Howard Township 8U All-Stars win state title
Published 10:06 pm Wednesday, July 12, 2017
- In front from left: Nic Henrich, Tanner Rachel; second row: Layne Roberts, Vinnie Vance, Dawson Rachels, Caden DeHart, Brady Clayton, Colin Gowen, Brody Lace; third row: Colt Ferrell, Max Rucker, Brayden Wiemuth, Brady Fletcher, Preston Payne and Carson Gessinger; back row: coaches Andy Lace, Casey Gowen, Mike Ferrell, Ray Roberts. (Submitted photo)
The Howard Township 8U All-Stars were the only team to go undefeated at the Cal Ripken Baseball Michigan state tournament this past weekend in Alpena.
The All-Stars defeated rival Brandywine 10-2 in the title game to join the Howard Township Baseball 10U All-Stars as state champions.
In reaching the finals, Howard Township defeated L’Anse Creuse 7-1, Brandywine 15-10, host Alpena 8-0 and Rosedale 11-0 in the semifinals.
“I am really proud of all of the players and appreciative of my coaching staff,” said head coach Andy Lace.
In the title game against Brandywine, Brody Lace was 3-for-3, while Layne Roberts had a pair of triples. Max Rucker also had a triple.
Howard Township game MVPs were Preston Payne, Vinnie Vance, Colt Ferrell, Lace and Carson Gessinger.
Howard Township has qualified for the Ohio Valley Regionals in Vincennes, Indiana, but is unsure if it will be able to participate due to scheduling conflicts.
The 8U All-Stars will take part in a tournament this weekend in St. Joseph.
