District 8 champs at state tourney

Douglas’ District 8 Juniors All-Stars Champions departed Douglas at 4 a.m. Sunday for the State Little League tournament in Peoria where they will spend the next 10 days competing against various teams from all over the state.

The early departure was that so the Douglas kids could take part in the opening ceremonies which were scheduled for 9 a.m. that morning.

Douglas’ all-star coach Eddie Hurtado said it was extremely hot during the opening ceremonies but the District 8 Champions seemed to enjoy the event.

Fourteen teams are playing in the juniors' tournament this week. The tournament is divided up into two divisions: Pool A and Pool B.

Douglas was placed in Pool B and will play six games beginning Tuesday, July 21 and ending Monday, July 27.

The District 8 champions faced Pinal Mountain Little League in the first game Tuesday night. The score of that game was not available at press time.

Douglas will then face Superstition Mountain Little League in game two on July 22 followed by games on Thursday and Friday against Shadow Mountain Little League and Sunnyside Little League of Tucson.

The Douglas all-stars will be off Saturday and then play Sunday at 9 am against Casa Grande before closing out pool play Monday against Mountain View Little League of Scottsdale.

The top two teams from each pool advance to the championship round which takes place July 28-30.

All games are being played at the Peoria Sports Complex – the spring training home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners.

The winner of this tournament will represent the state of Arizona at the regional tournament Aug. 4-11 at Aliso Viejo, California.