The final of the Tournament of State Champions unfolded on August 1 at Southern Bank Stadium, where Wilson City Little League’s 8‑10 All‑Stars edged out Florida’s Niceville‑Valparaiso squad by a 4‑3 margin. The victory secured Wilson’s place in the Southeast Regional tournament.
Wilson took an early lead when Preston Staton launched a three‑run home run, giving his team a 3‑0 advantage that set the tone for the contest.
The decisive blow came in the top of the sixth inning when Maxton Warren scored the game‑winning run on a fly ball hit by Finn Mariani, turning a tight 3‑3 tie into a 4‑3 lead.
Reliever Will Clark shut down the Florida offense, pitching three innings and allowing just two runs on four hits while walking one batter, earning the win for Wilson.
Bennett Lee paced the offense with a 3‑for‑3 performance, adding a stolen base and a single that helped set up Staton’s home run, showcasing a disciplined approach at the plate.
A New Challenge Awaits
Wilson will now face Virginia champion Vienna American on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., after Vienna American dismantled West Virginia’s Elk District of Pinch 15‑0 earlier in the tournament. The team enters pool play with a 1‑0 record and looks to extend its surprising run.