On Oct. 14-15 at the Show Me the Money tournament in Newberry, Fla., Sparks Elite Ross/Stewart took the field for the first time since the split of Virginia Unity Johnson/Ross and the merge of coaches Jay Ross and Tommy Bain and seven players with coach Slade Stewart and the Sparks Elite organization.
The team definitely made a statement, going 8-0 on the weekend with 56 runs scored, six runs allowed, and a first-place finish to win the $10,000 prize money. The three Sparks Elite pitchers struck out 66 hitters and held opponents to a .174 batting average.
“Great start after two and half months of downtime and the first time seeing balls coming at them,” Ross said. “The kids did all the little things to be successful and the team chemistry was outstanding. A lot of fun sharing the dugout with them and repping the new threads.”
Stewart was also impressed with how the team performed in their first outing.
“Going into the weekend I knew we would, or should have, more talent than anyone else on the field,” Stewart said. “I also knew with them all playing together for the first time there would be some nerves and some things might be a little shaky. What was fun to watch was how quickly they became a team and how supportive they became of each other.
“Sometimes when you have a lot of talent you have a lot of egos and forget the we not me. One thing I’ve always known in coaching: it’s not always the most talented team that wins but the team that’s the closest that finishes on top. So for me, I’m excited to see them continue to grow closer to each other and to watch them make it about the team.”
Three of the group’s players were gone for the weekend because of various college visits. However, the team was able to pick up two players that contributed to the tournament win.
Ross praised the tournament director and staff for their work.
“Big shoutout to Bill Hoopes and team for putting quality formats together that don’t force STP and gate fees, while affording opportunities to win some cash.”
Overall, the tournament was a success for the Sparks Elite Ross/Stewart squad and was enjoyable for both coaches and players alike.
“I thought this past weekend was great and I loved playing with all the girls,” said catcher and second baseman Brinli Bain. “I think that we competed and worked through every pitch, inning, and game together. I’m looking forward to the rest of the tournaments and continuing to grow together as a team.”
Next up for the team is the Ray Seymour Invitational in Newberry, Fla., on Oct. 20-22.
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