Head coach Scott Ross believes last year’s 6U Tournament team laid a foundation for future success. This year’s squad built on that foundation when they won their district tournament last month.

“That championship was a battle,” Ross said. “We did play our best and we were not hitting. We were making mistakes on defense and we got behind. The kids kept battling and kept playing all the way through.”

Ross has coached this age group for the last few years and although it may surprise many, the fact that these kids are successful is not a surprise for the head coach.

“These kids are competitive just like any baseball player is,” Ross said. “They try to win. We try to instill that into these kids.

Winning has been a tradition in Troy for all age groups including Ross’ 6U team. They became the first 6U team from Troy to win a state championship and they hope to build on that legacy with number two this year.

“I have to give a lot of credit to the program here in Troy,” Ross said. “They have a tradition of success and the standard is always high for all the age groups. I take a lot of pride in building a foundation for these kids. This team has as much potential as any that I have coached. I look forward to, if we play to our full potential, seeing what we can do.”

The strength of this team is defense according to Ross.

“I take a lot of pride in us playing great defense,” he said. “Last year several coaches mentioned the good defense we played. When you’re playing at a state level being able to play great defense can win you some games.”

After competing on the road in the district tournament, Troy will return home to play in an exciting atmosphere at the Sportsplex.

“It’s hard to say how they are going to handle it,” Ross said. “When we went to district it almost seemed like we were star struck. I think being on our home field will settle that a little bit. People of Troy always support the local tournaments and I hope we have a really good turnout.”

Along with Ross the 6U Tournament team is coached by Trey Houlton, Michael Precise and Henry Gutierrez. Players include Zane Brookins, Coggins Brown, Cole Cleveland, Elliott Cochran, Jaylin Copeland, Ethan Ernsberger, Alex Gutierrez, Noah Houlton, Barrett Powell, Parker Precise, Judson Ross and Brooks Wallace.

Troy will begin play on Friday beginning at 6:30 against Eclectic.