NK Panthers Little League to take a swipe at state title

POULSBO — The Panthers are still on the prowl. The North Kitsap Little League 9&10 American Panthers emerged unscathed — and unbeaten — from the District II tournament this week with an 8-5 win over Gig Harbor National on Tuesday.

POULSBO — The Panthers are still on the prowl.

The North Kitsap Little League 9&10 American Panthers emerged unscathed — and unbeaten — from the District II tournament this week with an 8-5 win over Gig Harbor National on Tuesday.

Alex Smith pitched a complete game and bashed a home run in the tournament-clinching win over Gig Harbor.

The team went 5-0 in the tournament, but it wasn’t an easy 5-0. The Panthers were behind in four of the five games.

Their tendency to come back is no accident, said Manager Doug Porter.

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“I would say their emotional signature is that they never give up,” Porter said. “They’ve been behind in every game but one, sometimes by three or four runs, and they’ve always come back.”

The team is made up of all-stars voted on by the players at the conclusion of the Little League regular season.

The tournament win earned the Panthers a win to state.

The Panthers’ first game in the state tournament will begin at 7:30 p.m. today in Lynnwood at the Alderwood Little League complex.

It is the first North Kitsap Little League representative in the state tournament in 26 years, a fact that’s easily verified by Dick Londerville, who coaches the team.

He was a coach on the team 26 years ago as well.

“He’s been a wonderful individual,” said Porter, who is also assisted by coach Roger Smith. “It’s great for kids to know history of last team NK sent to state.”

The Panthers will join nine other Little League teams from across the state beginning Saturday.

The tournament is one week long. New uniforms will be sported by the dozen players.

“They really are thrilled. They’re not surprised to be there,” said Porter. “After winning all those close games, they feel like they earned the trip to state.”

The team includes Smith, Nick Benish, Jordan Freiboth, Stephen Gorman, Nick Hall, Seth Morris, T. J. Reitan, Justin Rice, Max Sagdahl, Trevor Shuey, Zack Smit and Justin Overton.

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