CHOCTAW — LaDonna Thomas didn’t plan on coaching stickball, but she was thrust into the role over 10 years ago when her nephews were without a coach. 

Thomas’ nephews have since grown into adults, but she hasn’t relinquished her youth stickball coaching duties.

Thomas stood on the sideline at Choctaw Central High School’s football stadium Thursday evening shortly after her Beaver Dam team defeated Oka Homma 3-0 during the second round of the State Games of Mississippi’s stickball tournament.

Thomas said the chance to help continue the tradition, and a love for working with youngsters, keeps her involved.

“The kids,” Thomas said. “They’re really helpful. If I say something, they’ll try it. And once they get the hang of it, it’s all right.”

Ten teams comprise this year’s field and they will compete through Saturday’s championship. 

Visitors flocked to Choctaw Central High School for Thursday’s two-game round and filled the bleachers well before the 6 p.m. start time. As the evening progressed, they lined the fence to cheer on the youth athletes. 

Oka Homma and Beaver Dam were led onto the field by drummers, and players from both teams banged their sticks in unison to the drum beat. The action began with a huddle at mid-field, before players — 25 on each team — began racing up and down the field, each grappling for the small orange ball they hurled at a wooden post in the end zone with the hopes of hitting it for a point. 

For the last three months, Thomas and her Oka Homma team have practiced four days a week for the popular summer tournament. 

“They like being out there,” Thomas said. “They just like winning, but they take the losses well, too.”

Thomas’ counterpart, Butch Billie, began coaching youth stickball four years ago. He said the competitiveness of the State Games tournament isn’t restricted to the playing field. 

“It means a lot — especially where you’re coming from, what kind of team you have and what kind of community support,” Billie said. “It goes all the way from State Games to the men’s league.”

Billie said no matter the year, participation and community support for State Games’ stickball tournament will always remain high, as it’s a source of pride for not just the players, but for all who are involved.

“It’s either me or somebody else — somebody is always there to pick it up so the ball never drops,” he said. “There’s just a community pride in each community that you go to. And there are certain people who give to the kids and the community without asking for anything back.”