NORTH BEND — John Qualman, coach of the South Coast All-Stars, pondered an interesting inquiry about the team’s trip to the Babe Ruth 14-year-old World Series at Appleton, Wis.

“My brother asked me who the star of the team was, and I said there really isn’t one,” Qualman said this week.

With just 10 players, the All-Stars won the Northwest Regional tournament in Idaho to qualify for the World Series. The players took turns coming up with the big plays as the team advanced through the tournament.

“Everyone has stepped up to do their thing at one time or another,” said Mike Elliott, the team’s manager, who has worked with Qualman in preparing the squad for its success this summer.

The team traveled to Wisconsin Thursday and will enjoy an opening banquet tonight highlighted by guest speaker Jeff Bagwell, a former standout for the Houston Astros.

Then it’s down to business Saturday with a noon game (10 a.m., PDT) against Fort Smith Church, Ariz.

“We made it this far — we can do good back there,” said Duke Mitchell, who played a starring role in the championship game at the regional tournament. After Meridian, Idaho, had rallied to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning, Mitchell came on in relief and got three outs to preserve the tie. He then scored the winning run from first base on a double by Lucas Qualman with two outs in the bottom of the inning.

Mitchell was the latest of the players to come through in a clutch situation, a necessity with so few members on the team.

One thing that has helped the All-Stars this summer is familiarity, after nearly all the same players were on South Coast Babe Ruth’s 13-year-old team last year.

“We have pretty good chemistry,” said Hayden Davisson.

That chemistry stretches to the coaches, who also coached the 13-year-old team last year.

Elliott is the motivator for the players, while Qualman handles more of the administrative duties.

“We have very complementary personalities,”Qualman said. “Mike can be very intense. I can be relaxed.

“We’re both competitive in our own way.”

On the field, the South Coast squad prides itself on offense, which should be its biggest strength at the World Series.

“We hit pretty well,” said Nick Cole, who isn’t concerned about facing top pitching this week.

“I think everybody on the team likes faster pitchers.”

The All-Stars also are steady on defense, which was a key during the final day of the regional tournament. After averaging five errors during four earlier games, South Coast committed just one in the final two games.

“We have a good outfield and infield,” said Matt Miranda.

The team also has shown an uncanny ability to stay calm, Qualman said.

“One of these kids’ strengths and weaknesses is the inability to get excited,” he said. “They handle pressure well. They’ve won every close game.”

The players know they need to stay sharp to have success at Appleton.

“We need to play good, don’t make mental mistakes — keep our heads in it and play smart,” Miranda said.