Although it hasn’t been an easy road to get there, Selma’s 11-and 12-year-old All-Stars are headed to the state championship tournament in Fairhope this weekend.

Selma won this weekend’s sub-state tournament in Montgomery, overcoming an opening loss to bounce back and win three straight games to win it all.

“The boys have done a wonderful job. I would have never expected this, not because they don’t have the talent but it is just a short time to try to bond a team together,” Selma head coach Ricky Waters said. “To play in these tournaments, every kid has to know his role.”

Selma defeated Troy twice to win the tournament Saturday, clinching the first state tournament appearance for Selma’s O-zone squad. Selma dominated the first game 13-3 and then won the second contest 11-10 on a Darrius Ellis single.

The two wins over Troy to win the title almost meant a bit of redemption for the Selma, which blew a six-run lead in its tournament opener against Troy. Selma eventually lost the game 12-11, resulting in the All-Stars having to go through the losers bracket to make the title game.

Selma bounced back Friday with a 14-4 victory over Spanish Fort that Waters said was the turning point in the tournament.

“It gave [our] guys confidence, tremendously after we just lost a heartbreaking game the night before and to go drive 120 miles back home and back over there and to be ready to play the next night … ,” Waters said. “I hope it is a real learning experience for these kids to accomplish being one of the top 16 teams in the state.”

The team will move now move on to Fairhope for the state O-zone baseball tournament, where 16 teams will vie for the state championship.

The tournament will start Saturday in Fairhope. Waters said his team’s chances at the state tournament will be determined by limiting mental mistakes.