The 10U Little League State Tournament has arrived in Paris, and pool play kicks off at 10 a.m. today, July 13. Teams will duke it out with hopes of claiming higher seeds and an easier path to a state championship.
One of the teams vying for the top spot in pool play is the Paris 10U All-Stars.
Paris recently claimed the District 2 Championship in the eight to 10-year-old age group.
Zack Janis, assistant coach of the Paris 10U All-Stars, has been impressed with his team this season.
“I take great pride in the achievements we have made thus far,” Janis said. “Our team has shown tremendous support for one another, constantly cheering each other on.”
While the team’s success manifests itself in each game and tournament, it’s been the extra reps before each contest that set this squad apart.
“Each individual has been dedicated to improving their hitting, pitching and fielding skills, both during and after practice,” Janis explained. “It is the hard work they put in that sets them apart, and their youthful energy also drives them to be more aggressive on the field.”
While the young All-Stars are happy with their recent district title win, they are far from satisfied.
“They refuse to settle for just being district champions; their ultimate goal is to win the state championship,” Janis concluded.
Bracket play begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 15. All games, both in pool play and bracket play, will occur at Frost, Rural King and Colvin Fields behind the American Legion.
Schedule:
Pool Play – Saturday, July 13
10 a.m.
Paris, Clear Ridge (Frost Field)
Moline, La Grange (Rural King Field)
Hinsdale, South Holland (Colvin Field)
12 p.m.
Olney, Warren Park (Frost)
District 20, Rochelle (Rural King)
Beardstown, Huntly (Colvin)
2 p.m.
Paris, Hinsdale (Frost)
Moline, South Holland (Rural King)
District 10, Ridge Beverly (Colvin)
4 p.m.
La Grange, Olney (Frost)
Clear Ridge, Warren Park (Rural King)
Huntly, District 20 (Colvin)
6 p.m.
Rochelle, District 10 (Frost)
Beardstown, Ridge Beverly (Rural King)
Pool Play – Sunday, July 14
10 a.m.
South Holland, Paris (Frost)
Warren Park, Hinsdale (Rural King)
Moline, Olney (Colvin)
12 p.m.
Beardstown, District 20 (Frost)
District 10, Huntly (Rural King)
Clear Ridge, La Grange (Colvin)
2 p.m.
Ridge Beverly, Rochelle