The Everett Little League 10-year-old team has advanced to the championship round of the District 12 Tournament.
The Everett contingent, led by head coach Billy Kotsiopoulos and assistant coach Michael Minichello, was set to play Melrose Tuesday at Lewis Monk Field in Melrose, hoping to set up a winner-take-all game for Saturday.
Everett defeated Dorchester (8-5) and Somerville (12-2, 9-4) twice to earn its spot in the finals. Everett’s lone defeat was to the unbeaten Melrose team.
Nico Kotsiopoulos and Jovani Namey have been the ace pitchers for Everett. Namey has also been a force at the plate, belting an inside-the-park grand slam in a win over Somerville.
Lorenzo Papa has two outstanding catches to his credit in the outfield. Leadoff hitter Legend DiPaolo has been setting the table well by getting on base often.
Brayden Minichello has been a standout at catcher, throwing out four runners attempting to steal.
“We’re in the finals and there’s one team [Melrose] that we have to get by,” said Michael Minichello. “It’s been a good run, and now we have to fight to keep it going.”