A few more teams join District 16 as journey to Williamsport begins

The road to the District 16 title has usually gone through places like Swampscott and Wyoma over the years. But now getting to the Section Four tournament will be a little more challenging for the perennial powers.When the tournament kicks off on Friday, it will feature a field of 17 that includes five additions from District 15, including four-time state finalist Peabody West and defending district champion SwampscottWest has become the preeminent Little League program in the area this decade, reaching the New England Regional twice, the Little League World Series two years ago and four straight state finals.Needless to say, the addition of West along with Peabody National and American and Salem National and American makes this year’s district tournament that much more competitive.”It’s all new with adding of five new teams,” Lynnfield manager Kevin Canty said. “We’ve scrimmaged some of the Peabody teams the last couple of years and they’re always good.”For Peabody West, moving from District 15 to 16 brings a chance to lock horns with teams they’ve seen in the sectionals over recent years.”We know that Swampscott and Wyoma always do well,” West manager Frank Benea said.”I think that it’s going to be tough competition. We’re the one everyone has seen and we have to be ready.”Benea managed the Peabody West team that began the stranglehold on North Shore Little League by reaching the New England semifinals in 2006.Last year, West reached the state finals and was eliminated by Southboro, 10-4, in Norwood. Peabody begins its tournament on Sunday (5:45) in Swampscott against Revere.With a crowded field of 17, having plenty of pitching may turn out to be an ace for some teams.” The key is you have to stay in the winners bracket now,” Canty said. “If you do, can get by with two or three solid pitchers. If you don’t, it could be tough on your staff.”The tournament kicks off Friday with Wyoma taking on West Lynn American at Peabody West and Nahant playing Lynn Shore at East Lynn. Both games are at 5:45.Saturday features Peabody National taking on Swampscott; Winthrop against Pine Hill and Salem American against Peabody American. Sunday’s slate includes East Lynn-Lynnfield; Salem National-Saugus National and Saugus American playing the winner of the Wyoma-WLA game.”It’s going to be tough to get out of this district,” Benea said. “But it will be nice and interesting to go against some different teams.”