The Southern Explosion 98 softball team, in association the United States Specialty Sports Association, held a fast-pitch softball tournament Dec. 8-9 at the Sand Hill Recreation Complex. The event drew teams from as far away as Augusta and Waycross with players from South Carolina to Florida, along with the elite teams from the local area competing in 12U, 14U and high school divisions.

Southern Explosion-Schurman won the high school division, with Team Ricochet finishing as runner- up. Southern Explosion 98 won the 14U division crown, with USSSA GA Junior Pride-Gleason taking runner-up. USSA GA Junior Pride-Miller won the 12U division, with Southern Explosion 01 as the runner-up.

Along with the softball competition, a pillow and blanket drive was set up, with the proceeds going to the Union Mission of Savannah.  “It has been a tradition since the founding of the Southern Explosion softball organization to give back to the community, be it a toy drive, Down syndrome Buddy Walk, or a blanket and pillow drive,” said Southern Explosion 98 coach Dwyane Wilson.