PEYTON ROWLES (left) and Luca Carmichael (sliding) will make their Benicia all-star debuts Saturday at the District 53 Tournament in American Canyon.

Benicia Little League’s youngest all-star team has been getting some help in preparation for their debut Saturday against Vallejo National in the opening of the 9/10 District 53 Tournament in American Canyon.

None of Benicia’s 13 players on the roster – including eight 10-year-olds – has ever competed at the all-star level. Even the coaching staff is making its all-star debut. Experienced coaches from Benicia’s older 11/12 team have been helping out, providing guidance and steering the younger team in the right direction.

“We’re all learning as we go and to get that kind of leadership and help from our U-12 coaches is really special,” said 9/10 manager Sean Finn.

Finn has learned there’s plenty of talented players at his disposal. Earlier this week, nine-year-old starting shortstop Peyton Rowles made the roster for the 2016 USSSA All American Northwest Regional team. Jaden Mason and Kabir Sihota are a solid 1-2 punch on the mound, and depth at every position gives Benicia a fighting chance in the 13-team District 53 bracket.

“I like our chances because all of the kids are talented,” Finn said. “We have athletic guys who are smart baseball players and make great baseball decisions. It’s fun to see in practice and scrimmages.”

Rowles plays bigger than he looks and is spectacular defensively, making difficult plays look routine.

“He’s an exceptional ball player,” Finn said. “He has incredible range and an incredible arm.”

Mason is a hard-throwing 10-year-old while Sihota is a tall, imposing figure who pounds the strike zone.

“When Jaden’s in the zone and dealing, no one can hit off him,” Finn noted. “He’s a rare talent. You could put him in any position and he’ll do fine. And he’s a great hitter.

“Kabir is a tall kid with a great attitude. When you have a tall kid like that on the mound in this age group, it can be intimidating. He throws hard and he throws strikes.”

Jake Holcomb, Myles Cooper, Sergio Urias, Wyatt Miyamoto, David Broom and Luca Carmichael are also capable pitchers and could spell relief at any time.

The offense doesn’t appear to have a weakness. Sihota, Mason and Sergio Urias can hit the ball to the fence, and players like Jax Core and Myles Cooper always seem to get on base. Carlos Largaespada is a solid catcher behind the plate, and players like Wyatt Miyamoto, Lucas Ayers and Jake Matson will contribute anywhere at anytime.

“It’s rare to have so much depth, even for an all-star team,” Finn said. “We have no holes at the plate. Guys we’re bringing in off the bench will be just as good as the starters. All of our players can put the bat on the ball, and if you walk guys like Jax or Lucas, you might as well just put them on third base.”

A win Saturday against Vallejo National would give Benicia an extra day off in the tournament. Three straight wins to open the tournament would send Benicia to the championship round.

“We got lucky with the draw so if we can beat a very tough Vallejo team, we’ll get a little more rest than everybody else and that will help with our pitching,” Finn said.

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