Jeff Watson

jwatson@thecherawchronicle.com

CHESTERFIELD-- After dropping a game to league opponent Marlboro County on July 5, Post 74 had to win the next night to capture its third consecutive league championship. Behind a complete game performance by pitcher Brandon Sellers, Post 74 defeated Marion 5-2 to become champions once again. Post 74 went 2-1 on the week, defeating Darlington 6-4 on July 2 and Marion.

"Winning the championship feels pretty good," said head coach Steven Sellers. "One of our first goals heading into the season was to win the league championship. This is just the first half of the season though. Everyone starts over in the postseason. It's time for us to take it to the next level.'

The message of taking it to the next level has trickled down to the rest of the team. Sellers says that the players have turned up the intensity in practices and reminded each other that their journey is not over.

"We still have unfinished business," Sellers said. "We just won arguably one of the best leagues in the state and we've yet to play our best ball. Hopefully we can put this together soon and make a run in the playoffs. Now there is a different energy level with the guys. The coaches don't have to sit there and preach, the guys know what to do."

Post 74 earned a number one seed in the state playoffs and will host Murrells Inlet today at 7 p.m. for the start of a best of three series. Although Post 74 has the home field advantage, the fourth seeded Murrells Inlet team could be a tough out.

"Murrells Inlet is a tough ball club and they come out of a good league as well," Sellers said. "At this point in the season, everyone is a good team no matter the seeding."

Sellers also hopes that the crowd turnout will continue to increase as the playoffs go on. Parents and fans of the players have turned out in strong numbers throughout the season and supported the team in many ways.

"We have had so many people that have helped out during the season," Sellers said. "It would be nice to have a packed crowd and show Murrells Inlet what Chesterfield County baseball is all about."

This year's championship team is comprised of all new players to the junior legion program and to Post 74. With Post 23 serving as the senior legion team, Sellers hopes the success of the junior team will feed players into Post 23 and they can continue their success on the next level.

"Hopefully this will get a little more popular with the success we're having," Sellers said. "We hope that this will benefit the senior legion team and the programs will continue to grow and improve."

Aaron Miller was the offensive player of the week; Miller's performance in all three games earned him the honors. Trent Strickland earned defensive player of the week honors. Strickland was the catcher in all three games. Brandon Sellers was the pitcher of the week. Brandon pitched a complete game against Marion to win the league championship. Brandon only allowed one earned run in the contest.