District 1 Maintains Perfect Record with 11-9 Win Over Southwest

The South Carolina District One host team for the 2011 Big League World Series won again Sunday night against Southwest hanging on to their zero-loss record heading into the semi-finals on Tuesday. 

"We almost over-thought this one," said Coach Todd Freeman. "But they got it done."

The team of 17, including three players from Easley, have only played together in practice before the start of the series.

"The first game that we played together was at the beginning of the series," said Cliff Alexander of Easley. "Overall we've been doing really well and all the guys really like each other, and that helps."

Some of District 1's players have previously played against each other on rival high school teams, but came together for a series of four straight wins this week.

"We've been playing pretty good," said Joey Pankake, of Easley. "That one got a little close there at the end, but other than that we've been playing well together."

Two more U.S. teams, Southeast and West will face off for a spot in the semifinals against District 1 today at 4 p.m. 

Hunter Dilworth of Easley expects they will face the Southeast team from Greenville, S.C., again on Tuesday.

"The series has been going really good," Dilworth said. "We've kept the momentum going and we'll be ready on Tuesday."

Coach Bobby Youngblood has been pleased with how his team has played thus far in the series, but isn't taking anything for granted.

"We have a tremendous challenge ahead on Tuesday because whoever gets there is just an outstanding team," Youngblood said. "It should be a huge crowd and a great game."

District One Administrator Tommy Keef has his eyes on another championship ring. Keef said this year's team is one of the best he's seen in recent years.

"The morale has been great- the heat has been terrible, but we have so much fun doing it," Keef said.

The International semi-final game will be on Tuesday at 4 p.m. and the U.S. semi-final is at 7:30 p.m. 

"A good day of rest and we'll definitely be ready," Pankake said.

For more information about the 2011 Big League World Series or to find full game results, visit the Big League World Series Web site.