Maitland Little League's 9U All-Stars punch ticket to championship game

Maitland Little League’s 9U All-Stars punched their ticket to a championship game Saturday, June 10, with a 19-9 win over Lake Mary. 

They would fall to Oviedo in the championship game 15-5, but the boys from Maitland showcased a high-octane offense this season, scoring 60 runs through their first four games of the tournament. 

“Everybody is extremely proud; this team has exceeded everyone’s expectations,” coach Steve Carney said prior to the championship. “We’ve run the bases really well. We’re disciplined at the plate. We’re not swinging at bad pitches. The pitches we’re getting, we’re hitting them.” 

A team effort by all of Maitland’s players was rewarded with a shot at the championship. 

“Everybody’s contributing,” Carney said. “Everybody’s made some kind of play or a hit or a stolen base.” 

It started with CJ Monnar, who had been a star pitcher for the team, Carney said. Preston Carey also had been an ultimate utility player, excelling in whatever position he’s given. 

Other players stepped up to different positions too, including CJ Nassar, who played second base; Chase Garrison, who played first base; and Jackson Carney, who played first base as well. 

“Wherever I put them, they’re playing like they’ve played (there) all season,” Carey said. 

The coach also credited Ari Lanxner for being a vocal leader on the team. Jack Benson had been growing in the catcher position as well, while outfielders Max Anderson, Christian Harris and Grayson Wallis had been developing their game. 

The team put together a 3-1 record with wins against Forest City, Apopka and Lake Mary leading up to the championship.

Carney added that the team’s greatest strength is the chemistry among the players. 

He also credited the team for not getting discouraged with errors or mistakes. 

“Our motto on the team is, ‘Next pitch,’” Carney said. “Forget about what just happened. Stay dialed in.” 

“They’re getting their big toe wet in this tournament.” 

Carney said that, win or lose, he's proud of the team.

“They’re full of confidence,” he said before the final game. “I know they’re going to win, and if they don’t, we won already. They’ve learned a lot and exceeded everybody’s expectations.”