By BEVERLY CHERRY

WILDWOOD (NJ)-The Clay County Marbles Team showed off their spectacular talents again this year at the 86th annual National Marbles Tournament that was held here. 

During the week of June 22-26, 8th-grader Brooklyn Cherry and 3rd-grader Logan Mayberry, both at Celina K-8, placed in the top eight players this year competing against 19 other girls from around the nation.

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AT NATIONALS (Above right)-Logan Mayberry (left), coach Jeff Kimmell and Brooklyn Cherry at the national marble tournament in Wildwood, New Jersey. (Photos submitted)

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Brooklyn placed 3rd again this year with a record of 39 wins, 9 losses in the semi-finals and losing 3-1 during a playoff to advance to the final round. Brooklyn also brought home the stick trophy with seven sticks for the week. Brooklyn is the first girl in history to win the stick trophy in back to back years. A “stick” is when you knock out seven marbles on your first shot of the game. It is very difficult to achieve and takes lots of hard work and practice to be successful.

Logan, her first year ever playing marbles, left the tournament in 6th place with a record of 26 wins, 22 losses. Logan and her family and friends are very proud that she managed to make the top eight players of the week on her first year. That achievement is not typical.

On behalf of the Clay County Marbles Team, we would like to thank all of our sponsors who make this trip each year possible. Without your generous donations, this trip would not otherwise be affordable. It is truly a great experience for our youth. Brooklyn and Logan would also like to thank their coach, Jeff Kimmell and Brian Cherry for all of their time, effort, and support while they were being trained for this competition.

For any past marble champion, or if you are interested in playing marbles and are over the age of 14, mark your calendar for Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9. During this time, the U.S. marbles cup is being held in Pittsburgh (PA). Winner in girls and boys division will receive $500. For more information visit www.usmarbles.org. Brooklyn will also be competing in this tournament. 

Brooklyn Cherry finished third at the national marble tournament for the second time.

Logan Mayberry finished sixth at the national marble tournament in her first year of competition.