Williamsport, Pa. >> The boys are officially in town.

A 7-2 win over Southern California’s Torrance All-Stars assured Honolulu it would be headed across the country with confidence. It was an impressive run through the regional tournament, Honolulu outscored the opposition 42-11 over four games.

With confidence rolling, Honolulu will open the Little League Series with an early game Thursday at 7 a.m. against Connecticut.

The talent. The coaching. A group of players who have bonded throughout a postseason run. It has all seemed to come together at the right time for Honolulu.

Now, after a stellar West Regional Tournament, Honolulu will look to continue a tradition for the islands as it looks to become the second team in three years of competition to be crowned champion of the Little League world.

In 2018, Honolulu took a world championship back to the island after defeating Seoul 3-0. In 2019, a team out of Maui reached the U.S. Championship.

Honolulu has a tradition to uphold as it looks to carve out a name for itself in Williamsport. Dating back to 2000, Hawaii is 3-1 in four World Series championship game appearances.

There will be pressure, but there will be help and experience as several players and coaches from the past champions have reached out to the team. That included a player with special ties to a current one in Williamsport.

“Before we left for San Bernardino, we spoke with coach Gerald Oda and a couple of the players,” Honolulu manager Brandon Sardinha said.

Gerald Oda was the manager of the 2018 Honolulu team that won it all, but that wasn’t the only person to offer advice for the team.

“One of our boys on the team had a brother on the 2018 team,” Sardinha said.

Chandler Murray played on the 2018 team. His brother, Patrick Murray, will make his debut Thursday against Connecticut.

“He was on the Zoom call with Coach Oda,” Sardinha said. “He gave us some pointers and what to expect. It was good advice.”

On Aug. 6, Honolulu Little League began its journey to Williamsport with a flight to San Bernardino, Calif., for the West Regional Tournament.

The players adjusted to the tournament quickly, winning the opening game in convincing fashion. A close game followed against Nevada, but Honolulu banked on its standout players to set a pace and continue to advance.

“It’s been interesting,” Sardinha said. “There’s been a little bit of an adjustment to having 14 kids and three coaches in a room together. They are having a lot of fun, that’s for sure.”

Being on the road together for an extended period has brought everyone closer. Traditions have formed along with friendships that have carried the team through adverse situations throughout the postseason.

“Throughout the tournament they have gotten closer,” Sardinha said. “Every time they have played together, they have bonded more and more. Staying together, all in one dorm, with the kids has helped.”

Once through the sectional tournament, Honolulu started to believe it could be the next team to represent the West in Williamsport.

A big reason for the success has been standout sensation Tyler Shindo, who has gained a name through his play along with a unique trait few players possess.

Shindo is an ambidextrous pitcher, meaning he can throw with both hands. He even has a specially modified glove that allows him to switch up on the fly.

Unfortunately, especially after helping Honolulu and becoming a household name in the West Regional tournament, Shindo will not be available to play.

Shindo found out after the state tournament his commitment to play in Team USA’s National Team Identification Series, which is being played in North Carolina, would overlap with the Little League World Series.

“Unfortunately, he made a prior commitment, but we are happy for him,” Sardinha said. “Not everybody gets that kind of opportunity. We are a little sad we don’t have him with us to enjoy this experience too.”

Despite losing such a uniquely talented player, the team has remained locked into its commitment to him. They have been in constant contact through social media and Zoom calls.

Sardinha said they would continue to do their best to keep Shindo involved in the experience at Williamsport.

“They are still very close,” Sardinha said. “They call and text on social media. He’s been doing the same, wishing everybody luck.”

With expectations high, Honolulu will look to set a new mark for itself in terms of Little League dominance.