In their very first season as varsity baseball program, the Billings Central Rams have climbed the mountain and earned a state title to bring back to the Magic City.

Central narrowly defeated Belgrade 4-3 in the championship game on Saturday evening to wrap up the 2025 all-class state baseball tournament in Hamilton.

The Rams scored all four of their runs in the bottom of the first inning, which ended up being just enough to get the job done. Belgrade still trailed 4-0 entering their final at-bat in the seventh inning. The Panthers were able to scratch across three runs in the frame but the potential tying run was thrown out at third base to end the game.

Oliver Prill and Howie Martin combined on the mound to keep the Belgrade bats at bay. Prill threw four no-hit innings with three walks allowed, while Martin finished the job by tossing the final three innings and limiting the Panthers to three runs on two hits with four walks and three strikeouts.

Billings Central, the No. 3 seed from the East, wraps up a magical weekend of action which included an extra innings walk off homer by Oliver Prill on Friday, defeating their crosstown rivals Billings West.

“Those last two (games) were some of the funnest games I’ve played in my life, just coming down to the end,” said Martin. “And it’s a credit to our culture too. It’s our ninth state championship as a school this year and our culture’s second to none. And that’s a credit to our leadership as well.”

In every game they played at the tournament, Central was the underdog according to seeds: Defeating Columbia Falls (the No. 1 seed from the North) 6-2, knocking off Billings West (the No. 2 seed from the East) 4-2 in eight innings and finally clawing past Belgrade (the No. 1 seed from the Central division) 4-3.

“I actually have a Bible verse on my cleats, it says Proverbs 27:17, and it’s ‘as iron sharpens iron, so I shall sharpen you.’ And I think that’s just a big deal,” said sophomore Matteo Harris who was the winning pitcher of record against Columbia Falls and also drove in three runs in that opening game. “I mean, we played in arguably the toughest division, right? I mean, we got West and Skyview. They both came out here to state with us and we ended up beating West. That was kind of the iron sharpens iron, right? I mean, we played them all season lost to both of ’em twice. I think that’s a big deal because it just really brought us together as a team.”

The future for the Central Rams is as bright as they come, with zero seniors on this year’s roster.

“Having all juniors, sophomores, and great freshmen… great freshmen.” said Oliver Prill. “We can all play bottom, top to bottom of the lineup, bench two, everyone can play. And it’s just exciting to see what we can do next year and the years to come.”

Billings Central is now the third program to win a high school baseball state title since the sport just recently become a sanctioned activity. The Rams join the 2023 Polson Pirates and 2024 Florence Falcons as the first programs to bring home a state championship from the diamond.

As the final whistle blows for the 2024-2025 season of high school sports in Guam, it marks not only the end of a remarkable year but also the culmination of countless hours of blood, sweat, and tears by an extraordinary group of student-athletes.

The Class of 2025 has left a legacy in both the ISA and IIAAG leagues.

While leagues bid farewell to this group of seniors, fans should set their sights on the rising stars from the Class of 2026.

1st quarter: Football

The Father Duenas Friars continued their football dominance, capturing their ninth consecutive championship title behind a deep and experienced senior class consisting of 25 graduating players.

Some key forces that are part of the graduating class include Isaiha Arriola, Trey Blas, Jaron Meno, Tristan Burgos and Christian Manglona.

Looking ahead, GW Geckos Rayn Rios, who was named MVP for both offense and defense, will definitely be the player to watch next year. This could be the best shot at knocking off the Friars as a host of incoming seniors will help Rios: Justin Sablan, Seth Dumanal, Jayce Dela Cruz and others.

1st quarter: Girls volleyball

Academy Cougar Ariana Cruz finished her senior year in style, earning the IIAAG MVP and leading the Cougars to both a league title and a Far East championship.

On the ISA side, the JFK Islanders bid farewell to Aika Kanekatsu, a dominant middle blocker and an All-Island First Team pick. Expect the leagues to combine next season.

Returning standouts include Neisha Chen (Eagles), a powerful outside hitter, and ISA MVP Lyra Mugol (Sharks), who will aim to elevate her team once again.

1st quarter: Cross country

JFK’s Kaito Sakaguchi closed out his senior year as the All-Island Male Champion, setting the pace all season long and earning respect across the league.

On the girls side, GW’s Gwenizah Barcinas is focused on redemption for her upcoming senior year. After an unprecedented finish at the All-Island Meet, she looks to return stronger than ever.

2nd quarter: Girls basketball

This season marked the return of a unified league, merging public and private schools for the first time in five years.

Standout seniors like Franchesca Aguilar (Islanders) and Maria Paulino (Cougars), both All-Island First Team guards, will be greatly missed.

The St. John’s Knights, led by back-to-back MVP Jia Peters and Amara Del Carmen, return with their full championship roster and are poised for another strong title run.

Other star incoming seniors are Maddy Ada (Cougars), Sazzy Quintanilla (Warriors), Jaelyn Han (Islanders) and Keiviann Susuico (Dolphins).

