NHBA 11U All-Stars advance through district

The NHBA Bronco 11U All-Stars woke up the morning of June 23 knowing they needed to win their final two district games in Cypress to secure a spot in the 11-Under PONY Southern California Regional Tournament. They did just that beating Mission Viejo in the first contest, 13-4.

Later that evening, they took down the Cypress All-Stars, 12-3. This victory avenged Newport’s only loss in the tournament as Cypress had won its contest on Saturday, 11-5.

By finishing up in second place in the district tournament, Newport automatically advances to the 11U regional tournament that will be held in Fountain Valley July 6-8.

In the first game against Mission Viejo, Braham Duncan earned the win, pitching six innings, allowing just one hit while striking out seven. The offense was led by Jack Bibb and Clay Liolios — both homering and collecting four runs batted in. Brendan Duffy and Chase Greer each had two-hit games in the win.

Pitchers Simon Copeman (four innings) and Liolios (three innings) held the Cypress offense in check in Sunday’s evening game to cap off the weekend. Copeman helped his own cause going two for two with three RBIs at the plate. Trey Genova, Luke Bashore, Bibb and Liolios all contributed adding two hits each in the victory. Logan Pence and Kyle Binford each had two RBIs.

Also contributing to Newport’s offensive outburst over the weekend were Johnny Brigandi with an on-base percentage of .667 and Luke Hatfield who batted .400 and drove in five runs.

Newport’s record now stands at 18-4 as the All-Stars head into the 11U regional tournament in July.

— Reader submission