Swampscott 11s Eye Sectional All-Star Action

The Swampscott Little League 11-year-old All-Stars have had excellent practices heading into Wednesday's match-up with Methuen East.

That's a good thing.

The District 16 champs will need to be sharp against Methuen, Swampscott Manager Dan Santanello said.

Methuen East has outscored its opponents 45-2 in five games, he said.

The other team in the Section 4 tournament is host North Reading, fire hardened by a thrilling win to advance to the double-elimination Sectionals.

North Reading not only plays on their home field but they have a bye, meaning they will play the winner of the Swampscott/Methuen East game.

That game will be Thursday.

But first things first.

Swampscott plays at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday in North Reading at the Benevento Complex, 251 Central St.

The Swampscott players have stayed sharp by practicing. They practiced outside on Saturday and indoors on Monday, due to rain.

The District 16 champs will need to best two very skilled teams in the Sectionals to advance to the single-elimination state championship round.

"This is the real deal," Santanello said.