Locals ready for ‘Super Saturday’

It’s called “Super Saturday,” but however you look at it, the first day of the weekend has the distinction of kicking off the 2008 District 55 All-Star Tournament.

District titles will be up for grabs in Majors, 9/10 year-old, 10/11 year-old and Juniors All-Star competition.

“We’re ready to go,” said Kent Sveningson, coach of Laguna’s 9/10 All-Star team, which begins tournament play at 10 a.m. Saturday against host Newport Beach American at Bonita Canyon Sports Park in Irvine.

“All of our teams have been practicing ever since the All-Stars were announced,” he said. “It’s an exciting time.

“I expect our team to advance far and deep in the tournament. We have a solid group of players who bring a lot of experience and talent. It should be a fun tournament.”

Also Saturday, Laguna’s 10/11 All-Star team will take on Newport Beach American at 3:30 p.m., and the Junior All-Star team will play Rancho Niguel at 7 p.m. Both games will be played at Woodfield Park in Aliso Viejo.

“We’re anchored by four returning All-Stars, have a good pitching staff and a good defense,” Juniors All-Star Coach Ralph Davis said.

The four returning All-Star players Davis has on the roster are Alex Davis, Santi Pierini, Nort Penney and Alex Iannotti.

Steve Sweet, coach of the 11/11 All-Star team, says he plans on starting Andrew Kimball against Newport Beach American.

“I think we are fielding a strong team that’s ready to play,” Sweet said. “Since we began practicing for All-Stars last week, these kids have quickly come together as a team.”

?Ian Detweiler

?Tyler Alter

?Michael Shurtleff

?Connor Hauer

?Dane Olson

?Nolan Del Toro

?Will McInerny

?Danny Pietig

?Jake Flaxman

?Zak Kovacic

?Brett Sveningson

?Davis Price

?Cole Calabrese, alternate

?Seth Smith, alternate

?Duke Holt, alternate

?Kent Sveningson, coach

?Ethan Chesley

?Andrew Kimball

?Shane Chapman

?Jordan Watkins

?Cole Zarinelli

?George Brown

?Mason Pitz

?Matthew Payne

?Elias Medici

?Joe Burris

?Nathan Sweet

?Nickolas Rieckhoff

?Cole Hutson, alternate

?Nicholas LeBars, alternate

?John Martin, alternate

?Steve Sweet, coach

?Alex Davis

?Santi Pierini

?Alex Iannotti

?Nort Penney

?Cameron Hauer

?Cole Kesler

?Harrison Williams

?Ricki De La Torre

?Larry Stewart

?Travis Clawson

?Kaito Lee

?Blake Hester

?Andrew Jensen, alternate

?Zack Graf, alternate

?Kristian Rieckhoff, alternate

?Ralph Davis, coach

MIKE SCIACCA covers sports. He can be reached at (949) 494-4321 or by e-mail at michael.sciacca@latimes.com.