When it comes to high school softball, the Barnwell Warhorses have a reputation as being one of the best softball programs in the state.
It comes as no surprise that Barnwell might have a representative in the 2024 South Carolina Coaches of Women’s Sports North-South All-Star Game that took place Wednesday, May 29 and Thursday, May 30 at Lexington High School. What makes this year a little different is that Barnwell was represented by a player, a coach, and even an umpire.
Barnwell head coach Mike Beasley was named to coach this super talented group of young ladies. Beasley was asked about being chosen to coach and said, “I appreciate the selection and opportunity to coach in the All-Star game. It’s great to work with some of the best talent in the state.”
Beasley and the 1A-2A-5A combined Team South came away from the two-day All-Star celebration as the big winning team, going 2-0 to claim the bragging rights. If you ask any coach or player involved, they will tell you that just being selected is an honor and when you get to compete with and against the best players in the state, everyone involved is a winner.
When Beasley was asked about this year’s North-South All-Star tournament, he said, “The team’s chemistry was excellent, contributing significantly to their success. It was a fantastic opportunity to see the best players in the state come together and compete in an All-Star tournament. Lexington High School did an outstanding job hosting the event, providing a memorable experience for all involved.”
Bre’Anna Buckmon represented the Warhorses as a player for Team South. Bre’Anna joined some of the state’s best senior softball players, representing all school levels from 1A through 5A softball. She was selected as a catcher for the 1A-2A-5A Team South squad.
“The tournament went really well! It reminded me of playing travel ball growing up. My favorite part was getting out of my comfort zone and being able to hold conversations with my teammates. I did make new friends! The girls were very nice and welcoming. I admired their ability to adjust to new teammates. Having Coach Mike with me helped me be comfortable with my environment. It felt like playing back at home,” said Bre’Anna of the experience.
Bre’Anna will be heading to the United States Air Force soon, but can take the memories with her of defeating the 1A-2A-5A North team 9-6 and then winning 7-6 the next day against the 3A-4A South squad.
You do not usually hear much about the umpires of all-star games, but they also try to select the best of the best umpires to call these all-star events. This year, Barnwell’s Kim Cochran was invited to call games at the North-South tournament. Kim has 15 years umpiring experience at the recreation league and high school levels. He has also 15 years’ worth of tournament experience.
“It was a pleasant surprise to be considered and asked! I knew earlier that Mike Beasley was chosen to coach in the tournament. I was extremely excited to officiate this year’s tournament with Coach Mike,” said Cochran
The 2024 South Carolina Coaches of Women’s Sports North-South All-Star Game was a huge success for all involved. It is even nicer if you are a part of the “winning” team like Bre’Anna Buckmon and Mike Beasley, representing the 1A-2A-5A South team.
Barnwell was definitely well represented by Mike Beasley, Bre’Anna Buckmon, and umpire Kim Cochran.
