|
Dalton Whitley and Dewayne Holmes (foreground) watch from the bench as their team takes a turn
Isaiah Williams (foreground) warms up with his teammates before a scrimmage |
Caroline County has a healthy Little League system, but their all-star teams haven't fared well in regional competition.
That changed earlier this month, when the minor division all-star team of 9- and 10-year-olds stunned the competition, winning their district championship by a combined score of 72-7.
"We were very surprised," coach Ray Hess said at a recent scrimmage.
Of the five games played during the district tournament, four of them were called early because Caroline had amassed a 10-run lead.
Hess and assistant coach Patrick Jones had only 10 days to prepare the team for the playoffs. Making the most of the talent he had, Hess stressed quality pitching and aggressive base running.
Players responded well, and the coaches plan to stick with their strategy in the 16-team state tournament taking place this weekend in Loudoun County.
"We're going to win a couple," player Collin Knowles said.
Knowles was quickly rebuked by teammate Isaiah Williams, who has his eyes on a bigger prize.
"A couple? What are you talking about?" he asked.
The coaches are impressed by the way the kids have bonded and hope the positive attitude carries over into the state tournament.
"How many innings will we play today?" Larry Reynolds asked his coach during the scrimmage.
"Six or seven," Hess replied. "How many do you want to play?"
"I want to play nine," Reynolds responded.
Hess smiled. It was the answer he was looking for.
Jonas Beals: 540/368-5036
Email: jbeals@freelancestar.com
