Pressure became a privilege — and our boys rose to the occasion.

Over the weekend of the 2025 USA Baseball 11U Futures Invitational, our 11U ELITE squad stepped onto the national stage and made a statement — proving they belong among the top programs in the country.

With just 24 teams hand-selected from across the U.S., the Futures Invitational is the most prestigious 11U tournament in America. Hosted in Cary, North Carolina, the event brought together elite-level talent, unmatched competition, and a platform designed for the next generation of high-level ballplayers.

Our 11U roster, made up of ten 11-year-olds and three 10-year-olds, showed heart, toughness, and a belief in one another that carried them to a Top 4 national finish.

Pool Game 1: AEBA vs. Canes West (4–5 Loss)

The tournament began with a tough one-run loss to Canes West, falling 4–5 after a late-game comeback by the Canes.

Despite 11 hits, AEBA struck out 10 times and left multiple runners stranded in scoring position. Credit to the Canes’ starting pitcher, whose high-velo fastball and sweeping breaker kept the Elite off balance for much of the game.

Offensively, Michael Moore, Oli Barnsley, Ty Gerlach, and Ransom Rasmussen each tallied 2 hits.

A coaching mistake late in the game — sending a runner with no outs — ultimately cost the Elite a chance to rally. Still, this opening loss did not define the weekend. In true AEBA fashion, the boys bounced back and responded the only way they know how — by competing.

Pool Game 2: AEBA vs. JSM Elite (6–5 Win)

The bounce-back came quickly with a signature win over nationally ranked JSM Elite.

Hank Konat threw 3 strong innings, allowing just 1 run while facing 13 batters.
Maverick Harwood added 3 strikeouts in relief.
Oscar Coronado was nails again, retiring the heart of the order in just 14 pitches (11 strikes) with 2 Ks.

This win proved to be the pool-deciding victory, pushing AEBA into the Elite 8 bracket.

Pool Game 3: AEBA vs. Texas Twelve (2–1 Win)

In a tight contest against a gritty Texas Twelve squad, the Elite prevailed behind elite pitching and timely execution.

Eli Rodriguez threw 6.1 innings of 4-hit, 1-run baseball, striking out 2.
Oscar Coronado earned the save in just 4 pitches.
Hudson Bott set the tone offensively with 2 hits, a stolen base, and a run scored in the opening inning.

With a 2–1 pool record and a win over JSM Elite, AEBA secured the Pool D championship and earned a spot in the national bracket.

Bracket Quarterfinal: AEBA vs. 5 Star Mafia National (10–7 Win)

In one of the weekend’s most intense matchups, AEBA outlasted the #3 seed 5 Star Mafia National from Atlanta in a 3.5-hour showdown.

The Elite collected 9 hits and stole 7 bases.
Ty Gerlach and Maverick Harwood each delivered 3 RBIs.
Michael Moore, Ben McLyn, and Hudson Bott held it down on the mound.

This win catapulted the boys into the National Semifinal.

Semifinal: AEBA vs. MVP Hustle Casillas (6–2 Loss)

Just 20 minutes after their emotional win, AEBA took the field again against powerhouse MVP Hustle Casillas.

Nico Colonna gave the team 2.2 innings with 5 strikeouts on 59 pitches.
Maverick Harwood finished the game and kept it within reach.
Eli Rodriguez and Oli Barnsley led the offense with 2 hits each, supported by Ty Gerlach, Oscar Coronado, Ben McLyn, and Ransom.

AEBA fought until the final out, but the bats couldn’t crack Hustle’s dominant closer. The boys fell 6–2, sending them to the bronze medal game.

Bronze Game: AEBA vs. Houston Wildcatters

The Elite closed their run with a rematch against the Houston Wildcatters, one of the most physical and complete 11U teams in the country.

These two teams had last faced off as 9-year-olds at the PG 1000 in Houston, finishing in a wild 10–10 tie.

This time, AEBA turned to Hank Konat, who gave a competitive effort, but the Wildcatters’ offense proved too much. The Elite fell short, finishing 4th overall in the tournament.

Home-Grown Heart. National Respect.

What makes this run even more impressive? Not one guest player joined this team. Every roster spot was earned, every pitch thrown by a player who came up through AEBA. While many opponents brought in pickups from across the country, AEBA stood tall with its home-grown roster.

USA Baseball Selections

AEBA’s development pipeline continues to produce elite-level talent. Five players from this roster were selected for USA Baseball tryouts, with Ty Gerlach Jr. being invited to the final 36-man National Team Trial squad:

Maverick Harwood
Ransom Rasmussen
Oliver Barnsley
Eli Rodriguez
Ty Gerlach Jr. (12U National Team Trial Invitee)

We Develop. We Compete. Be Elite.

To finish Top 4 at the most prestigious 11U tournament in the country is no small feat. But to do it the AEBA way — with home-grown athletes, committed coaches, and tough, selfless baseball — is what makes this group truly special.

To our boys, coaches, and families — thank you for a year we’ll never forget.

11U Elite Shines Bright at USA Baseball Futures Invitational