On June 30, the Diamond Kings became the 2012 Little League District 4 Champions in the 10-11 year-old division, defeating the West Point All-Stars in West Point.

The Kings won the first game 10-0 and also cruised in the clincher 22-0, thanks to the combined efforts of DeAndre Arnold, Willie Beeks, Eduardo De Santos, Raymond Grace, Aaron Hackett, Chris Hullaby, Mark Penson, Nehemiah Scott, Jaylon Troutman, Donovan and Marcus Troy and Noah Williams.

“The outcome was a little surprising,” head coach Adrian Hackett said. “It was more or less the hard work the kids put in. They showed up knowing what was at stake.”

De Santos was named MVP of the district tourney for his pitching performance in the finale but was unable to compete with the Kings in the state tournament in Savannah last month.

“Even though we were competitive in all four games, we didn’t come away with a win,” Adrian Hackett said. “That one inning that sneaks up and bites you kind of cost us in each one of the games, but overall I think we did very well.”

After wrapping up their two-month break from baseball, the players who will turn 12 by the 2013 season will begin to prepare during the middle of October with some national exposure at stake.

“Our prayer is we get to keep the guys together and get a chance to go to Williamsport, Penn., next year,” Hackett said.

Then all of the players will be able to say they were on ESPN like teammate Donovan Troy, who suffers from sickle cell anemia but had the chance to meet Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“Donovan’s one of the top two pitchers on the team,” Hackett said. “He suffers from sickle cell but as far as an athlete he’s very strong. He’s 10 but pitches like he is 12 or 13. He’s definitely two or three years ahead of what he probably would be as far as development and ability.”

The Diamond Kings play most of their games at Duncan Park and more information about the team can be found at www.southfultonll.org.