Smyrna-Clayton's Junior baseball District I title is its first in six years

SMYRNA — Smyrna-Clayton hadn’t won a Little League District I title in six years.

That fact wasn’t lost on the league’s Junior League baseball all-stars said manager J.D. Kennard.

They were pretty excited when they ended that streak by beating MOT, 9-6, on Saturday night to claim the District I crown.

“They were absolutely thrilled,” said Kennard. “It was awesome — not just for the team but for the league and for the town, as well.

“It’s been a long time trying to be competitive with Camden and MOT. We’ve always found ourselves chasing them. So to be able to win one, it was a pretty awesome feeling for everybody.”

Now Smyrna-Clayton will try to add a state championship banner to its collection.

The three-team, double-elimination state tournament in Little League’s age division for 13-14 year olds starts on Tuesday at Seaford’s Nanticoke Little League.

Smyrna-Clayton faces District II champion Naamans at 7 p.m. in the opener. The winner then takes on District III champion Laurel (3-0) on Wednesday.
The state title game is slated for July 12.

The state champion earns a spot in the East Regional being played in Du Bois, Pa.

Smyrna-Clayton beat Camden-Wyoming and then topped MOT twice to take the District I crown. Kennard said he’s been impressed by how quickly his players have bonded together.

“They are playing for one another,” he said. “They bring an energy to the game and to the field every day. It’s just incredible.

“It is not like any other team that I’ve coached in 11 years of coaching out there. From the first pitch to the last pitch, they are all in.”

Of course, the path will get more difficult in the state tourney. Both Laurel and Naamans are district champions, too.

In the District III tournament, Laurel won its three games by a combined 35-1.

“We talked about it yesterday,” said Kennard. “We got to celebrate that district title and now it’s on to focusing on the competition that lies ahead.

“Every step along the way, we’re going to face stiffer competition. It really comes down to who wants it more. .... We’re focusing on Naamans Little League on the 9th.”

Whatever happens next, Kennard said he’s enjoyed working with this group of players. While they haven’t been together as an all-star squad very long, about half of them were teammates at Smyrna Middle School in the spring.

Kennard said he likes the way they’ve handled things so far. He hopes they get to play some more baseball together.

“They remain positive,” said Kennard. “They don’t get too high or get too low. They continue to fight and they overcome adversity.

“This group is awesome. They are truly looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead. They’ve stayed focused on the task at hand. They’ve not let any situation be too big for them.”