By GEORGE MAHL

The River Parishes-based Bayou Buzz 13 and under AA Nationals team finished in second place in state and national tournament’s held last month in Lafayette and Slidell respectively. The team participated in the United States Specialty Sports Association League throughout the Summer that culminated in a state tournament from July 5-7 and a national tournament from July 17-21. The Buzz played hard but ended up losing to the Baton Rouge Hurricanes in both tournaments. The team fell 7-2 and 9-2 in the state and national tournament, said coach Matt Monica.

Ironically, Baton Rouge, Bayou Buzz, and Central Lafourche all finished first, second and third in both the state and national tournament. The team, which began play in April, was made up mainly of players from the River Parish League. The USSSA is made up of players from different age groups throughout the country. The Bayou Buzz played games in Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia. The Buzz, who advanced to the state final by beating Central Lafourche, had to play four games on July 7 to get that far.

“Our guys were just drained after playing four games in one day,” said Monica. “Major League Baseball teams don’t play more than two in a day.” Five members of the all-tournament team came from the Bayou Buzz: Donny Terrio, Johnny Owen, Jade Falgoust, Dester Jackson, and Darryl Simon represented the Bayou Buzz on the all-tournament team. Owen smacked four home runs in the tournament and was named as offensive Most Valuable Player of the tournament.