EASLEY — Tommy Keef of Easley, SC District One administrator for Little League Baseball, was very direct as he greeted 13 of the 17 young men who will represent the district in this year’s Big League World Series.

“I like to win,” Keef said. “This is fun and everything, but what it’s all about is winning. We’ve won four titles, and I’ve got five fingers on my hand. I need one more ring.”

The host team was introduced to the public at a special press conference Wednesday afternoon at the J.B. “Red” Owens Recreation Complex, where the BLWS will be held July 29-Aug. 5.

The 17-member team three includes Easley High School players, two Pickens High School players and one Liberty High School standout.

Hanna High School has the most representatives on the team with five players. Two players come from AAA state champions Belton-Honea Path.

Two players come from Palmetto High School, and Seneca and Walhalla each have one player on the team.

Easley’s three players on the team are pitcher Sammy Nix, infielder/pitcher Joey Pankake and pitcher/outfielder Brandon Smith.

Representing Pickens on the team are Logan Thomas and Jordan Smith.

Matt Whitworth, the Liberty High School infielder/pitcher who was recently named South Carolina AA player of the year, is also on the team.

Leading the representatives from Hanna High School will be Brooks Hall, who was recently drafted by the Milwaulkee Brewers in the fourth round. Hall, a shortstop/pitcher, was the 136th overall pick in this year’s Major League Baseball draft.

Other Hanna High School players on the team include Garrett Boulware, Jacob Long, Jaran Sustar, and Clay Tucker.

Twins Heath and Hunter Burton will represent Palmetto High School on the host team. Heath is a catcher and an outfielder. Hunter plays shortstop.

From the BHP Bears, infielder Brody Greer and pitcher/outfielder Barrett Phillips are also part of the host team.

Rounding out the team are pitcher/outfielder Jordan McNeely from Seneca High School, and Jake Wolff from Walhalla High School.