The Bogalusa All-Stars 13-14 year olds finished runner-up in the state tournament in Lake Charles under some very difficult circumstances.

The team’s coach Chris Jefferson passed away July 12.

Spade Morris stepped in as the team’s coach.

“Everything that was done, was done in his name and his memory,” Morris said.

To remember Jefferson, the team had the words “In memory of CJ” embroidered into their jerseys on the right sleeve.

Marie Jefferson, widow of Chris Jefferson, said she really felt the love from the team.

“The second game, the first one they won, my nephew Jaylan Jefferson was the closer and they gave him the game ball,” Marie Jefferson said. “He went around and had everybody sign it and he gave it to me. I tried not to cry, but I gave him a big hug.”

The team got off to a rough start in the double-elimination tournament, falling to South Lake Charles last Saturday.

They rebounded with a 14-6 victory over Avoyelles Sunday.

The next day, Bogalusa showed the kind of fight they have, as they faced elimination for the second time.

The All-Stars got down 3-0 after two innings, but made the comeback. Bogalusa scored five runs in the third to go in front 5-3 and they did not trail after that in an 8-6 win over Bossier City.

The victory allowed Bogalusa to advance to the state finals where things didn’t go their way, as they suffered 17-4 loss to South Lake Charles.

Despite Tuesday’s loss, Morris said the team did great overall.

Morris said they just didn’t play well Tuesday, but spoke about one of the factors.

“We had a lot of young players in their first championship game, but they got a lot of good experience, which will help them next year,” Morris said.

Several players recorded one hit in the title round for the All-Stars.

Trilon Taylor doubled. Errol Varnado and Armontee Kemp both singled and scored. JaRoderick Robinson scored a run after reaching on a walk. Jaylan Jefferson and Jonathon Green both singled in the contest.

South Lake Charles advanced to the regionals with the victory Tuesday.