The Wilton Little League 12-year-old All-Stars know what it feels like to hold up a championship banner. As 10s, the team won the CT Little League District One Championship by defeating Darien’s 10U All-Star team, 5-4.
They also know what it feels like to watch their opponent hold up the championship banner. As 11s, the team lost the district championship game to Darien in heartbreaking fashion, 7-6, after their opponent came from behind to score three runs in the bottom of the sixth.
The Wilton squad has used that loss as motivation to get better as a team, with each player focused on getting back to the championship.
Manager Kevin Toohill has been impressed with the team’s approach in preparing for the district tournament. “This is a special group that understands how to get down to business the minute they step on the field. They have become accountable to each other as 12s and I couldn’t be happier with their attitude, concentration and effort.”
The team will begin its final district tournament at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 27 at Bill Terry Field at the Wilton Family YMCA.
The talented and deep pitching staff is led by ace Colton Smith, whose elite fastball and big game experience make him an extremely tough pitcher for district opponents to face. Charlie Cretella and Jeff Fox will rely on their significant pitching experience in the tournament, while Casey Meyer, Gavin Toohill and Mario Coppola round out a staff that exhibits solid velocity mixed with off-speed pitches to keep hitters off-balance.
Behind the dish Ethan Driscoll and Cole Herbst will look to manage the staff, putting their excellent blocking ability to the test with a staff that will throw curveballs in almost any count.
Wilton’s defense may be the team’s greatest strength as well as its most significant focus. Third base will be anchored by top defenders Smith, Cretella and Greg Bocchino, depending on who is pitching. Coppola and Toohill have partnered to become an elite up-the-middle combination, while Meyer and Smith’s size and footwork at first base make the entire infield better.
In the outfield, Gavin Levenherz and Denny Dustin will continue to cover an incredible amount of ground along with Peter Braid, Teddy Palumbo, Fox and Meyer.
In addition to Toohill, the coaching staff will include Aaron Meyer, Peter Braid and Dennis Dustin.
The team has won 46 games over the last three years, including wins against some of the best teams in the state and two wins in the Opening Day Tournament at The Ripken Experience in Aberdeen, Maryland.
Each player understands his role and has given 100% effort to help the team continue to improve as one unit. That has created a team culture and atmosphere that the coaches and players want to be around as much as possible. But through it all there is an understanding among the players and coaches that this is the last little league district run for this group, and nobody wants the journey to end.
In fact, they all hope their journey is just beginning.