Rapid City's Canyon Lake Little League All-Stars grabbed the spotlight in August, becoming the first-ever team from South Dakota to qualify for the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

An intrepid group of 11- to 13-year-old boys electrified the community, winning the North Dakota/South Dakota Tournament in Rapid City and the Midwest Regional Tournament in Indianapolis.

While Canyon Lake failed to win an official game at the World Series, the All-Stars did score an exhibition win over Italy while in Williamsport, and were honored with a parade once returning home.

"I still get people who come up to me and say congratulations," said Canyon Lake manager Doug Simons. "The boys also have people who still want to talk about the World Series."

Their success and national exposure on ESPN has triggered interest in Little League from around the state. League Development Manager Sam Ranck of Williamsport recently visited Sioux Falls and Brandon, and inquiries about starting new Little League programs have also been received from officials in Milbank, Brookings and Dell Rapids.

Title: 2008 Little League World Series Preview Date: August 14th, 2008 For the first time ever, a team from South Dakota will compete in the 2008 Little League World Series. Check out the Rapid City Journal's comprehensive preview of this year's tournament. VIEW PRESENTATION »