A group of boys who spent the spring competing against one another on four different Clarendon County Recreation Department teams are now preparing to represent their community on one of youth baseball's biggest stages.
The Manning 8U All-Stars captured the district championship earlier this month and will advance to the South Carolina state tournament beginning June 27, marking what coach Tyler Bloodworth believes could be the first time a Manning 8U baseball team has reached the state tournament.
"It's a huge accomplishment, not just for the kids and the coaches, but for the whole community," Bloodworth said. "We're going out there and showing the state what Manning has to offer."
The all-star roster was selected by the league's rec coaches following the conclusion of the regular season. Rather than holding open tryouts, coaches from the four recreation teams met and nominated players before voting on the 12-player roster they felt would best represent Clarendon County.
The team quickly came together despite players spending the spring trying to beat one another.
"You can have all the talent in the world, but if the kids can't play together, you don't have anything," Bloodworth said.
To build chemistry, the coaching staff intentionally paired players from different rec teams during warmups and practices. The approach helped players learn one another's strengths while building trust on the field.
The results showed during district tournament play.
Manning opened the tournament with victories over Kingstree and St. George before facing adversity in the championship round. After suffering its first loss of the tournament in an afternoon game against St. George, the team needed a win in the deciding contest to claim the title.
Instead of folding, the all-stars delivered their most impressive performance of the tournament.
"Most of the time, kids get in their head after a loss," Bloodworth said. "But they came back and dominated."
Assistant coach Steven Brooks challenged the team to "own the night" before the winner-take-all game, a message the coaches reinforced throughout the evening.
The response was immediate.
Manning erupted for seven runs in the first inning and rolled to a 20-8 victory to secure the district championship and a berth in the state tournament.
"That second game was phenomenal," Bloodworth said. "The kids really proved they wanted to continue to play and win the tournament."
The championship run was powered by strong defense and timely hitting. Tournament statistics showed multiple players delivering standout performances, including Liam Brooks, Nolan Moore, John Fulton, Landon Bloodworth, Jake Patrick, Zaid Villalba, Kenneth Nutter and others throughout the lineup.
Bloodworth credited the team's defensive consistency as a key factor in its success and said practices leading up to the state tournament have focused heavily on repetitions and making routine plays.
"We call it 18 outs because there are 18 outs in a ball game," he said. "We're working highly on our defense. The small mistakes are what's going to hurt you the most."
The coach also pointed to the team's determination and willingness to outwork opponents. Following an 11-1 regular season, players and coaches committed to additional practices and team-building activities, including informal "Sunday Fun Day" workouts designed to strengthen relationships while keeping the game enjoyable.
Bloodworth said the experience has been made possible by a dedicated coaching staff that includes Randy "Coach Grandpa" Moneymaker, Elmer Bench and Steven Brooks, as well as supportive parents who have helped keep the team organized and supplied throughout the season.
"I would definitely like to commend my coaches for being as dedicated to it as I am, and the parents for being as dedicated as they are," Bloodworth said. "Everybody has sacrificed for us to be here."
While the focus now shifts to preparing for state competition, Bloodworth hopes the players remember more than wins and losses.
"I hope they remember their accomplishments and the hard work it took to get here," he said. "Whatever you're doing in life, just give it everything you've got."
Bloodworth also emphasized the role faith has played throughout the team's journey.
"Over everything, God be glorified," he said. "It's a huge blessing that we've made it this far. God has blessed this young group of boys with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. All things are possible with God."
ROSTER
Jake Patrick, Nolan Moore, Liam Brooks, Zaid Villalba, Korbyn Fulton, Landon Bloodworth, John Fulton, Lawson Haley, Igel Jordon, Kenneth Nutter, Kason Thigpen and Sin'Cere Johnson.
