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All-Stars 'chasing the dream'
Justin Parker, Sports Editor What began as a dream is now becoming reality for 11 young men in Lenoir. The members of the Lenoir American All-Stars have already accomplished a lot this summer and, today, they'll begin their pursuit for more when they open play in the Little League state tournament in Waynesville. Lenoir meets Forest City in the first round at 3 p.m. The 2008 Lenoir All-Stars (ages 11-12) won the District 7 crown on Monday, defeating Wilkes National at Lenoir Optimist Park. The district title is the first for a Lenoir team since 1990, five years before the players on the current team were born. The only state title won by the program came in 1983. Coach Brandon Walker, who played on a 1982 district champion and state runner-up Lenoir team, says the dream of having a lengthy run in the postseason began a few years back for the players. Then, last year, nine of the current team members played to a third-place district finish. Knowing that most of the team would return in 2008, the players felt the title — and the state berth — was within reach. "We're chasing a dream," Walker says. "That's what I keep telling them. We're chasing the dream." With teams spread across the state and pre-game scouting almost logistically impossible, teams enter the state tournament almost blind to what lies ahead of them as far as opposition. Walker says that means Lenoir can only worry about having itself in order. "I feel comfortable with our pitching and defense," Walker says. "Hitting is our main concern right now. We're still waiting for the bats to come out. If the bats come through, I think we can definitely make a strong run." Drew Bolick and Tre' Harper are the team's top pitchers, but Walker says the staff is seven deep. Zac Walker and Jacob Copper were the team's leading hitters in the district final. Copper had a three-run home run to spark the team in the first inning. The team celebrated the win on the field in the moments immediately after the final out. Then they had a pool party and more practice this week in preparation for the tournament that runs through July 25. "It's exciting for the kids," Walker says. "I just hope we can go up there and stay focused." The Lenoir Optimist Club fielded four teams during this summer's regular season and players were selected almost evenly from those teams to form the all-star team. In all-star play, Lenoir won four games to capture the district crown. It defeated Lenoir National 19-0 in the first round, then Wilkes American 3-2 in the second round. Lenoir then defeated Wilkes National 5-2 and 4-3 to qualify for the state tournament. Other teams to qualify are: Weddington American, North State, Waynesville, Davie American, Forest City, Transylvania and Wilmington. One of the eight teams will represent North Carolina in the Southeast Regional in St. Petersburg, Fla., July 31-Aug. 8.
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