Thurmont Little League Shines in All-Star Tournaments

Alisha Yocum

Each year, Thurmont Little League (TLL) selects some of its top players to represent the league in All-Star Tournaments. This time of year typically showcases some of the best youth baseball in the area, and this year was no exception. All tournaments follow a double-elimination format.

The 8-10 All-Star Team played in the Maryland Little League District 2 Tournament and was coached by Jacob Fisher, Justus Yocum, and Kevin Riffle, and included players Knox Axline, Rhett Axline, Jackson Boyer, Jace Fisher, William Fletcher, Logan Hoffman, Tanner Inocencio, Parker Ketterman, Maddox Miller, Devin Riffle, Chase Shoemaker, and Bryce Yocum. The team received a bye in the first round, but played against a well-hitting Brunswick Little League team who beat them in three innings. The team took their second loss to Montogomery County Little League – Upper.

The 9-11 All-Star Team also competed in the district tournament. Despite a valiant effort, they lost their opening game against Montgomery County Little League – Upper with a close score of 6-5. Moving into the elimination bracket, they played hard but were narrowly defeated by Montgomery County – Lower, with a score of 13-10 in Chevy Chase. The team, coached by Darryl Dextradeur, Nathan Fritz, Blaine Otto, and Dennis Smith, included Holden Beach, Brayden Constable, Nehemiah Dewees, Payton Fritz, James Hewitt, Brooks Ott, Dennis Smith, Matthew Smith, Julian Thompson, Garret Troxell, Benjamin Turner, and Luke Wiles.

The 10-12 All-Star Team, which had the opportunity to advance to the Little League World Series, delivered an exciting performance. Coached by Nathan Laird, Jimmy Holmes, Blaine Schildt, and Justus Yocum, the team featured players Levi Baker, Desean Brown, Max Burgee, James Clements, Kaiden Dewees, Parker Hahn, Holden Holmes, Evan Laird, Weston Tyler, Gavin Vaughn, Jeremy Veronie, and Eli Yocum. Thurmont’s own Cool Oldies 1450 followed the boys along their journey for spectators to listen from near and far. The team came out strong again against Valley All-Stars, which was made up of Frederick National, Brunswick and Mountain Valley Little Leagues, and advanced, beating Four County Little League in their second game before falling to Montgomery County Little League. TLL prevailed and worked their way back out of the elimination bracket with another win against Four County Little League. This sent the team to the championship game against Montgomery County Little League – Upper, where the teams faced a second time. Unfortunately, the well-hitting Montgomery County team once again came out on top.

The Minors All-Star Team represented TLL in the Emory Frye Tournament, which features teams from various counties vying for the championship. Coached by Justus Yocum, Jacob Fisher, and Casey Constable, the team included Knox Axline, Rhett Axline, Jackson Boyer, Jace Fisher, William Fletcher, Beaux Grimes, Parker Ketterman, Brantley Nuse, Logan Otto, Devin Riffle, and Bryce Yocum. The team showed grit and determination, progressing through the winner’s bracket by defeating Hagerstown National Little League and Upper Loudoun County Little League. After a loss to Montgomery County Little League – Lower, they faced Loudoun County Little League again, but fell just short with a 10-8 loss.

Congratulations to all the TLL All Star Teams! Registration is currently open for TLL’s Fall Ball season. Visit thurmontlittleleague.com for more details.

8-10 All-Star Team

9-11 All-Star Team

10-12 All-Star Team

Minors All-Star Team