The NBNM 11U Rebels have been working diligently in preparation for the 2011 Williamsport Tournament.

In fact, this effort began this past winter with many players honing their swings from January into March. The Rebels then entered into a Spring season that had it’s ups, a few downs, and ended on the very high note of the NJBL Memorial Day Tournament title.

Every player, coach and parent can recall the bitter disappointment and sadness of exiting the 2010 Williamsport tournament by dropping two straight to Massapequa Coast in the District finals and failing to score a single run in either game. This memory has provided more than ample motivation for everyone to work their butts off to keep that sort of scenario in the past.

That hard work is evident in how the Rebels have been spending their practice time over the last week-and-a-half and will surely pay dividends in the imminent tournament game situations.

The Rebels faced their 12U brothers at Gunther last Friday in a rain-soaked, thunderstruck scrimmage. After the Rebels jumped ahead early via a Brian Porricelli two-run homer, sloppy play and poor at-bats allowed the older boys to overtake them and the 11U Rebels fell short 6-4.

Yesterday, the Rebels squared off with the Plainview Blue Hawks, winners of the 2010 Williamsport District 32 title. On a very fine night for baseball upon the natural surface at Saw Mill Road School north field, the Rebels, looking very well prepared, summarily dismantled the Hawks by way of dominant pitching, rock solid defense, and a barrage of offensive contributions from end to end of the lineup. This particular game was a mismatch by any measure and the Rebels stormed to a 15-0 victory.

The Rebels hope to continue to display their readiness in the final scrimmage before the tournament when they visit 2010 District 35 champion Sayville at Broadway Avenue Park tomorrow.

With another quality, hard-working practice planned for Friday, a half-day clinic with the instructors from Batting 1.000 on Saturday, and a light practice on Monday, the Rebels expect to enter the 2011 tournament on Tuesday June 28th both well prepared and highly motivated to compete to the fullest of their capabilities and settle some unfinished business from last year.