THE NRLL 11-year-old All-Stars concluded a strong summer season recently. The team included 14 players: David Machado, Louis Brown, Frank Pellegrino, Carter Callanan, Anthony DiBella Jr., Jason Connolly, Tom Fagner, Connor Leahy, AJ Marengi, Taygen Colarusso, Cam Backwith, Kellen Tiberii, Steven Ciampoli and Logan MacGregor. (Courtesy Photo)

 

NORTH READING — After being an assistant coach last year for the North Reading Little League 10-year-old All-Stars, Anthony DiBella was the head coach for the North Reading 11-year old All-Stars this summer. DiBella was knowledgeable about his team as 11 of the team’s 14 players were on the 10-year-old squad last year.

In the District 13 tournament, North Reading went 0-2. They lost their first game on July 1, 12-2, to Andover at Benevento Park.

Andover, along with Reading, were the two teams in the district that advanced to the sectionals.

“They have a very good team with a lot of players that play year-round,” said DiBella.

Trailing, 3-0, after the 1st inning, North Reading fought back and cut the lead to 3-2 in the top of the 2nd (Andover was the designated home team even though the game was at Benevento).

David Machado had the RBI as he delivered a two-run single.

Andover, however, was able to pull away scoring the final nine runs.

North Reading had three hits total as Louis Brown and Frank Pellegrino both had singles.

On July 7, North Reading fell to Billerica, 10-5, also at Benevento Park.

Down 2-1 after the 2nd inning, North Reading plated three runs in the top of the 3rd to take the lead.

Billerica then answered, scoring six times in the bottom of the 3rd to take command (Billerica was also the designated home team).

“It was good to get the lead in the 3rd,” recalled DiBella.

Brown and Carter Callanan led the North Reading offense as each player went 2 for 4 at the dish. Brown had one run batted in and a run scored while Callanan also scored once.

Anthony DiBella Jr. had a two-run double to right field in the 3rd inning.

Pellegrino, Machado and Jason Connolly all had singles as North Reading’s offense had eight total hits.

Machado played left field while Brown was a catcher. Pellegrino played right field while DiBella and Callanan were both pitchers and second basemen.

The other players on the roster are Tom Fagner (pitcher- first base), Connor Leahy (second base- center field), A.J. Marengi (shortstop), Taygen Colarusso (third base- pitcher), Cam Backwith, Kellen Tiberii, Steven Ciampoli and Logan MacGregor.

“I loved coaching the kids,” said DiBella. “They listened, were supportive, and showed great sportsmanship.”

DiBella plans on coaching the team next year when they are 12 and competing in the Williamsport Tournament.