Little Leaguers eyeing elusive win in all-star tournament

David Becker / Special to the Home News

Al Kermode, left, coach of the Little League team the Diamond Backs, gives some batting tips to Bradley Henderson, 11, during a morning practice at the Boulder City Veterans Memorial Park.

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 | 11:30 p.m.

The Boulder City Little League Majors Division all-star team knows history isn't on their side.

Still, the group of 11- to 13-year-olds are confident they can accomplish something that is rarely done by the local league: Win a game in the tough District 2 tournament.

The tournament, with powers Green Valley and Paseo Verde typically fighting for supremacy, is the first stage in the road to reach the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Paseo Verde lost in the Western Regional title game last year one game short of the series, and Green Valley lost the regional finals in 2001 and '03.

The children on Boulder City's team, like all teams in this age group, dream of reaching Williamsport.

But when they open the tournament at 7:15 p.m. on June 26 against Silverado at the Arroyo Grande Sports Complex in Henderson, the team will have a more realistic goal — earning that elusive victory.

League representatives weren't certain when the last time a Majors Division team won a game in the tournament, but the general consensus is several years.

"There is a lot to work with out here," coach Al Kermode said. "There is a lot of potential. The challenge will be getting them to believe in themselves and believe in their teammates."

Kermode, who played minor league baseball for seven years before retiring to Boulder City in 2000, has the team confident in their abilities. While most of the three-hour daily practices are spent working on the basics of hitting and fielding, Kermode pays special attention to building their confidence.

"It's not always the best team that wins on any given day," Kermode said. "It's the team that plays the best."

Boulder City's struggles in fielding a competitive team are due to a lack of numbers.

Boulder City only had 24 players divided into two teams in the Majors Division for the regular season and played against teams from Sunrise Mountain and Henderson. Other leagues in the district tournament had 10 times the amount of participation and teams.

But Boulder City does have three ­— shortstop Nolan DeSantis, pitcher Austin Wishard and utility player Peyton Koopman — who travel to Las Vegas to participate in competitive club leagues. Those players have the experience to keep the all-star team competitive.

"We are all learning new stuff from coach Al. He is doing a good job teaching us," catcher Colton Bosnos said.

Boulder City is guaranteed four games in the nine-team tournament. Boulder City plays Central on June 27, Moapa Valley on June 29 and Green Valley on July 1.

"The kids have to stay level-headed," Kermode said. "You could be up 20-0 or down 20-0 and have to continue playing hard."

The top four teams will meet in the semifinals and the championship game is scheduled for July 6.

While Boulder City's isn't expected to be in contention, the team has different ideas. They plan on putting forth their best effort, an effort that hopefully leads to successful performances.

"We have a lot of talent on this team," DeSantis said. "It is going to take a lot of teamwork."

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or ray.brewer@lasvegassun.com.