In the end, it was all about Brady Johnson’s consistency.

Johnson launced four home runs in each of the three rounds of a home run derby Friday that was the beginning of the festivities for the Dixie Youth Baseball AAA (9- and 10-year-olds) State Tournament that Clanton is hosting today through July 24.

Colby Ramsey represented the hosts well, finishing second out of the 12 competitors. Each team in town for the tournament was represented by one player.

For more pictures from the derby, visit our Spotted site

Johnson led off the third and final round with his four dingers, and neither Auburn’s Tyus Flakes (two home runs) nor Ramsey (three) could keep pace.

Johnson used a straightforward approach. Asked what was going through his mind while at the plate, he said, “Just that I had to hit them over.”

Asked if he would match his 12-homer total in the tournament, Johnson said “probably not.”

Ramsey said his impressive showing came as a surprise. His mother, Tracey Ramsey, was surprised also.

“I was just praying that he would hit one,” she said.

The field was: Decatur’s Cody Littlejohn, Alexandria’s Jaylun Kelley, Taylorville’s Caleb Squires, Chelsea’s Anthony Jones, Montgomery’s Drew Pinckard, Johnson, Municipal’s Garrett Hollinghead, Crossville’s Evan Burroughs, Luverne’s Donte’ Hall, Flakes, Underwood’s Drew Barton and Ramsey.

Games begin at 3:30 p.m. today, and Clanton’s first game is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Field A.