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"O" Zone Tourney Begins Today

CHRIS HOFFMAN/Highlands Today

Jonathan Struck is just one of several talented pitchers the Sebring All-Stars will be counting on during the Dixie O Zone District tournament in Lakeland this weekend.

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By Christopher  Hoffman | Highlands Today

Published: July 4, 2008

SEBRING — It's been three weeks since Ty Little came up big with his walk-off grand slam to beat Lake Placid in the District 8 tournament final and the 12-year-old is still feeling the euphoria.

"I still can't believe I hit it out," said Little during a recent practice. "But I hope that isn't the last one I ever hit."

The Sebring players have been dodging the weather and picking up practice time when they can in preparation for the Dixie Youth Majors (ages 11-12) "O" Zone state tournament, which begins today in East Lakeland.

Sebring head coach Charlie White chuckled when asked about Little's feat and if his team can ride that crest of momentum into the tournament.

"I think we needed to put lead weights on Ty's feet to keep him from floating away after he hit that grand slam," White said. "It took a couple of days for our team to come down from that finish to the district tournament, but we've been having some good practices and I like our chances.

"We're approaching every game like it's a World Series game."

White has his kids primed and ready for a long tournament run and he's got the weapons for the long haul, with deadly hitters up and down the batting order.

Jonathan Struck, Garrett DeRoss and Santos Bencomo have been solid at hitting the ball throughout the Dixie season, while Alex Forde, Little, J.C. Cobb and Chris Hensley supply great offense and ample defense that should keep Sebring in every game.

On the mound, White has a diverse bullpen he can pull from that includes eight kids who can pitch.

"We have a pitcher for nearly every type of team we'll face," White said. "We have kids that can throw everything from a knuckleball to a nasty fastball.

"Garret and Chris have been throwing great and I've got confidence in anyone I put on the mound."

Sebring kicks off the tournament against the West Seminole National team at 1 p.m.

The Lake Placid All-Stars will wake from their slumber as well, as they play the West Volusia American squad today at 5:30 p.m.

Tyler Carr is a two-way threat that is just as deadly on the mound as he is at the plate and is arguably the best up-and-coming shortstop in the Heartland.

Carr's change-up is his money pitch that has some deceptive movement that keeps batter's off-balance, while his fastball is equally effective in setting up his change-up.

Nathan Stanley, Justin LaRosa and Alex Miller all had some key hits against Sebring and catcher Josh Montero's defense will be key if Lake Placid is to make a run at a state championship.

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