NATCHEZ — The Natchez Dixie Youth 11 and 12 year olds are hoping small ball provides big results today in day one of the district tournament against Walthall in Brookhaven.

In a double elimination tournament, Natchez will have to go through Walthall, McComb, Brookhaven, Pine Hills, Franklin County and Copiah if it wants to secure one of the top two spots that qualify for state.

Head coach Cole Brown said the team isn’t a home run hitting team, but the team’s speed and ability to do the small things could be a winning recipe.

“I won’t hesitate to ask my cleanup hitter to bunt if the situation calls for it,” Brown said. “We have to use our speed.”

The team consists of Jakalin Adams, Jakel Barnes, Landon Davis, J.J. Knight, Liondell Minor, Eli Moore, Sam Mosby, Matthew Petty, Darren Smith, A.J. Thompson, Dylan Troxler and Jasin Wesberry.

The all-stars will play Walthall at 6 p.m. today.

Meanwhile, another Natchez Dixie Youth team will be competing for a sub-district championship in a pool of five teams in Copiah.

The 10 year old all-stars will play the Lincoln County Americans at 6 p.m.

Head coach John Ward Junkin said the team’s ability to field would define the team’s outcome.

“We have a great group of kids,” Junkin said. “If we play good defense we’ll have a great showing.”

Junkin’s, Zehlin Cornett, Zeke Flattmann, Joseph Garrity, Braden Goldman, Paxton Junkin, Landon Lees, Ronnie McMillin, Traylon Minor, Ethan Weadock, Mason Wells and Jacorian Sewell.