State Champs … again!

Darlington Little League team arrives home in a parade to the Public Square as State Champions on July 22. Photo by Jana E. Pye

Darlington Little League team arrives home in a parade to the Public Square as State Champions on July 22.
Photo by Jana E. Pye

By Jana E. Pye, Editor, editor@newsandpress.net

Congratulations to the Darlington Junior Little League Baseball Team for yet another Little League Junior South Carolina District 5 State Championship and the State Championship at the Junior Level. Most of this year’s team players won at State’s last year in the Intermediate Division.

The team, coaches and their families returned to Darlington with a parade around the Public Square on Wednesday, July 22nd with their banner, ready to represent South Carolina at the next level.

This year’s South East Region Championships will be hosted by Greenville, S.C.; the Darlington team will travel to Greenville on Thursday, and will begin playing on Friday, July 31st.

The roster for this year’s team is:

Malike Cooper, Michael Dixon, Anthony Hopkins, Luke Flowers, Michael Gavins Jr, Jacquez Mullins, Jalin Mullins, Brian Robinson, Chase Weatherford, Gage Weatherford, Trae Buck, Quay Gandy, Jordan Powell. Andre’ Hooks Manager. Asst coaches Cleveland Keith, Bernard Robinson, Jay Flowers, and Michael Gavins. League President is Jennifer D. Hooks, and Statistician is Kim Weatherford.

According to Coach Andre Hooks, this year’s team has had a great season. “The team from Chester, S.C. was the toughest team I’ve ever coached against,” said Hooks. “I am proud of these players. Our guys were able to beat hem twice after losnig to them 19 – 9 in Game 1.”

He shared the other following highlights:

Malike Cooper had 7 singles, 2 doubles, 11 stolen bases, 9 runs, 5 RBIs, and was named the Tournament MVP in the four games.

Brian Robinson had 2 singles, 2 doubles, 5 runs, 3 RBIs, 3and stolen bases.

Jacquez Mullins had 4 singles, 1 double, 3 stolen bases, 6 runs, 6 RBIs plus won Game 3 on the hill.

Darlington was led by strong pitching: Game 2 and 4 by Jalin Mullins; Chase Weatherford Game 2; Anthony Hopkins and Luke Flowers in Game 4. Brian

Peanut Robinson had the biggest save in Game 3, an extra inning game.

Follow the team updates on www.newsandpress.net and on Facebook: News & Press.

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