Sparta all stars win District 20 title

SPARTA — The Sparta Little League 12U All Stars had a wild ride this past month in both the District and Sectional tournaments.

The team captured their third District 20 title in a row by beating Hobb Engler 8-2.

They represented the district at the Section 1 tournament held at Pepe Field in Boonton. After losing their first game and enduring several postponements due to rain, they tore through the loser's bracket, eliminating Pequannock, Morristown National and Ridgewood American on three consecutive days.

Little League blogs referred to "red hot" Sparta as "The Grim Reaper" of the tournament, setting up a championship game with Somerset Hills, which Sparta lost 11-3.

Although the team fell short of making the state tournament, they are proud to be in the top 8 of 860 Little League teams in New Jersey.

The players and parents appreciate all the support from the Sparta community.

Pictured are The Sparta 12U All Stars, left to right, Manager Tom Coyle, Brett Coyle, Logan Daghlian, Jake Wells, Michael Piwko, James Hogle, Coach Ken Oelkers, Patrick Lynch, Casey Cavanaugh, Kenny Oelkers, Turner Tullis, John Zoetjes, Tyler Szabo, Conor Armstrong, Coach Mark Kemper, David Ames and Coach Rob Armstrong.