Sandusky girl on All-Ripken Games championship team

SANDUSKY — Danica Williams from Sandusky played on a 12U softball team that won a tournament over the weekend at the All-Ripken Games at Sports Force Parks. Williams played first base, outfield and shortstop for the Independence team. Participants in the All-Ripken Games must be nominated to play in one of the tournaments hosted by Ripken properties throughout the country. According to the tournament website, the events are "focused on celebrating individual talent and player development, the All-Ripken Games provide a unique opportunity for players to compete alongside new teammates, elevate their game, and create lasting memories." Williams played on a team with players from around the country. Her team went 5-0. Williams, who will be a seventh-grader this fall, played travel softball this summer for the Sandusky Thunderbolts. One of her travel ball teammates, Layla Jones, also played in the All-Ripken Games on a team called the Strikers. The tournament featured several age groups for softball and baseball. Sandusky's Ka'Von Pollard was a pitcher, catcher and shortstop on the 12U Nationals baseball team in the tournament. Pollard, who played several positions, had two hits and three RBI in an elimination-round game. Pollard played this summer for the AMVETS Post 17 rec ball as well as the San-Town Smashers travel ball team. He has been invited to play in more All-Ripken tourneys. Lamarqus Carr and Kenny Pettis coached the Smashers and the Nationals team in the All-Ripken event.