Photo by LARRY HILLIARD Ryan Westbrook has been instrumental with his bat, arm and glove in helping Post 109 advance to the state tournament. It seems like old times for Post 109 in its quest for a state championship.

Post 109 will be making its fourth trip to the state tournament in five years. But familiarity doesn't always breed success. Despite a respectable 7-5 record at the state tournament, Post 109 is still seeking its first state title.

This year, Post 109 is seeded third and will play Georgetown on Wednesday at Duncan Park. Florence enters as the top seed. West Columbia is the second seed. Perennial power Sumter is seeded fourth, a notch higher than Irmo. Georgetown is the sixth seed. Conway and Bishopville will be matched in a play-in game to determine the seventh seed. Host Spartanburg is the eighth seed.

With a roster of only 12 players, Gaffney coach Jeff Osment said his flexibility is limited. Managing with a depleted roster means Osment and his coaching staff must constantly be thinking ahead.

"Each move we make affects something else," he said.

A thin pitching staff appeared to be Osment's primary concern, but spot starters Corey Crissone and John Michaels pitched well in the Clover series.

The team also enters the state tournament well tested with tough series against Orangeburg and Clover.

"We had some tight contests and it's a sign of a good team to win those kind of games. I think we are well prepared because we've played all types of games in the playoffs."

Ryan Westbrook enters the state tournament as Post 109's top hitter, with a scorching .430 batting average. He changed the momentum of the Clover series with one swing.

"He leads the team in RBIs and home runs," Osment said. "He's been very steady at the plate all year for us. We want to give him as many as bats as we can."

Osment said each member of the team must contribute to bring home the state championship.

"Each individual must do his part," he said.