Little league teams make big game

Two Quay County All-Star teams have qualified for state competition this month in Albuquerque.

The intermediate all-star team coached by Billy Burns will compete at 5:30 p.m., Friday against the winner of the District 5 match-up earlier in the day.

"It does not matter which team we will play, the guys will be focused on playing their best," Burns said.

Burns said at this level, the ball is pitched from 50 feet with 70 feet between bases. He said the guys will be working on their fundamental throughout the week.

"It's important to follow through on the basics," Burns said. "We just need to play our game, play to our potential."

The intermediate All-stars enter the state tournament with a 15-0 record, with their last win was two weeks ago, 14-5, against Clovis intermediate at Clovis.

While the path was set for the intermediate team, the 8-10 year old Quay County All-stars had to fight through a double elimination to secure their entry in the state tournament.

"The guys showed a lot of heart and didn't lose faith when they were down," said Cole Wallin, head coach.

The QC All-stars overcame and 10 run lead to win 16-13 against the Clovis Zias on June 27 in Tucumcari.

"I told the kids, life is going to knock you down, it's how you get back up and face the adversity that is important," Wallin said.

The team had started out the tournament with a 14-3 win against the Roosevelt County All-Stars on June 22 in Portales. The team then beat Zia 11-6 on June 23 but then lost to Zia (who had beat Roosevelt County) in the championship game on June 25 in Clovis.

Wallin said the tournament featured play from solid teams, each game was a challenge that helped the players to develop.

"I'm proud of how this team rallied back," Wallin said. "Their dedication and hard work really shined through on that night."

The Quay County All-stars are raising money to help with the cost of the expense of traveling to state. Contact one of their parents for information.