Coyotes howling after Nevada championship

      After battling their way through a pair of local rivals in the Nevada AAU tournament, the 14-and-under Las Vegas Baseball Academy Coyotes guaranteed themselves a berth in the AAU National Tournament in Concord, N.C.
      The Coyotes advanced to the national tourney, which takes place during the first week of August, with last-inning thrillers over the Henderson Hawks and Southern Nevada Bulldogs.
      "The guys did an outstanding job and came together at the right time," said Coyotes coach Dan Madsen. "Overall, they just played an outstanding tournament."
      Pitcher Tyler Coon started the day by scattering five runs over seven innings against the Hawks, while Jonathan West's bases-loaded single in the bottom of the seventh propelled the Coyotes into the semifinals with a 6-5 win.
      Blake Church stepped up to pitch a complete game against the Bulldogs, as the Coyotes made it to the championship with a 10-8 victory.
      The Hawks and Coyotes met once again, only this time for the right to represent Nevada at the national tournament.
      The title game saw the lead go back-and-forth before the Coyotes emerged with a 7-6 win.
      Offensively, the Coyotes were led by West, Tony Gatan and Leland Montoya, who drove in two runs apiece. But it was Andrew Smith who turned into instant hero.
      After handcuffing the Hawks in a strong relief appearance over the last two innings, Smith smacked a bases-loaded line drive over a drawn-in infield to end the tourney.
      Madsen said the Coyotes have been competing in the Las Vegas Junior Legion program to prepare for the national tournament.
      "Playing against older talent will undoubtedly provide experience the kids will need in order for them to perform well at nationals," Madsen said.
      Other members of the Coyotes are: Lee Miles, Patrick Curran, Ryan Prince, David Winkler, Daniel McKean, Kyle Prince and Rick Cerrone.
      A fund-raising effort has been developed to help defray travel costs for the 11-day trip to North Carolina.
      The team has two fireworks booths set up, one at the Renaissance Center East at the corner of Flamingo and Pecos roads and at Terrible Herbst located at 1412 W. Craig Rd.
      Those interested in sponsoring the Coyotes can call Dennis Smith at 645-4200.