TCS Colorado Fireworks & Sparkler TournamentsJun 26, 2016 by FloSoftball Staff
What to Watch for at the TCS Sparkler & Fireworks Tournaments
What to Watch for at the TCS Sparkler & Fireworks Tournaments
The Colorado tournaments are the largest fastpitch event in the world with over 830 participating teams. From June 27 to July 3 the top talent from coast to
The Colorado tournaments are the largest fastpitch event in the world with over 830 participating teams. From June 27 to July 3 the top talent from coast to coast descend on the Aurora area to compete for the coveted CO Sparkler/Fireworks championship and showcase their talent to over 600 college coaches.
“This will be our 20th year heading out to Colorado. It’s always one of my favorite trips.” - Tony Rico, Firecrackers
Expect the 2016 tournaments to deliver the same kind of top-notch action and drama the event is known for while setting the benchmark for competitive youth softball.
The top finishers from last year’s Sparkler make their return to Aurora Sports Park to battle for the Sparkler/Fireworks Championship. The No. 5 Firecrackers, No. 16 reigning champs Texas Sudden Impact, No. 17 Diamond Sports Hotshots, No. 20 Texas Glory all make their way to Aurora Sports park this week.
In addition to the heavy hitting competition, Triple Crown continues to raise the bar adding the home run derby and Military Appreciation game on June 30th at 7:00PM between the Texas Bombers and Firecrackers.
The Colorado Sparkler/Fireworks tournament is where teams go to be battle tested.
Log on to FloSoftball.com and catch all of the LIVE action at home or on your phone June 30 to July 3. See Schedule
Why: The Firecrackers finished 2nd at the Colorado Sparkler last year, tied for 3rd at PGF and 5th at TC/USA Nationals. The Firecrackers will showcase their speed on the bases and dynamite pitching in the circle. The squad is led by Lauren Rice (Missouri) and Brooke Vestal (Oklahoma).
Why: The Sparkler/Fireworks champs return with a slew of veterans with pitchers Payton McBride (Texas A&M), Shelby Good McGlaun, catcher Dani Elder (Texas A&M), and shortstop Courtney Taylor (Kansas). McBride is a southpaw coming off a successful senior campaign at Deer Park posting a 17-3 record finishing No. 19 in FloSoftball’s FAB 50 High School Rankings.
Why: One of the newest teams in the 18U division is also one of the best. The Texas-based Hotshots coached by Tammie Davis had a strong first year, tying for 9th at Colorado Sparkler, 17th at PGF Nationals and 24th at TC/USA Nationals. The team has two of the top 2016 Hot 100 players in the nation—both of whom will sign with Oklahoma this fall— in pitcher/infielder Nicole Mendes and infielder Alissa Dalton.
Why: Traditionally one of the top teams from the Lone Star State, the Glory finished 5th at Colorado Sparkler and 7th at TC/USA Nationals. Kevin Shelton’s Gold team loses a pair of 2015 Hot 100 infielders, Madison Montgomery and Taylor Lynch to Oklahoma State, but has some outstanding young talent in the pipeline at the younger ages. Pitchers Maddie MacGrandle (2017, Texas A&M) and Mariah Denson (2016, Oklahoma State) are two to watch.
Why: The Arizona Firecrackers have consolidated two of last year’s 18U teams to produce a potent squad that has retained the top 2016 and 2017 players with elite players from the Hinkle 16U team that won the Colorado Sparkler Super 32. Notable young players include pitcher Jessica Lynch (2018, Arizona State) and infielder Grace Lyons (2018, Oklahoma) while leadership will come from 2016 Madison Uden (Michigan).
Why: After a couple of years finishing in the Top 10 at PGF 18U Nationals, the Lightning tied for 17th at PGF and finished in the same spot at Boulder. John Corn’s team is ready to reload with several of the top prospects on the East Coast including South Carolina commit and Gatorade State Player of the Year Cayla Drotar, a 2017 pitcher who can swing it too; the Davidson sisters, Montana and Mia, going to Mississippi State and outstanding catcher Megan Dray, a 2017 commit to North Carolina.
