Sioux Falls Little League returns to spotlight

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Little League World Series is still seven days away, but Team South Dakota has already landed in the national spotlight.

The TVs were tuned in to Little League Baseball bright and early at Shenanigans in Sioux Falls.

“It’s great for all the kids, it’s great for all the people, people can’t get there,” Shenanigans owner Don Rose said.

Don Rose owns Shenanigans where the Midwest Region Tournament was on nearly every screen.

“We’re very fortunate that we’ve got a local following here, we’ve had some kids that have played,” Rose said.

Sioux Falls is making its fourth straight appearance in the tournament but is seeking its first trip to the Little League World Series since 2021.

“They supported us and they looked up to us so it’s the least we can do to watch them and support them,” 15-year-old Noah Kuenzi said.

Kuenzi was part of the 2021 team that finished fourth at the Little League World Series and is a fan of this year’s squad.

“Their hitting, their offense is probably better than ours was to be honest,” Kuenzi said.

“I know exactly like what they’re feeling right now and it’s just awesome to see them on TV, just like they were watching us when they were nine or so years old,” 15-year-old Cason Mediger said.

Cason Mediger was also on the ’21 team and hopes this year’s players have a similar experience.

“Had 14 guys and three coaches and it was awesome. The games were fun but just being around those guys for that whole month was incredible,” Mediger said.

And while this morning’s game didn’t go South Dakota’s way, they live to play another day.

“Over the years, you never count the Little Leaguers out until the last strike,” Rose said.

Team South Dakota lost to Missouri, 6-4, and will now meet Iowa in an elimination game at noon Thursday. The winner of that contest will face Missouri in Friday’s championship game, with the winner advancing to the Little League World Series.

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