As we get closer to launching the 14U FAB 50 there are obviously a lot of teams from states you’d expect: California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, etc.

One state you might be surprised to learn that has a Top 10 caliber team is Nevada which features the Lil Rebel – RC team coached by Rick Christopher.

The Rebels finished tied for 17^th at PGF Nationals in 2014 and with its only losses coming to the eventual 2^nd place team So Cal Athletics-Quarles (lost in the 3^rd round of the winner’s bracket) and the eventual 7^th place Birmingham Thunderbolts-Roberson (now at 16U).

It was the second year in a row the Lil Rebels – RC team finished in the top 17 in the 14U Division and this year, the third year, looks to be a break-out one for Coach Christopher’s team.

“This will be my third year in 14’s,” he explains, “and I look to continue our success for three years in a row with new players as, we all know, players move up ages and etc.  It’s no different than when So Cal Athletics Myers/McNee or Firecrackers Brashear reload each year!”

Earlier today, we introduced you to one of the talents on the team, Rising Star Gianna Carosone… in a few minutes, you’ll meet the rest of the team!

After PGF, the Lil Rebels competed in the 14U ASA/USA National Championships in San Diego and in the 121 team Nationals went 7-2 including pool play en route to a 5^th place finish.

Once again, their our only losses came to elite teams: eventual 3^rd place winner So Cal Athletics-TO 4 to 3 in the last inning (finished 7^th Place 14U PGF Nationals) and to the eventual 4^th place Aces Express Futures.

Equally impressive, over the past two years in 14U age group the Lil Rebels-RC team has compiled an overall record of 180-41-10.

The Lil Rebels RC have since reloaded at the 14U age group and have already received another PGF 14U Nationals invite.

“We believe we have proven ourselves to be a top regional contender at the 14U level two years in a row,” the coach continues, “and look to continue down that path for a third year in a row.”

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Here is a player-by-player rundown of the Lil Rebels team with comments by Coach Rick Christopher…

— 3B/OF Lauryn Barker (2018, uncommitted)
“Lauryn is an impact player and is looked at as a leader due to her play on the field. She is a great athlete and the bigger the moment the better she plays. She is a strong kid who hits for average and has a lot of pop in her bat. She plays the hot corner for us and will definitely help us win ball games with her glove and bat.”

— C/3B Sanoe Helenihi (2019, uncommitted)
“Sanoe came to us from within the organization. She works well with our pitchers and is becoming a leader behind the dish. She is one of the hardest working players on the team and a pleasure to coach as she is willing to help the team win anyway she can. She can play the corner positon too and her stick will help us this year. She is an 8^th grader and she will be attending Gorman High School next year.”

— OF/2B Rhea Paiva (2018, uncommitted)
“Rhea is mainly an outfielder, but she can play second base as well. She is a lefty hitter and can spray the ball to all fields. She will help us as a hitter and is a smart baserunner. Rhea is a very determined athlete and works very hard. She was recently accepted to attend OnDeck’s June Jamboree or the Colorado National Jamboree this summer.”

— P/1B Tatum Spangler (2018, uncommitted)
“Tatum is a lefty pitcher that locates her pitches well. She has been working hard outside of practice and it is showing in the circle. Tatum swings a good stick and has the ability to split the gaps as well. She will be at first base and in the outfield at times when she is not in the circle. Tatum loves to compete and is determined to be great. Tatum played Freshman Volleyball for Coronado High School in the fall.”

— 2B/OF Cali Christopher (2018, uncommitted)
“Cali’s primary position is second base and she takes pride in working hard. She is a good contact hitter and can play small ball as well. She is a good athlete and she can also contribute in the outfield. Consistency is her strong point and she strives for perfection. She is finishing up Freshman Basketball at Liberty High School where she was named Team Captain.”

— P/1B Taylor Askland (2018, uncommitted)
“Taylor works hard at her craft and loves the pressure that comes with being in the circle. Her stamina is very high and we look for her to lead the team in the circle. She locates her pitches well and she can go east and west as well as north and south. She has been known to have a big stick at times. She is a pleasure to have on the team and has a great presence to her as she always has a smile on her face.”

— C/1B Hannah Hickstein (2019, uncommitted)
“Hannah is a great leader behind the plate. She is a very tall 8th grader and she takes pride on leading the defense. This is attributed to her great leadership skills. Hannah is a great target to have at first too. Hannah works hard at practice as she knows that is key to her success. She is an 8^th grader too and she will be attending Arbor View High School next year.”

— P/OF Teegan Teal (2019, uncommitted)
“Teegan is a quiet player and works hard. She will contribute in the outfield and in the circle for us. She is lefty slapper that can play small ball or power slap. Teegan will also help us on the bases as she runs well. Teegan is an 8^th grader that will attend Spring Valley High School next year.”

— MIF/3B Courtney Huff (2018, uncommitted)
“Courtney is a game changer with a big stick. She is a straight competitor, a coach’s dream. She is one of our most consistent hitters on the team and has power to all fields. She is a great middle infielder with exceptional range on both sides of the bag. She can play in many different positions to help the team. One word that describes Courtney, “Gamer.”   Courtney is finishing up JV Basketball for Basic High School.”

— P/3B Seanna Simpson (2018, uncommitted)
“Seanna is another pitcher we see competing in the circle for us. She spins the ball really well and she can help us win. She swings a good bat, has shown good power at times and has the ability to drive in runs for us. She is a great player to have as she works extremely hard.”

— OF Serena Garcia (2018, uncommitted)
“Serena is a good slapper as she uses her speed to beat many balls out. She is a scrappy little player and don’t under estimate her size as she loves to compete. She patrols the outfield for us. Serena ran Cross Country for Shadow Ridge High School and she looks forward to Track in the Spring.”

— SS/C Gianna Carosone (2018, uncommitted)
“Gianna is a beast of a player. She is a very strong athletic kid who has exceptional quickness, range and arm strength up the middle for a 2018. She can also be seen behind the dish for us and her pop time has kept runners at bay. Gianna is also an impact player in the box. She is a power hitter and the ball jumps off her bat. She absolutely loves the game and works hard. Gianna has been receiving interest from Division I schools.”

— OF Makall Whetten (2018, uncommitted)
“Makall’s primary position is centerfield. She has above average speed and has the ability to run down balls in the gap. We look for Makall to be our leadoff hitter as she can make things happen with her speed. She is always eager to learn and loves to play the game. Makall is starting to receive some Division I interest as well. She played Freshman Volleyball for Palo Verde High School in the Fall.”