Southern 11U All-Stars vying for state title

July 20, 2019 | 12:03 am

Updated July 20, 2019 | 1:02 am

The Owensboro Southern 11U All-Stars begin play in the state tournament today. | File photo by Ryan Richardson

The Owensboro Southern 11U All-Stars understand what’s at stake as they head into today’s Little League state tournament.

With state being the highest level of tournament for 11-year-olds, it is Southern’s final chance to show what they are made of — and potentially get their names on the Southern Wall.

Manager Todd Lillpop said he took the team to the Southern Wall — a monument honoring past champions — earlier in the week, pointing out that while the program has a longstanding tradition of success, it’s not easy to bring home a state title.

“They know it’s not going to get any easier,” Lillpop said. “The target gets bigger, but my lands, if that’s not fun for the kids, I don’t know what is. I wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s going to help these kids learn for the future.”

The Southern 11s emerged as District 1 champions last week, taking down Bowling Green East after losing to them in the title game a year ago. Now, Owensboro is hoping to add a few more wins before the season ends.

“We’ve got to build off the momentum that we’ve already established here,” Lillpop said. “Winning the district was a big deal, but now we have to go in with the same focus.”

Key for Owensboro will be their success on the mound and in the field. Lillpop said his potent offense should be consistent, so if they can limit other teams, Southern will be able to apply pressure.

“If we pitch like we have and we play good defense, we’ll be fine,” he said. “I think we’re going to hit. We’ve got so many guys that are versatile. We’ve got guys that can bunt and handle the bat. We’ve got guys that can really run. We’ve got guys that can hit for power. We’ve got a good mix.”

Lillpop said as the last Southern All-Star team still playing — the 10U and 12U teams both lost in their district championships —  his squad is representing more than just themselves.

“We definitely want to end this thing on a high note,” he said. “For Southern Little League baseball, this is it. For us to be the lone one remaining, we want to go up there and take care of business and win this thing for everybody.”

Pool play begins today at 4 p.m. CST against North Oldham at Stonecrest Baseball Park in Prestonsburg. Southern will also play Paintsville, Ashland and Prestonsburg over the next three days.

Lillpop knows the competition will be tough enough just to advance to the semifinals, but Southern isn’t expecting anything less than a championship.

“They think they can go up there and get it done,” he said. “They know they’re going to have to work for it, but we’re going up there with the mindset that we’re going to win.”

July 20, 2019 | 12:03 am

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