“This will be our 20th year heading out to Colorado. It’s always one of my favorite trips.” - Tony Rico, Firecrackers
Expect the 2016 tournaments to deliver the same kind of top-notch action and drama the event is known for while setting the benchmark for competitive youth softball.
The top finishers from last year’s Sparkler make their return to Aurora Sports Park to battle for the Sparkler/Fireworks Championship. The No. 5 Firecrackers, No. 16 reigning champs Texas Sudden Impact, No. 17 Diamond Sports Hotshots, No. 20 Texas Glory all make their way to Aurora Sports park this week.
In addition to the heavy hitting competition, Triple Crown continues to raise the bar adding the home run derby and Military Appreciation game on June 30th at 7:00PM between the Texas Bombers and Firecrackers.
The Colorado Sparkler/Fireworks tournament is where teams go to be battle tested.
Log on to FloSoftball.com and catch all of the LIVE action at home or on your phone June 30 to July 3. See Schedule
What to Watch for at TCS Sparkler & Fireworks Tournaments
Who: No. 5 Firecrackers Rico
When: vs Texas Bombers Gold (Military Appreciation Game) 8:00PM 6/30Why: The Firecrackers finished 2nd at the Colorado Sparkler last year, tied for 3rd at PGF and 5th at TC/USA Nationals. The Firecrackers will showcase their speed on the bases and dynamite pitching in the circle. The squad is led by Lauren Rice (Missouri) and Brooke Vestal (Oklahoma).
Who: No. 16 Texas Sudden Impact - Dutton
When: vs Lakewood Firecrackers - Pasco/Guerra 8:00AM 6/30Why: The Sparkler/Fireworks champs return with a slew of veterans with pitchers Payton McBride (Texas A&M), Shelby Good McGlaun, catcher Dani Elder (Texas A&M), and shortstop Courtney Taylor (Kansas). McBride is a southpaw coming off a successful senior campaign at Deer Park posting a 17-3 record finishing No. 19 in FloSoftball’s FAB 50 High School Rankings.
Who: No. 17 Diamond Sports Hotshots
When: vs Firecrackers AZ - Hinkle at 12:00PM 6/30Why: One of the newest teams in the 18U division is also one of the best. The Texas-based Hotshots coached by Tammie Davis had a strong first year, tying for 9th at Colorado Sparkler, 17th at PGF Nationals and 24th at TC/USA Nationals. The team has two of the top 2016 Hot 100 players in the nation—both of whom will sign with Oklahoma this fall— in pitcher/infielder Nicole Mendes and infielder Alissa Dalton.
Who: No. 20 Texas Glory - Shelton
When: TBDWhy: Traditionally one of the top teams from the Lone Star State, the Glory finished 5th at Colorado Sparkler and 7th at TC/USA Nationals. Kevin Shelton’s Gold team loses a pair of 2015 Hot 100 infielders, Madison Montgomery and Taylor Lynch to Oklahoma State, but has some outstanding young talent in the pipeline at the younger ages. Pitchers Maddie MacGrandle (2017, Texas A&M) and Mariah Denson (2016, Oklahoma State) are two to watch.
Who: No. 22 Firecrackers AZ
When: vs Diamond Sports Hotshots at 12:00PM 6/30Why: The Arizona Firecrackers have consolidated two of last year’s 18U teams to produce a potent squad that has retained the top 2016 and 2017 players with elite players from the Hinkle 16U team that won the Colorado Sparkler Super 32. Notable young players include pitcher Jessica Lynch (2018, Arizona State) and infielder Grace Lyons (2018, Oklahoma) while leadership will come from 2016 Madison Uden (Michigan).
Who: No. 25 Lady Lightning Gold Team Miken
When: TBDWhy: After a couple of years finishing in the Top 10 at PGF 18U Nationals, the Lightning tied for 17th at PGF and finished in the same spot at Boulder. John Corn’s team is ready to reload with several of the top prospects on the East Coast including South Carolina commit and Gatorade State Player of the Year Cayla Drotar, a 2017 pitcher who can swing it too; the Davidson sisters, Montana and Mia, going to Mississippi State and outstanding catcher Megan Dray, a 2017 commit to North Carolina.