MANCHESTER, NH – Less than a week after earning the state championship in dominant fashion, the North Manchester/Hooksett Little League 9-, 10- and 11-year-old Little League all-stars take aim at a regional crown as they head to Beverly, Mass. today.
First pitch of their first game at the East Regional 9- to 11-year-old tournament is scheduled for 5 p.m. tonight against New York at Field A of Beverly’s Harry Ball Complex at 410 Essex Street.
“We want to go down and play our best baseball of the summer and whatever that means for (results), we’ll be happy,” said NMHLL 9-11’s head coach Marcus Luce. “These kids are enjoying the summer playing together and this gave them one more week, (for) which they are all excited, so that’s all that matters.”
How’d they get here?
“This team throws strikes, is always ready to make a play and they want the ball and to have good at bats,” said Luce. “The kids understand the counts and what to look for wherever they are at.”
Indeed, after a slow start in state play, going 1-2 in its first two games, the NMHLL 9-11 year-old all-star team gained momentum heading into the knockout phase of the state tournament.
“The two losses were against two very good teams in Bedford and Monadnock, but in those losses you could see that we could compete against anyone if we played our best baseball,” said Luce. “We ramped up the intensity at practice, talked about competing at our best and we’d let the results be whatever they would be. The kids worked incredibly hard.”
In their fourth game, at Portsmouth, it took an extra two innings to decide a winner, but NMHLL prevailed and Luce said the team’s confidence continued to build from there as they also hosted and earned the “W” against a strong Salem squad in extra innings, leaning into a disciplined approach in the batter’s box against Salem’s ace, while also flexing on the base paths.
“Those two games put the team in clutch situations and they came through, which just continued and built momentum as each game went on,” he said. “The championship game was the best example of a team win.”
There, Anthony Coski earned the nod on the mound and threw 40 strikes on 60 pitches and was aided by the team’s defense, which made every routine play and some “extraordinary” plays in the infield from Ellie Faulhefer, Bryce Good, Will Keoha Vong and Ethan Lemire, said Luce.
Of course, while Coski and company limited Salem to three runs, the team’s bats contributed 14 runs in that contest, on July 22, beginning with a six-run first inning, helping cap the state tournament with the team’s best all-around performance to date.
The all-stars
Elizabeth (Ellie) Faulhefer – “She’s been outstanding defensively all summer, is one of the toughest kids on the team and works as hard as anyone,” said Luce.
Anthony Coski – “(He’s) a natural leader by the way he plays the game, has played shortstop, centerfield and pitcher, and was unbelievable in the (state) championship game for us. He could play any position for us and is always ready to go,” said Luce.
Felix LaPierre – “He’s been a leader for us in the dugout by always being positive and often leading creating energy for the team,” said Luce. “He’s caught nearly every inning of the summer for us and has done a great job. He has great at-bats and had a couple of great hits in the championship game.”
Will Keoha Vong – “No one in our league has worked hard than Will over the past 15 months. His love for the game is awesome to see and his teammates work harder because he’s working hard,” said Luce.
Landon (LJ) Ishimwe/Andrew (Andy)Arvanatis/Bryce Good/Ethan Lemire – “(They’re) all returners from last years 8-10 team that have played key roles for this team. LJ has anchored left field and the leadoff spot. Andy has been key in the pitching rotation and does a nice job putting the bat on the ball. Bryce transitioned to shortstop this summer and has done a great job. His quick hands and release make him a good infielder, especially with Bryce’s strong arm. Ethan has played a strong first base and has contributed in the outfield as well,” said Luce.
Aaron Connolly/Landon Raiche/Lincoln Scott/Nathaniel (Nat) Chesley/Braylon Frometa – “(They) are first-time all-stars and have been great additions to the team. They have worked really hard and are great teammates to the other eight players that played on last year’s state runner-up 8-10 team,” said Luce.
What’s next?
After the regional opener tonight, the New Hampshire champs have a scheduled off day Tuesday before competing in their second pool game Wednesday against Delaware at 5 p.m. on Field A of the Beverly Little League complex, the same time and location as tonight’s game.
Depending on the results of those first two pool-play games, NMHLL’s all-stars either advance to the knockout-round semifinals Thursday at 7 p.m. or they play in the consolation bracket earlier that day at either 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Should they advance beyond the semis, they’ll compete for the East Region championship game, which is scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m.
Manchester Ink Link will have full coverage of the NMHLL U11 all-stars this week, beginning with tonight’s regional opener against New York. Check back daily for the latest on the team’s progress.
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