The city of Lawrence will be well represented at this week’s Kansas Class A state Legion baseball tournament.

That’s because not one, but two city squads qualified for the eight-team championship in El Dorado after winning their respective zone tournaments.

The Lawrence Bandits, made up of Free State High students, went 3-0 in Gardner to claim their berth.

Meanwhile, the Lawrence Mavericks, made of Lawrence High athletes, posted a 4-1 record and came through the losers’ bracket in their own Lawrence regional.

“It bodes well for the future of both (high school) programs,” said Mike Hill, who coaches both the Bandits and also the Free State High varsity. “It also says a lot about the commitment of the American Legion for this many kids to be headed to state.”

Hill’s Bandits allowed just two runs in their three zone games, defeating Olathe East before run-ruling the Kansas City Pirates and Blue Valley Northwest.

The Bandits outscored their opponents, 27-2, in the three games.

“We played our best baseball of the year, and it came at a good time,” Hill said. “We had a tough schedule that prepared us well.”

The Mavericks showed resiliency to earn their state spot, recovering after a run-rule loss to Topeka Post 400 in their second game.

Lawrence went on to beat Junction City, then won consecutive games against the aforementioned Topeka squad, including a 6-5 victory in the championship final.

Coach Brad Stoll – who is also the varsity skipper at Lawrence High – used four pitchers to get through the final game.

“Right now, we’re playing pretty hard-nosed,” Stoll said. “We’re competing well. We may not be flashy – hitting a bunch of home runs or striking everyone out – but we’re playing solid baseball.”

Dorian Green and Tom Schuh have led the Mavericks on the mound this season, with Aaron Rea, Gabe Jacobson, Tyler Bailey and Jake Green sparking the offense.

The Mavericks enter the tournament with a 24-12 record.

“We’re going to come out with confidence,” Stoll said. “We think we can compete with anybody.”

For Hill, the lineup has been powered by a pair of familiar faces from his state-champion Free State squad.

Hunter Scheib has become a dependable leadoff hitter, and first baseman Ben Wilson adds pop to the middle of the order.

Cody Lown, E.J. Swanson and Alex Hardman have provided solid pitching depth.

The Bandits enter with a 27-8 mark. They haven’t lost to an A Legion team in the state of Kansas this summer.

“In a tournament, you have to play well and get breaks to go your way,” Hill said. “I’m confident the kids will play well, and hopefully we can create some breaks.”

Both teams will open state play Thursday.