The Little League District 3 Minors Division Tournament was hosted by West Maui Little League on June 12-16 at Kalama Park in Kihei. Coaches in the back row are (from left): Don Thompson, Robyn Lanoza (head coach), Vernon Kanaha and Rodell Pagdilao. The players (from left) are: bottom row — Kayden Nicholls, Justice Gonzalves, Ryder Urig, Rachel Pagdilao, Dylan Fair and Kyren Malacas-Bogoyo; top row — Christopher Mallari, Jairus Naho’oikaika, Sola Kauvaka, Wyatt Sharp, Kamealoha Lanozya-Uyeda, Leka Rosenthal, Jyren Fabia and Kobe Cunanan.

LAHAINA – West Maui Little League Baseball completed its 2019 season with the Majors (ages 11-12) and Minors (9-10) teams competing in the District III All-Star Tournaments on June 20-25 and June 13-16, respectively.

The Majors tournament was held at Eddie Tam Memorial Park in Makawao, while the Minors playoffs, hosted by WMLL, was played at Kalama Park in Kihei.

The Majors all-stars started off with a bang by defeating Molokai – a team that would reach the tournament final before being beaten by powerhouse Central East Maui.

The West Maui team then lost three straight to finish their season.

The team was led by head coach Jonn Kim along with Charles Ancheta, and Randall Villa.

The Little League District 3 Majors Division Tournament was hosted by Upcountry Little League on June 20-25 at Eddie Tam Memorial Park. Coaches in the back row (from left) are Charles Ancheta, Jonn Kim (head coach) and Randall Villa. The players are (from left): bottom row — Kolaiah Villa, Asher Halik, Chevus Naho’oikaika, Asher Becker, La’akea Ko, Moku Basques, Kaedon Nakata and Elijah Kanekoa; top row — Chase Imamoto, Pono Kulukiwa-Kim, Taj Acio, Dane Markulis, Kaimana Ancheta and Keale Kuluhiwa-Kim.

The all-star roster included Kolaliah Villa, Asher Halik, Cherus Naho’oikaika, Asher Becker, La’akea Ko, Moku Basques, Kaedon Nakata, Elijah Kanekoa, Chase Imamoto, Pono Kulukiwa Kim, Taj Acio, Dane Markulis, Kaimana Ancheta and Keale Kuluiwa Kim.

The WMLL Minors team was swept in the tournament at Kihei’s Kalama Park but showed great promise for next year, as most of these players will move up to the Majors Division.

The team was coached by Don Thompson, Robyn Lanoza (head coach), Vernon Kanaha and Rodell Pagdilao.

The player roster included Kayden Nicholls, Justice Gonzalves, Ryder Urig, Rachel Pagdilao, Dylan Fair, Kyren Macalas Bogoyo, Christopher Mallari, Jairus Naho’oikaika, Sola Kauvaka, Wyatt Sharp, Kamealoha Lanoza Uyeda, Leka Rosenthal, Jyren Fabia and Kobe Cunanan.

First-year WMLL President Amy Sharp looks forward to a bright future for youth baseball here on the West Side.

“West Maui Little League is wrapping up a very successful season! There were many exciting changes this year which led to the addition of three new teams, including a 50/70 Intermediate Division for 11- to 13-year-olds,” she explained.

“This was the first time in quite a few years that West Maui had players in this age group. We feel that the overall growth stemmed from a decision by our new board to move the season for the younger players to begin after basketball season.”

The West Maui Youth Basketball League runs from December through February.

“This way, younger players could play both sports without having to choose. We are already starting to plan next year with the addition of a new website that we tested this year which will allow for online registration. We are also looking for new board members, so we encourage interested parties to contact WMLL at “mailto:westmauibaseball@gmail.com”>westmauibaseball@gmail.com,” she said.

West Maui Little League thanked the following sponsors: Grand Wailea, Maui Resort Rentals, King Screen Printing, Honua Kai Resort and Spa, Rainbow Glass, 5A Rent A Space, Kane’s Legacy Tree Service, Jim Falk Automotive, Cool Cat Cafe, Makena Resort, Maui Signs and Lahaina Carpet & Interiors.