North Bothell Little Leaguers experience the highs and lows of playing in the state tournament

“Never give up.” “Help people along the way.”

These are the phrases a foursome of North Bothell Little Leaguers had to offer two days after being ousted from the 9-10-year-old state tournament last week.

Sure, the District 8 champs wanted to win the whole thing, but deep down, the players know they left their mark on the basepaths at Valley Ridge Park in SeaTac. After winning two straight games over Salmon Creek (4-3) and Cascade (10-8), the locals exited the tourney with losses to Gig Harbor American (10-5) and Eastlake (7-6).

“The key is that everyone played their role, and everyone did good,” said pitcher and outfielder Carson Ryder. “Just to make it to state — that was a big accomplishment. No North Bothell (baseball) team made it to state the last 10 years.

“We were really, really happy and had a ton of fun.”

Added first baseman and pitcher Josh Kollman, who sports long hair and shreds on “Guitar Hero” off the baseball diamond: “The different thing about state is that there are hard teams. It was really exciting to get to play, because you’re with all your friends.”

Along with a comeback win against Ballard at districts, the players agree that North Bothell’s most thrilling game was the win against Cascade. They were down 8-2, but rallied to taste victory and advance in the winners’ bracket.

North Bothell Little Vice President Craig Lohr was impressed with the team’s resilience throughout the tournaments.

“What’s cool is that when they were down, they never acted like it,” he said, adding that they made plays and got hits right on cue.

“We just stuck with it,” said third baseman Jacob Yost, who was one of several players sporting fashionable dark shades to block out the sun.

Added shortstop Derek Lohr: “We had confidence — teamwork.”

The large North Bothell crowd lent a hand, as well, with its support during winning and losing times. Ryder liked having his friends in the stands and Kollman said the cheering motivated the team to do well.

Craig Lohr feels this is just the start for the boys. “They’re hungry for next year. There’s undone business.”

The rest of the North Bothell team is: manager Mark Ryder, coach Joe Petritz, Nick Aucott, Elijah Diggins, James Johnston, Drew McLaurin, Austin Baek, Sam Petritz, Ryan Gilmer and Garret Walker.