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Despite being one of the smaller states, South Australia always proves to be a thorn in other state’s sides.

Can the Under 16s return to the top four after narrowly missing out last year?

Will the Under 18s go one further after claiming silver in 2024?

Let’s meet the teams.

For all your tournament information, head to www.baseball.com.au/ayc2025/.

We’re previewing each state in the U16 and U18 ahead of the 2025 Australian Youth Baseball Championships in Blacktown from January 7-15. Head here for full coverage and schedule.

Make sure you follow us at @baseball.com.au on Instagram and Facebook for coverage.

Broadcast of games on Diamond 1 will be provided live, free and on-demand on Baseball+.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA – UNDER 16

South Australia just missed out on the top four last year.

They’ll be looking to their age to provide a bit of an advantage. Unlike most other teams, every player on the roster will be 15 by the time first pitch roles around.

This includes eight players returning from last year’s side.

This age group of South Australians have been right around the mark at national events. In 2023, a squad of Adelaide Marlins players (Port Adelaide, Gawler, Kensington, East Torrens, Northern Districts) finished second at the Junior League titles. They finished fourth in 2024.

Many of those talented players are back and ready to make a run.

Among them is pitcher Kyan Tafui who made a name for himself with a 13 strikeout performance vs Cronulla at Junior League.

Catcher Jack Wilton, who caught for SA last year, says Tafui one to watch.

“Kyan is great player with a lot to prove, he only just missed selection last year so I think he’ll give it everything this tournament,” he says.

Luke Kennedy impressed at Little League tournaments on the mound and may have to eat some innings at the AYCs.

Many South Aussie teammates point to return player Tommy Bird as one who could make an impact.

Bird, a pitcher / outfielder, is already playing Division 1 baseball in South Australia and has experience at various national championships and for Team Australia at the recent Perfect Game International tournament in the USA.

Infielder Taj Williams will be looked to for leadership as a three-year AYC player. Williams also played for Team Australia U16.

If you’re looking for a feel good story, look no further than Jett Harris. The 15-year-old broke his back in July 2023, had extended time of no sport at all, and now represents his state.

For the South Aussies to win, they’ll need the sum of their parts to all work together nicely. It’s a team that grew up playing charter and state baseball together with plenty of experience and few arms who can go deep.

Coaches: Andrew Couzner (Manager)….Assistants: Kym Ashworth, Marc Taintey, James Henty…EO: Shanell Bird

SOUTH AUSTRALIA – UNDER 18

South Australia may have lost a little bit of fire power from their silver medal squad of 2024, but they might have the deepest pitching staff of any of the states.

In fact, not state has more players who represented Australia at the recent U18 World Cup Qualifiers.

Last year, Ali Tanner dazzled on the mound while Flynn McKee picked up the Golden Bat award in the line-up.

This year, South Australia will be relying on five pitchers who were on the U18 National Squad at the recent World Cup Qualifiers. No state had more pitchers on that team than South Australia.

They are: Will Couzner, Mitch Evans, Deakin Filko, Tyler Howarth and Tyler Green.

Add in the likes of 16-year-old Josh Altamura, who pitched well at the U16s last year, Division 1 pitcher Zac Tibbits and top-age arm Carter Roe, and South Australia pitching looks formidable.

Teammates are high on the potential of Deakin Filko.

“The kid is a beast,” says Tyler Howard. “Once he gets into a rhythm he becomes insanely hard to hit with his fastball / slider combo.”

The question is will they score enough runs?

There is no doubt infielder Zach Altamura will be a focal point. He was one of Australia’s leading hitters at the U18 Qualifiers and has now been on two MLB International Trips. Altamura recently committed to New Mexico Junior College.

Bailen Thomas and James McFarlane both have Division 1 experience with West Torrens and spent time with Team Australia U18 in September. They may need to provide a spark.

Look out for Toby Kortekaas who moves up from U16s.

Lachlan South is also a bit of a spark plug. He hit a grand slam at the Australian Schoolboys tournament to win the game and secure a bronze medal for SA.

Coaches: Chris Sims (Manager)…Assistants: Nathan Vanderlinden, Justin Clark….EO: Mark Chandler