All-Stars have much 'to do'

An informal to-do list greeted San Carlos Little League's 12-year-old All-Stars on Saturday morning, its first day on the field as a team.

Items on the agenda included those geared toward making the team perform as a cohesive unit prior to its first game next week, coaches said.

And it starts with something as basic as the infield throw-around following strikeouts.

"We need to work on that," said manager Troy Withstandley after watching a shaky first try.

Withstandley and coach Todd Baxter weren't thrilled with the way the team slid in its scrimmage against the league's 11-year-old All-Stars, so an impromptu sliding practice took place in the outfield grass, likely emptying a few boxes of Tide.

Even a post-scrimmage procession at home plate wasn't overlooked on day one.

"We hi-fived the other team, but not our own," said Withstandley.

So the 12-year-olds took one rotation high-fiving each other.

It's all part of Withstandley and Baxter's strategy to make their team look and play as sharp as possible.

"I hope they come together as a team," said Withstandley. "I like to see a lot of chatter and talk. If someone makes a mistake, don't yell at him. I want to see them pump each other up."

"We're all good friends," said Zac Culvahouse, a shortstop who hit over .600 for the regular season champion Cardinals. "We all know each other so we know what we can do."

Photo by KEVIN JOHNSON, Banner

12-year-old All-Star Collin Martin gets tangled up with 11-year-old All-Star second baseman Alec Carlisle during a steal attempt Saturday.

Like thousands of teams across the globe, what San Carlos wants to do is reach Williamsport. That dream starts in their own backyard. San Carlos will host the District 18 tournament.

"We've got a big advantage. We're used to the field," said Withstandley.

"It will be good because we know our field better than any other team," added pitcher Chandler Nemitz, who hit .560 for the Red Sox.

Nemitz and the Braves' Kyle Miller and Ryan Withstandley form a trio of hard-throwing right-handers who will lead San Carlos on the mound.

From top to bottom, the team looks solid.

"We don't have any big weaknesses. Our whole line-up is pretty good," said Culvahouse.

The manager agreed.

Photo by KEVIN JOHNSON, Banner

San Carlos Little League 12-year-old All-Star Anthony Prohaska fires a throw from right field during a scrimmage on Saturday.

"We've got good pitching and good hitting and everyone can field the ball," said Withstandley, who guided the Braves to the league playoff championship.

In Saturday's scrimmage, the All-Stars were ultra aggressive with bunts and steals against their 11-year-old counterparts.

"We've got some speed," said Withstandley. "We'll do a lot fake bunting, a lot of stealing, a lot of bunting with guys on base because we're going to see a lot of that. We'll play the same game."

Whether San Carlos makes it as far as the state finals or not, Florida's Little League champion is guaranteed to be crowned at Three Oaks Community Park. The league will host the state's final eight teams for the first time.

"Hopefully we'll be there," said Withstandley.

• San Carlos Little League 12-year-old All-Star Team:

Manager: Troy Withstandley. Coach: Todd Baxter. Players: Zach Bailey, Cole Baxter, Joshua Chapman, Zac Culvahouse, Connor Grevel, Collin Martin, Kyle Miller, Chandler Nemitz, Connor Pearson, Anthony Prohaska, Dustin Sorenson and Ryan Withstandley.