Cherokees stand 5-1 in youth USSA World Series tournament

The Cape County Cherokees, an 11-year-old Cape Girardeau baseball team, entered the USSA World Series tournament with high hopes and they haven't disappointed.

"We feel we have played really well," coach Lindy Duncan said.

The double elimination tournament in Kansas City, Mo., started with 108 teams from 23 states and Canada. The Cherokees reached the 54-team championship bracket and were still alive after Wednesday when the field was reduced to approximately 30 teams.

So far the Cherokees are 5-1 in the tournament. They defeated the Caldwell Cobras 11-5 Wednesday and will play the Plano Pride from Texas today at 10 a.m.

Duncan said the field is not composed of your average little leaguers.

"This is select baseball," Duncan said. "It's highly competitive."

The Cherokees won a national invitational tournament in Mayfield, Ky., earlier in the year to clinch a berth in the tournament. They also won the Missouri State title in Columbia, Mo., two weeks ago.