SACO — Saco Little League has had a ton of success in recent years and that streak has continued this summer as two teams have earned trips to states.
One of those teams is Saco’s 8-10 year-old All-Stars, who will kick off play in the state tournament today at 4 p.m. in Old Town — and this group of young standouts is hoping to make some noise of their own.
“Over the past couple years (Saco Little League has) had a lot of success. I think (seeing that success helps) a little bit, but I think they are trying to forge their own way,” said Saco manager Brian Thompson. “While seeing the success (of other Saco teams) has played a part, they want to do their own thing.”
The Saco All-Stars rolled through the District 4 tournament with four straight wins — including an 8-3 victory over Sanford Red in the district championship game.
“It’s great. Our team played really well,” said shortstop and pitcher Noah Fullerton on Saco’s run to the district title. “We worked really hard to get here and I’m just really happy where we are right now.”
This Saco team has a strong bond — both on the field and during their down time.
“We are really close … I feel like we’ve done pretty well so far as a team,” said Dominic Hussey, who also plays shortstop and spends some time on the mound.
So what do the Saco All-Stars do to wind down after a tough game?
“We’ll have pool parties and just relax,” Saco first baseman and pitcher Beck Edgerly said.
Thompson believes his team’s ability to focus on the field and have fun off of it has been important to their run to the state tournament.
“They’re a really good group of kids. We have kids with all different skill sets, different personalities and they all kind of meld into one,” said Thompson. “From day one they have always picked each other up, so they’re a pretty loose group … I think they are having a lot of fun and they are all great kids.”
Hussey confirmed this team is having plenty of fun this summer.
“It’s been fun playing with this team and just a lot of fun moments,” said Hussey.
One thing that could help Saco make a deep run in the state tournament is their pitching depth — which includes the talented arms of Edgerly, Fullerton and Hussey.
“If someone’s not doing that good we always have someone that can come in and still do awesome,” said Edgerly.
The young All-Stars will make the trip north this morning and they are confident they can bring back another championship banner to Saco.
“There’s going to be some good teams, but I feel like we can get through it,” Fullerton said.
“(There will be some) pretty tough competition, but I think we can struggle through it … I think we’ll make it,” added Hussey.
— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.

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