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• "Defending champions Parkston Mudcats and Canova (ranked 2) are always in there," Locke said. "Dell Rapids PBR, will also be there."
• Locke said the team has benefited from some good young players this season.
• "Matt Erickson has been a good surprise at the plate and he is one of our best pitchers," said Locke, adding that third baseman Tim Hanigan and outfielder/pitcher Zach Harry have each contributed as well.
• Locke feels the Groton squad will need to play well defensively and hit well at the

plate to have success. The change in going from aluminum bats to wood will be a factor, as well. Locke Electric is young, but a few players do have tournament experience, the Groton manager said.
• "My two older guys have been there, Rich Fliehs (outfield) and Barry Keith (first and third base)," said Locke. "My first year in amateur ball, I got picked up by Britton (which went to the tournament)."

• Locke Electric picked up one player for the tournament, third baseman Drew Dickhaut from the Redfield Pheasants.
• Groton may have one advantage going into the state tournament, or should I say four. Four of the members of the team are cousins, Spencer Locke, Mitchell Locke, Dalton Locke and Ryan Delzer. All four are grandsons of the late Erv Locke.
• Erv Locke and Paul Karst started the amateur baseball team in 1972. The team originally played in Ferney, but later moved to Groton. Locke went on to coach the Groton Teener and Legion teams, bringing home championships in 1976, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1990 and 1995. Locke was inducted into the South Dakota Baseball Hall of Fame on September 23, 1992.
• "It's awesome to have the four of us on the team," Locke said. "It's easier to give directions. They listen better."