Reardan 12U softball wins Districts

CHENEY - Reardan 12U Major Fastpitch Softball Team went undefeated through regular season and won West Plains Little League and District Championship without contest.

The team made up mostly of sixth- graders began the season with anticipation. According to coach Tom Bocook, half of the team never played before.

"I can honestly say they have gotten better every week." Bocook said. "I have no doubt that they could explain an infield fly rule, 1st 3rd plays and what drop third strike is."

The roster included seventh-graders Hadley Landreth and Kenzie Whitman, sixth-graders Madilynn Bocook, Amber Cobb, Hailey Hull, Rilynn Arrison, Camdyn Weber, Zoee Finch and Anora Monek and fifth-graders Nevaeh Peone, Journie Sobotta and Leilani Kasper.

"Fundamentals in fastpitch is paramount. That's built through repetition and getting quality reps. You must be in a good space mentally to get quality reps." Tom Bocook said. "I don't just drill Grounders for an hour. 10 minutes (to) 15 minutes on one aspect and move on keep stuff relevant and fresh. I drill fundamentals on all levels and make the kids play all positions."

That philosophy worked not only in fastpitch but in basketball as well. Bocook also coached the sixth-grade basketball team that rostered a couple fifth-graders, meaning these athletes already knew what was expected of them once they transitioned from basketball to softball.

Bocook comes from a small very close family that's rich in traditions.

"My whole family is very athletic from undisputed world boxing champion a couple D-1 athletes and several that competed at very high levels," he said. "I was a part of winning back-to-back state football championships at Reardan."

One highlight that their coach reflected on was the fact that this team will never forget winning the 12U Major District Championship in undefeated fashion.

After winning the championship, Saturday June 8 Reardan traveled to Sandpoint, Idaho to face off against their undefeated 12-U team.

Sandpoint has a population of approximately 10,820 to Reardan's 637, and Sandpoint took the first game 4-1 before coming back to win the second game 3-0. The team made some incredible plays made with hitting and baserunning showing exactly what they had been in training for and they finished their season with a great win.

According to their coach their goal is to play on ESPN in the Little League World Series Championship.