9-year-old CVL team finishes third in tourney
Sports reporter
In the first ever Cal Ripken State Tournament for 9-year-olds, the Cottonwood Valley League District IV champs proved they belonged.
The team began tournament play July 23 with a blowout 15-5 victory against host Wellington. Jordan Hett of Marion captured the team's MVP award.
The Louisburg All-Stars were CVL's opponent on July 24, and this time the blowout was reversed. Louisburg thumped CVL 14-3, sending the team to the loser's bracket. Hunter Scott was named the team's MVP.
Escaping an early exit from the tournament, CVL edged out Linn County 11-10 and moved on to fourth round action. Chase County's Troy Higgs marked the third different CVL MVP in three games.
Sitting on the verge of elimination, CVL pulled out another close victory. This time it defeated Lakin 10-9, and had yet another different MVP as Peabody's Austin Savage took home the award.
With Louisburg already in the championship round it awaited the winner of CVL and Mulvane. Each team had one loss and would have to defeat Louisburg twice if it advanced to the championship game.
But it didn't matter for CVL as Mulvane came away with a 9-6 victory, sending the boys home with a third place finish. Higgs was named team MVP for the second time.
Mulvane defeated Louisburg in the first game of championship play, but came up short in the second game as Louisburg captured the state championship.
Savage was given the Attitude, Hustle, Hustle, Pride award for his competitive play and good attitude.
CVL, which was put together at the end of the regular season, was comprised of players from Marion, Chase County, and Peabody. Manager Ted Francka and coaches Tom Scott, Ron Kelsheimer, and Bob Bell led the team to the respectable third place finish.