The Bossier Phillies entered the American Legion Baseball Mid‑South Regional as one of the most anticipated teams of the summer, having compiled a 22‑4 record that hinted at a deep postseason run.
After a series of hard‑fought contests, the Phillies forced a winner‑take‑all showdown with a 6‑1 triumph over Tupelo, Mississippi, a victory that sent the series to a final decisive game.
A Winner‑Take‑All Thriller
The championship match, played in Gastonia, North Carolina, saw the Phillies succumb 16‑1, ending their campaign and allowing Tupelo to advance to the World Series, which will be held in Shelby from August 13‑18.
Key performances defined the Phillies’ brief but memorable run. Former Benton star Kade Bryant delivered a complete game, surrendering seven hits while striking out eight and walking just one. Griffin Sibley, also a Benton alumnus, went 2‑for‑4 with a double and two RBI, while Brody Turnipseed contributed a 2‑for‑4 effort with an RBI. Landon Martin and Kannon Greer added further firepower with doubles and RBI‑producing hits.
Though the team fell short of the ultimate prize, the 22‑4 season stands as one of the most successful in Bossier baseball history, underscoring the talent emerging from the region and setting a high bar for future squads.