Over 1,000 softball fans will converge around Brookhaven this weekend, cheering for their favorite players and teams, plus boosting the local economy. Over 500 girls will be showcasing their fastpitch softball talents in the Ole Brook Bash.

Tournament director Jaymie Palmer said 43 teams have registered for the three-day affair. It will follow a double-elimination format, featuring United States Fastpitch Association rules. Teams from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama are entered.

Action starts Friday at 4:30 p.m. Championship finals are set for Sunday night at 6 p.m.

Three facilities will be used for the tournament. The 8-Under, 10-U and 12-U brackets will be held at the Brookhaven Recreation Department’s Hansel King Sportsplex, located on Beltline Drive. The Ole Brook Lady Panther Softball Complex will host the high school division. Opening rounds for the 14-U will be held Friday and Saturday at Brookhaven Academy.

“We would love and encourage everyone in our area to come out and give their support,” said Palmer.

Several local teams have entered the three-day event: Brookhaven High School coached by Mandy Vinson, Southern Ice High School team coached by Kenneth Wallace, Slam 2001 and Lincoln Legends in 14U bracket

From Summit, Atak 05 in the 8-U, Auk 04 in the 10-U, MS Thunderchix and Atak 02 in the 12-U division.

From McComb, Edge in 12-U division, Fanatix 00 and Magic Styx in the 14-U division. Orange Crush and SW Slam in the high school division.

From Crystal Springs, MS Crush Orange in the 14U division and Copiah in the High School division.

Palmer stated the tournament would bring hundreds of fans to the Homeseekers Paradise this weekend. Motels are expected to be booked solid. Sales at restaurants and retail stores should increase by a large amount.

“I would also like to thank Brookhaven, Brookhaven Academy and the Brookhaven Recreational Department for helping out with the tournament,” continued Palmer.

Grant Williamson will be in charge of all the umpires.

Kenny Graves is in charge the concession stands. “I want to thank all of them for helping,” Palmer added.