BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Lehigh Little League 9-10-year-old team is entering the Pennsylvania State Tournament on Monday a tight group.
Not to worry, as the boys are not tight as in nervous, but as in “we’re confident and ready to take care of business,” Head Coach Kevin Kelly said.
"They’re a tight group and are good friends that are talented in all aspects — personalities and all.”Lehigh Little League Head Coach Kevin Kelly
Fresh off winning the PA Section 6 8-10-year-old Tournament championship Wednesday, Kely said he's confident his players are, well, confident entering its opening game against Section 1 champion DuBois at 4 p.m. at Valley East Little League in Drums, Luzerne County.
“These kids have been in the Little League together for years now,” Kelly said. “They’re a tight group and are good friends that are talented in all aspects — personalities and all.”
Lehigh defeated Council Rock/Newtown, of Bucks County, 8-1, to advance to the tournament in Drums. It lost to Newtown in sectionals last year, but defeated them twice in the Section 6 tourney this year.
'A pretty strong Little League'
Should Lehigh win the tournament at Drums, which runs from July 21-26, it would advance to the age-group's final tournament: the 8-10-year-old Little League East Regional Invitational Tournament Aug. 1-9 in Cranston, Rhode Island.
Lehigh dominated its three opponents in the Section 6 tourney, outscoring them collectively 27-5.
"We're excited to see what we can do this year."David Cresci, Lehigh Little League president
“We have five kids on our team that played last year,” Kelly said. “And we’ve added seven more kids who have been tremendous contributors. And they all get along together very well.”
The returning players include shortstop Colin Kelly, the coach’s son; pitcher Caleb Yoder; outfielders Noah Domitrovits and Marcus Stuart; and third baseman Johnny Shireman.
Other starters are second baseman Jack Misko, first baseman Harrison Cser, left fielder A.J. Rivera, catcher Hunter Roth and extra hitters Pierce Steiner, Ashton Kendy and Levi Chacko.
“We’re a 9-10-year-old team, but the tournament allows 8-year-olds,” Lehigh Little League President David Cresci said. “And we’re a pretty strong Little League as Little Leagues go.
"But getting to states has been a challenge for us the past few years. It was 2016 the last time we won sections at 8-10.
“We’re excited to see what we can do this year.”
