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  • Slideshow: Princeton Junior League All-Stars shine

    The Princeton Junior League All-Stars — fresh off winning their District 4 Little League Baseball title — moved on to the Junior League playoffs at Anderson Field in Gardner this week. Here, the Princeton team, made up of 13- and 14-year-olds, squares off against the Nicholas County team, consisting of players from Summersville and Craigsville. Princeton won that contest, 14-4, and followed the victory up with a 15-4 win over Grant County on Tuesday. Princeton will play again on Wednesday, and stands a chance to move on to Thursday's state championship.

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July 20, 2012

Princeton's own make it to Junior League semifinals

By TAMMIE TOLER Princeton Times

GARDNER —  — For the second time in two years, the Princeton Junior League All-stars have worked their way into the state Little League baseball tournament.

This year, they enjoyed the chance to play on their home field inside the Anderson complex at Gardner.

“It’s exciting, finally, to be able to have it in Princeton,” All-star Jon Clark said, before the tournament began.

The Princeton team won victories in its first three games against Beckley, Grant County and Nicholas County, to earn a berth in the state semifinals.

Wednesday night, however, the team from Cross Lanes/Dunbar/Nitro bested Princeton, 1-0, ending this year’s championship play for the local All-stars.

Still, Coach Bryan Rotenberry said his team did him proud and showcased their amazing team spirit.

“These kids have been playing together since they were 6 or 7 years old, and they play really well together,” Rotenberry said.

The 11-member team finished its regular season with a perfect record, winning its pool-play games 3-0, and taking both of its District 4 games.

“They do have a lot of skills, but I think their biggest asset is that they’ve played together so much,” Rotenberry said.

While he would have liked to capture the state title and advance to regional play, Rotenberry said that wasn’t necessarily his top priority.

“I want them to be successful, but I want them to have a good time, too,” he said.

The teammates planned to do both.

“Playing in the tournament is challenging, but it’s fun,” Jacob Harmon, who plays first, third and pitcher, said. “We like to win.”

Like their coach, the players agreed that their time spent together in the Little League program has helped them on the field.

“We can look at each other and know what we’re thinking and going to do,” Clark said.

In the championship post-season play, the Princeton All-stars won contests against Beckley, 16-9; Nicholas County, 14-4; and Grant County, 15-4. The Cross Lanes, Dunbar, Nitro team won the semifinal contest 1-0. That team was slated to take on Charles Town at 6 p.m. Thursday.

 

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