In summing up his thoughts regarding the just-concluded regular season, Alexandria Aces manager Eric Williams commented, The coaching staff Brian Midkiff, Ben Krentzman and myself didnt know exactly what to expect this season, our inaugural season. We drafted some good players, and weve got a real good group of kids. It has been really great to develop relationships with the kids, to watch them improve and to see some great baseball.
Before the Aces/Redbirds quarter-final matchup of July 29, Williams stated, Some of our kids have been playing baseball almost continually since January. The first-round playoff game versus the Maryland Redbirds may very well be a matter of us being both mentally and physically ready to go.
Pat Malone, the team president, could not be prouder of his inaugural team: Ive been very proud of our entire organization. I cant say enough about our volunteers and our host families. [Whatever happens this playoff season] I cant wait for 2009 when we can once again showcase baseball in our great city.
Youth Sports
The St. Stephens St. Agnes Boys Summer Basketball League title game is slated for August 1; the Jim McKay Chevrolet Boys Summer Basketball League at Flint Hill H.S. has concluded its summer hardwood season.
Thomas Jefferson the lone Alexandria team in the 16-team league run by Rico Reed, Flint Hill Husky varsity head coach, finished 3-6 overall.
In the title game on July 28, South Lakes (Reston) held off Prince Georges powerhouse Friendly 61-57. South Lakes is coached during the regular season by Darryl Branch; Friendly is coached during the regular season by Robert Garner.
In the all-star contest which immediately followed the title game, Jefferson was represented by rising senior wing-guard/forward/post Mike Ross.
Ross chipped in 11 points as the East (Jefferson, Friendly, Herndon, Oakton, Heritage and Loudoun Valley) defeated the West 92-79. The West comprises Flint Hill, Madison, South Lakes, Marshall, Sidwell Friends, Stone Bridge and Forest Park.
Ross knocked down a variety of shots, and the 64 rising senior, coached by Eddie Grimm during the regular season, spoke highly of his experience at Flint Hill.
Its a good opportunity to get together and to play as a team, Ross said. Its an opportunity to work on a lot of things. This summer, I was able to work on my guard skills. This upcoming season, I anticipate moving out from the post and playing wing guard.
Although rising senior Spencer de Mars also made the all-star team, a prior commitment prevented him from participating.
More than likely, the Jefferson starting five during the 08/09 season will include: Ross, de Mars, rising seniors Sean Ji and Woo Young Moon and rising junior Daniel Barnes.
All youngsters interested in participating in youth football in the City of Alexandria are encouraged to register with the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities by calling 703-838-4345 or by accessing www.ci.alexandria.va.us/rpca_home.
