Knox County 8U All-Stars Capture District Championship, Make Memorable Run To State Tournament

BARBOURVILLE — The Knox County 8U Coach Pitch Baseball All-Stars put together one of the area’s most impressive postseason runs this summer, capturing the District 4 championship before battling in the Kentucky State Tournament.
Knox County finished the postseason as District 4 champions and won three straight games to earn a trip to Richmond.
The journey began with one of the most exciting games of the district tournament.
Kamden Scalf delivered a walk-off hit in the bottom of the sixth inning to lift Knox County to a thrilling 14-13 victory over Corbin.
Knox County collected 27 hits in the victory as Scalf went a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI. Hudson Collins also finished 4-for-4, while Levi Bargo, Noah Sanders and Jase Carmack each recorded three-hit games in an offensive showcase.
The momentum continued in the winner’s bracket semifinals as Knox County dominated Jackson County 18-0.
Every player in the lineup contributed as the All-Stars scored six runs in each of the first three innings while allowing just three hits. Hudson Collins, Oakley Mills, Kamden Scalf, Jansen Warren, Levi Bargo, Noah Sanders, Cooper Blevins, CJ Bargo, Jayven Helton, Jacob Partin and Mason Cox all produced at the plate in the convincing victory.
Knox County then clinched the District 4 championship and a berth in the Kentucky State Tournament with a 15-5 win over South Laurel in the winner’s bracket championship.
The District 4 champions pounded out 24 hits, with 11 of the team’s 12 players recording at least one hit. Hudson Collins and Oakley Mills each went 3-for-3 and scored three runs, Kamden Scalf drove in four runs, while Levi Bargo and Noah Sanders also collected three hits apiece.
The state tournament in Richmond brought two more tightly contested battles.
Knox County opened against Valley Sports and despite collecting 18 hits, dropped an 8-6 decision.
Mason Cox led the offense by going 3-for-3 with a triple, two RBI and two runs scored, while Kamden Scalf, Hudson Collins, Jansen Warren, Levi Bargo, Noah Sanders, Jase Carmack and CJ Bargo all turned in strong performances to keep the District 4 champions within striking distance.
Facing elimination, Knox County once again displayed the resilience that had carried it throughout the summer.
After trailing Russell 4-1, Knox County rallied with one run in the fourth inning and three more in the fifth to tie the game before Russell escaped with a walk-off 5-4 victory in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Hudson Collins and Noah Sanders each collected two hits, Mason Cox doubled and drove in a run, Jayven Helton doubled and knocked in two runs, while Levi Bargo also doubled as Knox County battled until the final out.
The Knox County 8U Coach Pitch All-Star roster consisted of Jayven Helton, Jacob Partin, Cooper Blevins, Oakley Mills, Jansen Warren, Hudson Collins, Levi Bargo, Noah Sanders, Kamden Scalf, Jase Carmack, CJ Bargo and Mason Cox.