They're older now — all of 13 years old.

But nearly a year after becoming the first team from Hawai'i to win the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., and galvanizing the state in the process, not much has changed for the West O'ahu Little Leaguers of 'Ewa Beach.

Layson Aliviado's smile can still light up a baseball diamond.

Vonn Fe'ao's stare can still intimidate any opponent.

And coach Layton Aliviado is still calling the shots.

Nine of the 12 members from that title team are representing West O'ahu in an older age group this time — the Juniors Division (ages 13-14), whose state tournament begins today.

"It's fun to be on the same team again. It's like a family," Layson Aliviado said. "Last year was one of the best times (of my life)."

The World Series veterans on this year's team are Layson Aliviado, Fe'ao, Alaka'i Aglipay, Sheyne Baniaga, Myron "Kini" Enos, Quentin Guevara, Harrison Kam, Ty Tirpak and Michael Memea. It was Memea's game-winning homer on Aug. 28 that beat Curacao, 7-6, and capped Hawai'i's feel-good story of the year.

"I'm just happy to be coaching these guys again," Layton Aliviado said. "They're getting old and will be going to high school. It might be the last year coaching them in the youth leagues."

West O'ahu likely will be the youngest team in the state tournament with 11 13-year-olds and two 14-year-olds on its roster.

"They wanted to come back and move up to the next level," Layton Aliviado said. "I think these guys can compete with the older guys."

The players know they'll have a bull's-eye on their backs.

"They want to beat the world champs," Aglipay said. "If I was on the other teams I'd like to beat the No. 1 team."

'WORK HARD, PLAY HARD'

During practices at 'Ewa Mahiko Park, the players and coaches wear dark blue shirts that have "West Oahu All-Stars" on the front and the coach's motto — "Work Hard, Play Hard" — on the back.

The players begin practices with boot camp-like warmups.

They do sit-ups, jump rope, a quick series of vertical jumps, quick feet drills through a ladder, simulate fielding grounders while running around 20 or so red markers, standing broad jumps and lunges.

They go through four cycles of the drills.

Then, they practice baseball.

Practices are "from 4:30 till the sun goes down," according to Layton Aliviado.

"We practice hard every day," Kam said. "We practice the hardest in the whole state."

Layton Aliviado said: "I'm strict. If you work hard, I won't crack down on you."

Eh, you da guy!

Fe'ao was one of the more recognizable players last season with his steely stare and long blond flowing locks.

But after enrolling at Saint Louis School, the long hair had to go.

When asked if people on the street still recognize him, he said: "They did with my long hair, but now that I cut it off, people have to ask first if I'm Vonn Fe'ao.

"I wish I still had 'em."

When asked the same question, Kam said: "Some people, but not much."

Memea simply said: "Yes."

Aglipay said most people don't recognize him until they hear his name.

When people identify Layton Aliviado, "They say, 'Eh, you da coach,'" and say 'You did well and made Hawai'i proud.' "

REMAINING HUMBLE

The Little League Major Division (11-12 year olds) is the glamour division of Little League, with all regional finals and World Series games broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC.

Despite being in the spotlight, the players weren't much for words.

"They are humble kids," Layton Aliviado said. "When they're together they talk and have fun. When it comes to interviews they aren't talkative."

After hitting the walk-off solo homer in the seventh inning against Curacao, the soft-spoken Memea kept things short in a live interview by an ABC reporter. To end things, the interviewer falsely told Memea the team was going to Disneyland, and — in a memorable response — Memea had a startled look on his face and said: "Oh, really."

Mack Memea, Michael's father, said he has even practiced interviewing his son in hopes of him giving more than "one-line answers." The elder Memea said he's had limited success.

DOUBLE PLAY

On most days, Fe'ao, Enos, Baniaga, Aliviado and Moses Samia practice with the Saint Louis junior varsity football team in the afternoon before arriving at baseball practice.

Aglipay does the same for Punahou.

"Football is very important," Layton Aliviado said. "I tell them to go to football practice first, then come to baseball even if you're a half-hour late."

Fe'ao — you guessed it — is a linebacker.

In both sports, Fe'ao said: "I like to play with an attitude."

Memea left a recent baseball practice early because he had a game with the Damien basketball team.

The World Series title and the ensuing frenzy — they received a heroes' welcome at the airport, were honored before a football game, had a parade through Waikiki, visited the governor's mansion and made numerous public appearances — will always be a part of the players' lives.

Perhaps it will take them a few years — or decades — to realize what they accomplished and the incredible ride they took the state on.

For now, they're just thinking about playing ball.

"We want to win again and make Hawai'i proud to win the Majors and Juniors championships," Kam said.

Layton Aliviado added: "Last year was exciting. I'm looking forward to this year."

The players hang out together off the field and will likely continue to do so for a while.

"They go out together and watch movies on weekends," said Jesse Aglipay, Alaka'i's father. "One parent would pick them up, another would drive them back. I hope they stay like this the rest of their lives. They have a bond."

Reach Kyle Sakamoto at ksakamoto@honoluluadvertiser.com.