Russell County’s youngest baseball stars are set to take the field this week as the 2026 West Kentucky Cal Ripken State Tournament gets underway.
Six Russell County Laker All-Star teams will compete at multiple tournament sites, all with hopes of bringing home a state championship.
Action begins Wednesday with the 11-and-under team taking on Fern Creek at 5 Central Time in Elizabethtown. The 8-and-under All-Stars face Monroe County at 6 in Greenville, followed by the 7-and-under team meeting Breckinridge County at 6:45 in Elizabethtown. The 10-and-under Lakers will take on Franklin-Simpson at 7 Wednesday evening, also in Elizabethtown.
Tournament play continues Thursday as the 12-and-under team faces Warren County at 6 in Scottsville, while the 9-and-under squad opens against Elizabethtown at 7:30 in Hardinsburg.
Pool play runs through Friday, with single-elimination competition beginning Saturday. State championship games are scheduled for Sunday.
Laker Nation is encouraging fans to wear red and navy, travel to support the teams, and help cheer on Russell County’s All-Stars throughout the tournament. Best of luck to all the players, coaches and families representing Russell County this week.