Howard 8U All-Stars win state crown
Published 9:48 am Thursday, July 11, 2019
- In front from left: Jackson Gessinger, Brody Zavitz (batboy), Maddux Hagen, Tristan Pesce, Brennon Hood, Bryce Morrison, Bo Balos, Brenner VanLue, Kayden Gordon, Dawson Rachels, Tanner Fox, Avary Zimmerman, MJ Troup; back row: assistant coach Derrick Balos, head coach Chris Gessinger, assistant coach Josh Hagen, assistant coach Casey Hood, assistant coach Dave VanLue, assistant coach Mike Troup and assistant coach Jamie Zimmerman.(Submitted photo)
NILES — The Howard Township All-Stars dominated the Michigan Cal Ripken state baseball tournaments last weekend.
The 8U All-Stars were victorious over rival Brandywine to capture the state title at Fireman’s Park, while the 10-year-olds won their third state championship. The 11-year-olds were also state champions while the 12-year-olds captured their seventh title in six years.
The 12-year-olds won both the 11- and 12-year-old Cal Ripken state championships in 2018.
“This is a great group of kids who enjoy playing with each other and are willing to do whatever the team needs,” said Howard Township coach Chris Gessinger. “I couldn’t be more proud. The home crowd fan support was phenomenal this past weekend.”
The Howard Township 8U All-Stars defeated Brandywine 19-4 in the championship game to qualify for the Ohio Valley Regional Tournament in Newburgh, Indiana.
In pool play, Howard Township blanked Brandywine 10-0, Howard White 12-0 and Alpena 17-2.
The All-Stars scored 58 runs in their four games.
Bo Balos, Tristan Pesce and Brenner VanLue were all selected as game Most Valuable Players.
Gessinger said that the team has really come together and is ready to head south and play in the regional.
“This is a great group of kids who enjoy playing with each other and are willing to do whatever the team needs,” he said. “It means a lot to represent Howard Township and keep the state championship tradition strong here. There are high expectations for all of our teams to compete at a high level in this tournament, and they did not disappoint this weekend. Our goal now is to step up and take it to the next level in regionals as the Michigan state champ representative and keep our season going a little bit longer.”
The Ohio Valley Regional will run July 18 through 21.
The all-star team will be hosting a fundraising carwash to help pay for travel expenses to Newburgh from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Advanced Auto in Niles on Sunday. Advanced Auto is located at 900 S. 11th St.
All-star coaches should submit their championship information and a team photo to scott.novak@leaderpub.com
