Moses Lake hosts state tournament

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake and Larson Playfield will play host to the 2009 American Legion Junior A division state tournament held August 1 through Aug. 5.

The Moses Lake Sun Devils, a Junior American Legion A team comprised of players 16 years old or younger, will compete in and host the tournament.

The Sun Devils enter the 2009 state tournament after wrapping up a second-place finish at the Quincy Tournament last week and Sun Devils head coach Quintz Whitaker said his team is performing well heading into the state tournament this weekend.

“We are doing OK,” he said. “We have been playing some pretty stiff competition and we are a few games above .500.”

The Sun Devils have played more than 40 games this season and Whitaker said he his confident in his team.

“Hopefully we have gained some experience after playing 40-plus games,” he said. “The (team) has done a good job of keeping their focus.”

While Whitaker is proud to see his team host the American Legion Junior A division state tournament, he said his team couldn’t have done it without the support from the Moses Lake community.

“A lot of (hosting the tournament) has to do with the support we receive throughout the town,” he said. “The (community) has helped us prepare for this and it is kind of a big deal to represent the community.”

The state tournament is the final step for teams in the American Legion Junior A division and Whitaker said his team is prepared to host the tournament.

“It’s always exciting when you get to that end-point of the season,” he said. “I think it is a great learning experience to be able to host (the state tournament) here in town.”

Family passes for the tournament are available for $50 and include tickets for two adults and two children. Single day admission tickets are also available for $8 for adults and $6 for children and senior citizens.

The Sun Devils are scheduled to host their first tournament game at 6 p.m. Saturday evening.