June 6-9, 2024 | Champions Park, Newberry, FL
The Show Me The Money softball tournament lived up to its name, delivering high-stakes drama, spectacular performances, and a few surprises over the weekend at Champions Park. From the nail-biting finish in the 14U division to the power-packed slugfest in 16U, and the dominant display in the 18U, this tournament had everything a softball fan could ask for. Here’s a recap of the action from each division.
14U Division: Tampa Mustangs Rene/Pynes Edge Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027-Alford to Repeat
In a thriller that went down to the wire, the Tampa Mustangs Rene/Pynes edged past the Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027-Alford with a 4-3 victory.
Sabrina Boyer led the Mustangs’ charge, going a perfect 3-3 at the plate with an RBI and a double. Kamryn Wallisa added to the offensive fireworks with a 2-2 performance, also driving in a run and hitting a double. Yamilette Cordova chipped in with two hits, including a double, while Madison Kokoszka held her nerve in the circle to secure the win.
The Thunderbolts were no pushovers, with Josie Bohannon going 2-2 and Brynlee Alford driving in all three of their runs with a clutch 1-3 performance. Despite their valiant effort, they fell just short, unable to crack Kokoszka’s and Alivia Millers composed pitching in the final innings.
16U Division: GA Impact Taylor 16U Rebounds to Claim the Title
The 16U championship game was a tale of redemption for GA Impact Taylor 16U, who overturned a previous loss to Top Gun 16U National with a resounding 16-8 victory in the final.
Cece Springfield spearheaded the offensive onslaught with a 3-4 showing at the plate. The power was on full display as Shayla Bahr, Addie Rackley, Mia Johnson, and Nina Carcone all went deep, with Carcone hammering two out of the park. Bahr collected four RBIs while Carcone drove in five, leaving the Top Gun pitchers searching for answers.
Top Gun had their moments, with Olivia Keiter going 2-3 with three RBIs and contributions from Mikayla Deville, Macy Morrow, and Sydnee Wagner. But their bats couldn’t keep pace with the relentless assault from GA Impact, who avenged their previous day’s defeat in emphatic fashion.
18U Division: Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 18U Dominate Top Gun 18U National
The Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 18U left no doubt about their dominance with an 11-1 rout over Top Gun 18U National in the 18U championship game.
Saviya Morgan and Mariami Hubbard were nearly unstoppable, both going 2-2 with two RBIs, with Morgan launching a home run. Bella Foran and Katie King contributed doubles to the offensive barrage, giving Katelyn “Red” Oxley plenty of run support. Oxley was solid in the circle, pitching four innings, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out three.
Top Gun’s Abigail Wilhelm provided a bright spot, going 2-2 with a home run and an RBI, but it was not enough to challenge the Thunderbolts’ supremacy. Despite their strong tournament run, which saw them lose only to the Thunderbolts, Top Gun 18U couldn’t find the answers in the final.
The Show Me The Money tournament showcased incredible talent, leaving fans eager for next year’s edition. Until then, these young athletes have certainly made their mark, proving that the future of softball is bright and full of promise.
