Dixon Intermediate (50/70) All-Stars claimed District 64 Championship June 17. From left are Coach Perry Settlemoir III, Brenden Guzman, Gavin Guzman, Ely Contreras, Logan Perasso, Perry Settlemoir IV, Declan Habbeshaw, Austin Miller, Alan Campuzano, Preston Canela, Nick Nelson, Liam Woodard, Coach Sonny Conyers, Ben Boekee, Hudson Conyers, Manager Adam Perasso. Photo courtesy of Dixon Little League

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon Little League Intermediate (50/70) All-Stars claimed the District 64 championship after defeating Woodland in a hard-fought title game, earning the program's third district championship in four years across different age divisions.

Managed by Adam Perasso, the team completed a tournament run highlighted by resilience and balanced play. Dixon entered the championship after handing Woodland its first loss of the tournament in the winners' bracket. Woodland battled back through the elimination bracket to force a rematch for the district title.

Coach Perry Settlemoir III said winning this championship carried significance.

“As far as winning the district, this year it feels a little different,” said Settlemoir. “I've been with these boys a long time, and there's a chance this is the last time we get to do that, so it meant a lot. It was special.”

Settlemoir said he believed his team could compete with anyone in the field but viewed Woodland as its toughest challenge. Dixon's victory over Woodland earlier in the tournament gave the coaching staff confidence heading into the championship.

“I always knew we could compete with any team in the tournament,” he said. “When we beat them, I knew it was mostly ours to lose.”

The championship was, according to Settlemoir, action-packed, featuring multiple lead changes and remaining in doubt until the final pitch.

“They definitely played hard,” said Settlemoir. “That game had everything you would want in a championship game. There were lead changes, contested plays and it came down to the last pitch. I was proud of how they played.”

Settlemoir credited the team's chemistry as a deciding factor throughout the tournament. While each player earned a spot on the All-Star roster through individual ability, he said the group succeeded because they played for one another.

“They're all stellar players,” he said. “But you can't beat a team like Woodland based on individual talent. Them being able to play for each other made a difference.”

The coaching staff also focused on managing pitching depth and creating an effective batting order during a week of high temperatures.

“We tried to put the boys in position to get in and get out,” said Settlemoir. “Managing pitchers is a big deal, especially in tournament play, and with so many quality hitters, putting together the lineup took a lot of thought.”

The championship continues a successful run for many players in Dixon's Little League program. Five players, namely Alan Campuzano, Ben Boekee, Declan Habbeshaw, Julian Mendoza and Perry Settlemoir IV, have been part of all three District 64 championship teams in 2023, 2024 and 2026. Eight others have appeared on two championship teams: Logan Perasso, Brenden Guzman, Gavin Guzman, Brayden Prescott, Carson Ramos, Nick Nelson, Preston Canela and Xzavier Puch.

Settlemoir said the players embraced the opportunity to add another championship banner to those displayed at Dixon Little League.

“Those banners are going to be there until they're sun-faded or torn down,” he said. “Hopefully they get replaced, because these boys really stood out, and I hope that's something that motivates players in the years to come.”

He also thanked the parents, volunteers and community members who supported the team throughout the tournament, noting Dixon's fan turnout matched or exceeded that of the host community in Woodland.

Looking ahead, Dixon will advance to the Section 1 Tournament, opening play at 10 a.m. July 4 against Mark West Little League in Santa Rosa before returning to action July 5 in Healdsburg.

Although the district title marked another milestone, Settlemoir said the experience extends beyond baseball.

“We're not done yet,” he said. “What the little league organization does, it's not just playing baseball, it's about creating contributing members of society who understand teamwork.”

He also shared a message of appreciation for his players.

“It's more of a thank you,” said Settlemoir. “Their pictures and these experiences are going to stay with me. They helped shape who I am as a coach, as a father, as a husband and how I talk to people, treat people and see people. They got a lot of attention for the right reasons, and I am proud of them.”

For more information, visit dixonlittleleague.org or email [email protected].