CARBONDALE - Defending champion Murphysboro Post 127 opens the American Legion postseason as the top seed of the double-elimination 25th District tournament hosted by Steeleville Post 480.

Murphysboro has advanced to the 5th Division tournament five of the past six years, including the 2005 state championship season. Last year, Murphysboro was seeded second and won its first district championship since 2005.

"The three components of winning are good pitching, playing good defense and hitting the ball really well," said Murphysboro coach Butch Brasel. "Lately we have been hitting on all cylinders."

Murphysboro has a deep pitching staff led by Kaskaskia College right-hander Brandon Hardin followed by Anna's Cody Wheaton and Murphysboro's Caleb Luttrell, Blake DeRocher and Casey Nadolski.

At the plate, Shawnee College and former Anna-Jonesboro shortstop Matt Hand leads off ahead of Wheaton, DeRocher, Luttrell and second baseman Jeremy Marshall.

Last year's top seed, Marion Post 147, is the second seed this year.

Marion advanced to the division tournament for the fifth time in the last seven years by virtue of hosting the division tourney.

"We have a young team that is coming together at the right time," said Marion coach Greg Haub. "Pitching is our strength."

Marion's starting staff is comprised of Kaskaskia College right-hander Tyler Sopczak, Herrin's Kyle Hudson and Goreville's Casey Rautenstrauch and Nick Andros.

Southeast Missouri State's and former Goreville shortstop Kenton Parmley is Marion's top hitter, along with Sopczak and Hudson.

Orient Post 1961 is seeded third and last advanced to the next level in 2007 when the Orient Express earned co-district champions hip honors with Sparta Post 396.

"We have a balanced team," said Orient coach Jeff Moake. "Our pitching and defense has been very solid, but our hitting is streaky. My most consistent hitter has been catcher Mark Uhles along with shortstop Brandon Moake and outfielder Shane Bennett."

Orient also has as deep starting staff in Treg Vandekerkove, Brynnen Smith, Tyler Mitchell, Nate Williams and Moake. In addition, Jordan Deaton, Dalton Woolard and Uhles provide solid middle relief.

The tournament opens at noon Saturday with sixth seed Steeleville playing seventh seed Carbondale Post 514. Marion plays fifth seed Pinckneyville Post 2504 at 3 p.m. followed by Orient and Sparta at 6 p.m.

At noon Sunday, Murphysboro plays the winner of game. The game two and three winners play at 3 p.m. with the losers playing at 6 p.m.