Editor’s note: Stephanie Brantley submitted this recap of the season for the Southampton/Sussex Mustang All-Stars. Her son, Matthew Brantley Jr., was one of the players.

By Stephanie Brantley

In June a great group of boys and coaches came together as the Southampton-Sussex Mustang All-Stars team. At that time they had no idea what this season would mean to them, their parents, supporters or the community.

They first entered an invitational tournament in Suffolk to get a feel for what they had as a team. A second-place finish, with a loss in the championship game by one run to West Raleigh Red, was a great start.

The coaches called a few practices before the District tournaments to fine-tune some fundamentals with the boys. The District Tournaments were held in Smithfield starting on Monday, July 1. The SS Mustangs went to the Championship game Sunday, July 7, undefeated and pulled off the win over Smithfield. This ensured their place at the Sectional Tournaments that were scheduled to start Wednesday, July 10, in Windsor.

The boys entered the championship game undefeated on Sunday, July 14, against Western Branch Gold. Again they brought home the win.

Regional Tournaments were held in Mallard Creek, N.C., beginning July 16. Again they went to the championship game undefeated on Friday, July 18. They played against Garner, N.C. They clenched the win with a 5-0 shut out pitched by Cameron Belter. This advanced this fine group of boys to the Eastern Zone Tournaments in Chesterfield. Their first game was a win over Swansea, Mass, 11-5, Thursday night, July 25. On Friday, July 26, they lost to Chesterfield and then to Swansea, Mass.

“Our 2013 baseball season has come to an end,” said Head Coach Brian Rountree. “S&S Mustang lost two games tonight in the zone tourney. The season may be over but the memories and friendships will last a lifetime. Thanks for sharing the ride.”

The great thing about this group is that they never got down on themselves. They had great attitudes for the whole run. The coaches and parents alike helped to keep these kids grounded. With all of their success, at the start of every game it was a new challenge not a definite in the eyes of the boys and coaches. After each game the coaches would say let’s celebrate tonight, but tomorrow let’s put it behind us and worry about the new game.

We cannot say enough about how much each of us appreciate the support the boys received from the community. After the games you could hear the parents talking about all of the texts, emails, calls and Facebook posts were coming in about the S&S Mustang All-Stars.

While the boys may not get what a big deal this was, we are very proud of them. I am extremely proud of the Southampton/Sussex Mustang All-Stars. They had an awesome run. The parents and supporters of this team have been wonderful. We have memories that will last us a lifetime. Thanks to the coaches for their dedication. I just can’t say enough good things about this experience. The boys have a lot to be proud of and so does S&S. This group came together and felt like family!