out five over 3.2 innings.
The Knox County 10U Softball All-Star roster consisted of Olivia Hinkle, Olivia Mills, Mallory Messer, Harper Smith, Mallorie Lowe, Paisley Hobbs, Kambree Gambrell, Kinsley Cecil, Maddie Messer, Kirionna Hearld, Ralyn Smith, Alessa Webb, Adalyn Napier and Allie Miles.