Published: July 18, 2008 09:57 am            

All-stars

By Chuck Gordon

Special to The Star

The boys of summer are headed to the beach, but bikinis and beach balls are the last thing on their minds — I hope.

The Meridian 9-10-year-olds travel to Biloxi to face Ocean Springs in a best-of-three series and a chance to be crowned state champs. Meridian recently dominated in district play by hammering the Little Leaguers from Hattiesburg and Natchez.

Play will begin tonight at 6 p.m. and continue on Saturday morning.

"Our hitting is strong all the way down the order and we play solid defense," Meridian coach Jimmy Files said. "I hope to go win this in two straight games, but if it takes us playing three to get the title, I will obviously still be happy.

"Anything less than that will be a great disappointment."

The Litlte League of America franchise does not offer regional or national tournaments for this age group — so unlike the 11-12-year-old Meridian All-Stars who are also on the Coast this weekend — the state tournament is it for the 9-10-year-old team, win or lose.

Good luck to coaches Files and Tyree and all the great kids on the team. Win or lose, we are all proud of how you are representing our community. Play hard, I'll take care of the bikini watching!

        

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