- November 6, 2024
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It was something no team in Palm Coast Little League had ever accomplished, but that streak is now over, thanks to coach Andrew Wells’ Juniors team, which won the Florida District 19 Tournament of Champions after defeating DeBary, 15-6, in the championship game June 11, at Indian Trails Sports Complex.
Wells’ team went 16-2 during the regular season, but had to overcome a loss in the Palm Coast tournament. The Juniors Division features four other teams from the city, and each year, the winner advances to the district tournament. Until this year, no team from Palm Coast had won the District Tournament of Champions.
En route, Wells’ team beat Mount Dora, DeLand, Northwest Volusia and DeBary.
Wells said that his players were committed throughout the season; Donovan Brady, one of the team’s best pitchers, cut his vacation in the Keys short so he could make it back in time to pitch in the team’s June 8 game against Northwest Volusia.
Also, in the championship game, Liam Thoubbourn — whom Wells noted is slight of stature, almost threw a complete game before reaching his pitch limit.
“He was untouchable and had a phenomenal game,” Wells said of the 13-year-old Thoubbourn. “He’s tiny as can be, but no one can hit him. He’s like a little secret weapon.”
Wells, who is in his second year coaching in Palm Coast Little League, also noted his team’s positive attitude throughout the season, adding: “Hopefully, some day they will look back and realize what they accomplished because I don’t think they have fully grasped what they accomplished.”
The Little League All-Stars will begin in about a month.
Contact Andrew O’Brien at [email protected].