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They are rookies no longer.

Representing the Rookie Division of the Island Baseball League, the Rookie All-Stars went head-to-head with more established teams during the Ocala Babe Ruth All-Star Tournament last week.

With the Marco League just completing its first season, the Rookie team became the first Marco All-Star team to play in a tournament.

“We knew going in we would be the heavy underdogs,” coach Brian Kocak said. “None of us knew what to expect, yet we were even more surprised at the level of ball our opponents played. All the teams (46) came from larger communities. They had a lot of experience with tournament play and with some teams they had been put together earlier to practice and play in tournaments.”

Marco played in the 8-and-under class, dropping games to Ocala Highlands and Travares. Sarasota won the Marco bracket.

In all, five teams won their brackets on the way to the state championship tourney next month.

Howie Jordan, Brian Kocak Jr., Cameron Jones, Andrew Sprankle and Zach West led the team in hitting.

On defense Brian Kocak said the team learned that little mistakes make a difference.

“I think playing in the tournament taught the players and coaches that at the tournament level it is the teams that do the little things, make few mistakes, that win,” Kocak said. “The other teams were more experienced, a lot bigger, hit the ball hard every time and put themselves in position to win.”

Though losing, the team played in a whole new tournament atmosphere.

“I think they saw and learned how important it is to rely on each other,” Kocak said. “They were outmanned, but they kept trying real hard. They didn’t give up.”

Other team members included Gianna Rose, Jayden Noel, Oliver Wasem, Justin Furman, Kezia Martin and Matthew Keegan.

Assistant coaches were Howard Jordan and Greg West. Kozo Productions and Winn Dixie were the major sponsors. Guy Harvey’s Island Grill hosted a dinner to honor the first Marco baseball all-star team.