SW valley team begins regional run with Little League World Series in its sights

How did Nevada’s state champion Little League team celebrate its title in Carson City? By playing a celebratory game of whiffle ball in the parking lot of its hotel.

Silverado Little League’s all-star team, composed of 11- and 12-year-olds residing in the southwest Valley, can reach the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., by winning the weeklong Western Regional, which begins Sunday in San Bernardino, Calif.

Silverado’s coaches say they can’t get the kids to stop playing baseball, even on nights between tournament games. Team members say that love for the game could be the difference in reaching Williamsport.

“We all have fun, and we’re all energetic,” says Broc Snider, 12, who plays outfield, catcher and second base. “We’re all friends, so everyone talks to each other and has a lot of fun. It’s a lot easier (when) you get along with everyone.”

Silverado has steamrolled its competition to this point, going 6-0 in district play and 3-0 in the state tournament. The team outscored its opposition 139-11 and hit 27 home runs in that stretch.

“It’s a great group of kids,” coach Frank Apeceche says. “We were very excited about the group from the beginning. I knew we were going to be good, but I never thought we’d be this good.”

Pitcher Koa Young has thrown 11 postseason innings with a 0.59 earned run average, and Apeceche’s son, Connor, has been brilliant behind the plate catching. Jack Buening has a .714 batting average and seven home runs to lead a lineup with a combined .571 batting average and 47 extra-base hits.

Silverado’s team was put together in mid-june and jelled immediately, easily advancing through the district tournament with six blowout wins: 20-0, 15-0, 13-0, 22-1, 24-0 and 11-0. That propelled the team to the state tournament in Carson City, where it faced Mountain Ridge.

Mountain Ridge is the only Nevada team to have qualified for the Little League World Series since the tournament morphed into its existing bracket Broc Snider, 12, who plays outfield, catcher and second base

WADE VANDERVORT Silverado All Stars player Jake Glaser warms up with his teammates Wednesday during practice at Silverado Ranch Park. Silverado is heading to regionals this weekend in California with a chance to qualify for the Little League World Series.

Jon Ferry, one of Silverado’s coaches, talks to players during practice.