The Troy 8U Rookies tournament tame made easy work of the District 6 District Tournament last month. Now with an undefeated record, they hope to extend their run of success at the upcoming state tournament on Friday in Enterprise.

After a late win in game one of the district tournament, Troy made easy work of the rest of the way.

“The first game was our closest game,” said head coach Keith Jeffcoat. “We had some kids that had some really good hits and we really just didn’t quit. They came back and we had some hits and came back to get the win.”

After the win, Troy went on to win the final two games, both via the mercy rule.

Troy had to finish in the top two to make it to state, so winning was a must for Jeffcoat’s team, but finishing in first place will provide more momentum heading into Enterprise.

“It makes all the difference,” Jeffcoat said. “Obviously if we would have gotten beat in the district tournament it would have shut them down. Just being able to come out of that with something to build on heading into state (is good). Just hoping it carries it over to the tournament.”

The Rookies have practiced nearly every day since the conclusion of the district tournament. Jeffcoat has been preaching the importance of effort and hustle throughout practice.

“We haven’t had one kid miss one practice,” Jeffcoat said. “Effort and hustle, I guarantee the kids are tired of hearing that, but I believe it’s going to make a difference in the game. We are making sure our bats are where they need to be and everyone is hitting the ball.”

Jeffcoat believes he has a strong offense, but he hopes he will have a strong defense come tournament time.

“It will make the difference,” Jeffcoat said. “Once you get to these tournaments everyone can hit the ball. The difference comes down to how the outfield is going to play. So far they have played really well holding runners on first when they would have had a double in some cases.”

Offensively, Troy has strong bats up and down the lineup.

“Nobody struck out,” Jeffcoat said. “Everybody puts the ball in play, putting pressure on other team’s defense to make a play.”

Troy will begin play on Friday and will be joined by 21 other teams in Enterprise.

“Enterprise has two teams and Luverne has a team,” Jeffcoat said. “Dothan has a few teams in it. We will have a first round bye and play either Smiths Station or Taylorsville. No idea about either team, but I’m sure they will be tough plays.”

The game will take place on Saturday morning

“We need to make the plays we are supposed to make,” Jeffcoat said. “Not giving them extra outs will be the difference maker in all the games.”

Jeffcoat is joined by fellow coaches Jeffrey Knight, Rob Mosley and Todd Duncan. Players include Wyatt Austin, Drew Blakenship, Danniel Dorill, Finn Duncan, Kenton Frost, Jordan Green, Grayson Hattaway, Tucker Jeffcoat, Easton Knight, Jack Mosley, Jay Oliver and  David Riley Sanders.