The New Iberia Athletic Association nine year old All-Stars will be headed to Gulfport, Mississippi next weekend for regional play with a chance to advance to the Cal Ripken World Series in August.

The nine year olds were one of four teams to advance from the state competition that was held in Abbeville.

“There were nine teams total that went to state and the top four advanced to regionals,” said coach Patrick Crum. “The NIAA 9 year olds finished fourth at state and we were one of the teams that advanced,”

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Crum explained that at the regionals in Gulfport, there will be representatives from five states there in the and a total of 40 teams participating.

“Our nine year olds didn’t have a nine year old district to play in so we played against the 10 year olds and we came out second,” said Crum.

Both the district tournament and the state tournament were held in Abbeville.

The double-elimination regional tournament will begin Friday and end Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Team members include Jaxson Dubois, John Steiner, Ryson Romero, Si Lopez, Justin Long, Peyton Crum, Logan Narcisse, Travonte’ Norbert, Devin Arton, Austin LaGrange and Bailey Williams.

The team is coached by Russell Steiner, Crum and Curtis Romero.

“While the team plays in the nine year old division, we actually have two eight year olds on the team this year, Peyton Crum and Jaxson Dubois,” said Crum.

The coach went on to explain that several of his players have stood out this year since the team started playing after the regular season ended and has amassed a record of 11-4 after 15 games together.

“I think that if we had to pick the MVP of the team so far it would be Travonte’ Norbert,” said Crum. “But the play of Peyton, Ryson and Logan have also stood out this year as we have played more and more games against tough competition.

The team is scheduled to leave for Mississippi Thursday and is still accepting donations to off set the expenses of the trip.

Contact Crum at 519-0858.