MK8 Lady Bullpups Claim Second Consecutive District Championship
By: Shelia Mader
Marianna K-8’s “A” team capped off a dominant season with a 7-2 win over RMS Lady Bears to claim the district championship, marking the program’s second consecutive title. The Bullpups, who also opened the postseason with a 10-0 shutout of FSUS, finished a perfect 22-0 on the year after going 19-2-1 last season. Over the course of this spring, Marianna K-8 overwhelmed opponents, outscoring them 241-19 while recording 11 shutouts in 22 games.
In the championship game, Marianna used a balanced offensive attack to secure the win, totaling seven hits and capitalizing on key opportunities. Aynzley Smith led the way with two hits and two RBIs, while Brynley Lipford added a pair of hits and an RBI. Sydney Green drove in two runs, and Emmory Bellamy and Kate Barton each contributed an RBI. Adyson Brown and Aamyia Speights also added hits as the Bullpups built a steady lead across the middle innings.
In the circle, Barton delivered another standout performance, going the distance and allowing just four hits and two runs while striking out eight. She controlled the game throughout, keeping RMS off balance and sealing the title with a strong finish.
Marianna showed the same dominance in the district opener, blanking FSUS 10-0 behind another stellar outing from Barton, who allowed just one hit and struck out eight over four innings. Offensively, Brown and Green powered the lineup, with Brown collecting multiple hits and RBIs and Green adding extra-base power, while Graycee Rooks and Speights contributed key hits and aggressive baserunning.
Beyond the numbers, this group’s success reflects its chemistry and commitment. Several players have championship experience at the travel ball level, with four members of the roster part of both 10U and 12U World Series title teams, and six more who contributed to a 10U championship before aging out. That experience has translated into a cohesive, disciplined unit that plays with confidence in all phases.
With a deep and talented roster that includes Graycee Rooks, Adyson Brown, Amelia May, Ava Barnes, Aynzley Smith, Brynley Lipford, Brynn Sangaree, Charity Langford, Emmalynn Lawnson, Emmory Bellamy, Gracelynn Hall, Harper Murrell, Kamdyn Tew, Kate Barton, Lakyn Clark, Leighton Deese, Lucy Brock, Maci Kent, Natalie Tyus, Peyton Clevenger, Sabra Carter, Sydney Green and Aamyia Speights, Marianna K-8 has established itself as one of the premier middle school programs in the state. If this core stays together, the Bullpups appear well positioned to contend for future state titles in the coming years.
