NATCHEZ — The T.M. Jennings 11- and 12-year-old All-Stars took to the field Monday to begin one more week of practice heading into Friday’s Little League district tournament in Hattiesburg.

Willie Wesley, head coach of the 11s and 12s, said his team began practicing July 1, and he’s confident they can make a run this weekend.

“They look good,” Wesley said. “I like the outlook we have so far.”

The focal point of practice has been fielding and hitting, and Wesley said his team would need to be strong in both aspects of the game come this weekend.

“Fielding is important, because the kids need to know what to do in certain situations and which base to go to,” Wesley said. “Hitting is hitting. You need to score to win.”

Pitcher Chris Scott also said he’s been impressed with his teammates in the short amount of time they’ve had to practice together as all-stars.

“We have the potential, we just need to step up,” Scott said. “It’s just going to take hard work.”

For Wesley, coaching the oldest group of players in the league is a big advantage, he said.

“At 11 and 12, it’s easier to coach them, because they know how to play,” he said. “They’ve probably been playing since they were 4 years old. You just have to teach them the more experienced things to do.”

Scott said he’s excited more than he is nervous about this weekend’s tournament, and he’s not lacking in confidence about his team’s chances. Scott said he will close the first game before taking the mound to start the second game.

“I prefer to close,” Scott said. “I think I have the ability to shut out a game. It’s just a confidence level I have — I’m more confident in the first pitcher than myself starting, because it takes time for me to kick in.”

In order to come out on top this weekend, Wesley said his team would have to be strong in all three phases of baseball.

“All three are going to have to help us out,” he said.