Bryan County High School’s Third Annual Summer Slam got under way Monday at Hendrix Park.

The tournament includes 16 teams from a number of area high school varsity and junior varsity programs. The event began with only nine teams.

"It’s grown in size as well as popularity," said BCHS coach Al Butler, who is looking at rebuilding the powerhouse Lady Redskins this fall. "There has been interest shown from several college coaches hoping to find a diamond in the rough for their own respective programs."

Among the schools participating in the tournament are McIntosh County Academy, South Effingham, Tattnall County, Effingham County, Vidalia, Bacon County, Long County, North Hampstead, Savannah Christian and Jenkins. The JV tourney includes programs from BCHS, Bryan County Middle School, Effingham, Bacon County, Tattnall County, McIntosh County Academy and South Effingham.

The tournament helps get the Lady Redskins ready for a season that in recent history has usually seen the team be among the last eight left standing in state Class A circles.

But the Lady Redskins will be a different squad after graduating Tiffany Howard, a two-time Georgia Athletic Coaches Association player of the year. Howard was among several seniors who helped the Lady ‘Skins advance to the state Class A finals three of the last four years.

Still, the bar remains high in Pembroke.

"This year’s team has a lot to live up to," Butler said. "Expectations are high and we are spoiled for excellence when it comes to softball in Bryan County."

Newcomers include freshmen Brooke Barfield, Layton Harrel, Kaylin Leggett, Christina Parker, Candace Register, Taylor Roop and Brooklynn Williams.