The 9-10 Baseball A team made a great run through the playoffs, winning both the District 14 and Section 4 championships before playing in last weekend’s state tournament. Although all of the boys played well over the past few weeks, outfielder Ethan Pues’s consistent hitting and good defense led to his nomination.
How good have the past few weeks been for you?
Pretty good. Winning the Section 4 tournament was pretty cool.
Coach (Jeff) Conyers said you did pretty well in the state tournament, too.
Yeah. I made some jumping catches in the outfield.
You also did pretty well at the plate. What’s your secret?
Just keeping my eye on the ball and, if it’s in the strike zone, trying to make good contact.
You and your friends just spent a lot of time on the road, traveling to different tournaments. What are some of your favorite memories from the trips?
Jumping in the pool at our hotel. We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Fort Myers. It was before the games.
Do you play any other sports?
Football and basketball. I do a little bit of tennis. I play football for the Plant City Dolphins, and I’m trying out for wing back right now. I also play offensive end. My favorite position to play is middle linebacker. I play basketball at the Plant City YMCA. I just started tennis. It’s just fun to try to hit it back and forth.
What else do you like to do for fun?
I like to swim with my cousin, over at my house. I play soccer on the Xbox.
You play a lot of FIFA? Who’s your team?
I play a lot with Argentina, and different teams. I like (Lionel) Messi — I have a little Messi shirt at my house.
So, you like FIFA, but don’t play soccer?
No. I played soccer once, when I was little.
What are your favorite movies?
“Benchwarmers.” My favorite part is in the beginning, when the three guys just started playing baseball. Just before they kicked somebody’s kids off the field, the pitcher tried to do a softball pitch. He didn’t know where it went, but it came back and hit him back on the head. He threw it up, and he’s like, ‘Where did it go?’ And then it came down and hit him.
What are your favorite TV shows?
“Duck Dynasty.” Uncle Si is my favorite.
What’s your favorite sports team?
The Milwaukee Brewers. My dad is from Wisconsin. My favorite player is Ryan Braun.
If you could play for any pro team, what would it be?
The Brewers. I’d want to play shortstop.
What are your favorite books?
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” It’s about a kid named Greg, and his life.
Where do you go to school?
Walden Lake Elementary. I’m going into fifth grade.
Are you going to play in the kickball tournament?
Yes. I like to play shortstop.
Favorite subject?
Math. I’m just good at it.
What’s your favorite food?
Bacon. I just like eating bacon, regular.