Hollister’s 14-year-olds set to begin Central State tourney at
home tonight; 13s ready to roll in Lompoc
Hollister – One has hit the road. And the other gets to play at home. But the goal remains the same for Hollister’s 13- and 14-year-old Babe Ruth All Stars – a state championship.
The 13-year olds open play in the Central California state sectional in Lompoc this morning, hoping to maintain their hot streak after a 4-0 run to the District 1 title last week.
“I’d just like them to continue to play the way they have been,” manager Jerry Sepulveda said of the 13s. “They’ve just executed very well and they’ve done it as a team. … Everyone has contributed so far and that’s what it takes.”
Meanwhile, after a 4-0 showing of their own, the 14-year-old All Stars have the advantage of hosting the Central California tournament in Hollister. With the eight-team affair set to begin at 10am this morning, manager Stephen Ferranti said his players understand they are in a unique position.
“I think it’s a privilege to do it,” said Ferranti on Monday of hosting the tournament. “I think the kids are aware of that.”
While far removed from the friendly confines of their own beds, the Babe Ruth 13-year olds have settled in nicely to their stays with host families in Lompoc, according to Sepulveda.
The manager said he and his players are well aware that the competition will be raised a significant notch from the district tournament.
“You make it to a state-level tournament and all the teams are really solid,” Sepulveda said by telephone. “It’s an honor just to be able to come here and play.”
The 13s play Cotton Belt (Fresno) at 11:30am today.
Meanwhile, the 14s have a favorable time slot in their tournament, drawing the late game today. With his team set to play Atascadero at 7pm tonight, Ferranti said he hoped the home-field advantage would a decisive factor.
“They’re going to be real comfortable playing at home,” Ferranti said.
