One win away from Williamsport, Central East Maui Little League already on big stage

Thursday was a scheduled off day for members of the Central East Maui Little League team. Although no game was played, there was still plenty on their minds.

On one hand, the team was well aware that the day marked a year since wildfires devastated their home island.

On the other hand, the group of youngsters had a contest to prepare for: Friday's Little League World Series West Regional championship game in San Bernardino, Calif. against Eastvale Little League, the de facto host of the tournament, which already beat Central East Maui 11-3 on Tuesday. Win on Friday, and Central East Maui will advance to the Little League World Series, a feat done only one other time in 2019.

Despite all that the team looks to balance emotionally, Central East Maui manager D...