Residents and motorists should expect heavier-than-normal traffic throughout Kosciusko this weekend as the city hosts two Diamond Youth Baseball state tournaments at Hugh Ellard Park.
Beginning Friday, July 10, and continuing through Monday, July 13, Kosciusko will welcome 30 All-Star teams from across Mississippi for the AAA (10U) and 12U Ozone State Tournaments. The two tournaments will run simultaneously, with 15 teams competing in the AAA division and 15 teams competing in the 12U Ozone division.
With hundreds of players, coaches, family members, and fans expected to visit the city, increased traffic is anticipated throughout town, particularly along Love Road and around Hugh Ellard Park before and after games each day. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time and use caution when traveling in the area.
The tournaments are also expected to provide a significant economic boost for the community, with visiting teams and their families filling local hotels while supporting restaurants, convenience stores, retail shops, and other local businesses throughout the weekend.
Kosciusko has already seen the positive impact of youth tournament play this summer after successfully hosting the Diamond Youth 6U District Tournament in mid-June.
Local fans will have two opportunities to cheer on the hometown All-Stars on opening day. The Kosciusko AAA (10U) team will open tournament play Friday at 8:00 p.m. on Field E against St. Martin, while the Kosciusko 12U Ozone team will face Biloxi at 6:00 p.m. on Field A.
Tournament Information
AAA (10U) State Tournament – BRACKET
- Dates: July 10–13
- Teams: Corinth, Columbia, East Central, Ellisville, Franklin County, Hattiesburg, Iuka, Kosciusko, Lincoln County, Long Beach, Philadelphia, St. Martin, Vancleave, Wayne County and West Lauderdale.
- Kosciusko’s first game: Friday, July 10, 8:00 p.m. vs. St. Martin (Field E)
- State champion advances to: Diamond Youth 10U World Series in Laurel
12U Ozone State Tournament – BRACKET
- Dates: July 10–13
- Teams: Biloxi, Carthage, Columbia, East Central, Ellisville, Franklin County, Iuka, Kosciusko, Long Beach, Natchez, Purvis, Vancleave, Wayne County and West Lauderdale.
- Kosciusko’s first game: Friday, July 10, 6:00 p.m. vs. Biloxi (Field A)
- State champion advances to: Diamond Youth Ozone World Series in Laurel
- State runner-up advances to: Diamond Youth Majors Division World Series in Laurel