2nd quarter: Baseball

The league bids farewell to FD Friars’ Ayden Aguon (First Team catcher) and Kaiden Weakley (First Team pitcher), both committed to play for the Big Bend Vikings Baseball (BBCC) program in Washington.

League MVP Tiyan Titans’ Peter Concepcion will return next season after a stellar year at shortstop this year.

2nd quarter: Boys soccer

For the first combined league since 2019, Harvest Eagles graduating senior Josiah Jones earned MVP honors as a standout goalkeeper. Jones will continue his soccer career at the collegiate level as he committed to Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina.

League champion FD loses Beau Perez, David Del Carmen and Ian Dickson to graduation.

Midfielder Sean Halehale is expected to fill some big shoes and anchor the squad’s 2026 roster.

2nd quarter: Wrestling

The Friars, winners of nine straight, will lose a host of grapplers with the same names of the football and rugby teams.

Tiyan Titans’ Christian Valencia finished his high school wrestling career on top, going 16–0 in the 138 lbs WC and earning his third gold medal. His undefeated senior season capped off one of the most decorated for the Titans program.

GW’s Rayn Rios looks to continue his dominance on the mats come his senior season.

Next year, eyes will be on Notre Dame Royals’ Alieah Garrido, who also had a perfect season in the 107 lbs WC. She’s expected to return even stronger as she looks to defend her title and stay undefeated.

3rd quarter: Softball

Guam High Panthers Brinnlyn Hardt capped off her high school career as the league MVP. While she suited up for the GW Geckos due to roster shortages at her home school, her impact remained prominent regardless of the jersey.

League champion Cougars will lose five starters who all made First Team All-Island: Zaeyah Tajalle, Tisha Mann, Aniyah Benavente, Olivia Camacho and Giniah-Jo Sarmiento all walked down the graduation aisle.

They will rely on Kaia Chiguina and Sadie Guerrero to keep the winning tradition going.

3rd quarter: Boys basketball

FD Friars graduating senior Noah Tenorio dominated this season, earning league MVP while leading his team to a perfect season and third straight title. After high school, Tenorio committed to playing basketball for Penn State Hazleton.

Other seniors who stood out this season include Jude Lopez (Bulldogs), who is a force in the post, and the Madrazo twins, Jordan and Josiah (Islanders), known for their on-court chemistry and backcourt dominance.

Next year, GW Geckos guard Jace Dela Cruz is expected to step up to the leadership role for the Geckos.

Meanwhile, for the defending champs, guard Colin Baker looks to lead the Friars in the upcoming year in hopes of extending the dynasty.

3rd quarter: Rugby

This year’s rugby season saw powerhouse performances from some of the island’s top senior athletes.

Doriana Penaflor (Sharks) had a spectacular season, capping off her high school career as league MVP.

Lola Rosario (Cougars) leaves a lasting legacy as a 2x All-Island scrum half, 2x champion, and four-year captain. She will continue her rugby career at Wheeling University.

On the boys side, the future looks bright for the GW Geckos as league MVP Rayn Rios will still be returning for his senior year.

4th quarter: Track & field

The Guam High Panthers continued their track and field dominance this season, once again asserting themselves as the team to beat. However, they’ll face a major shift next year with the graduation of top point scorer and hurdler Jayden Jackson.

Also departing are standout seniors Jan Almoite (Sharks) and Alex Na (Islanders). In the All-Island Meet, Almoite made podium finishes in the hurdle events, and Na took 4/4 gold medals in the short sprints and jumps.

As the baton passes to the incoming seniors, a new wave of talent is ready to shine.

Hayden Buck (Panthers), along with Gwenizah Barcinas and Hazel Wilson (Geckos), are standout athletes to keep an eye on as they look to lead their teams in the upcoming season.

4th quarter: Boys volleyball

Notre Dame Royals senior middle blocker Timothy Gumataotao closed out his high school career leading the All-Island listing by earning league MVP. His presence at the net, both offensively and defensively, made him one of the most dominant players in the league.

The Harvest Eagles had probably their best shot at the crown in years, but they fell short. They are losing Devin Paulin, Jack Keith and Jacob Ji.

The 7-time champion FD Friars did not have a single player on the All-Island First Team. They lose David Del Carmen, but incoming senior Saul Bamba will lead the charge for yet another run at the title.

The Royals will still have Davyn Paet and Takoda Piper.

4th quarter: Girls soccer

Academy’s Hinnegi San Nicolas and Maria Paulino closed out their high school careers on a high note, both earning All-Island First Team selections.

Looking ahead, the five-time champion JFK Islanders are expected to be strong contenders once again, led by a core group of returning seniors: Aubrey Ibanez, Orung Santos and Jaelyn Han.

Harvest will also be in the title conversation, with upcoming seniors Hayden Thompson and Caden Miller.

The Class of 2025 leaves behind a legacy built on excellence, and now the torch passes to the group of seniors. With rising stars ready to shine, the future of high school sports looks brighter than ever.

Sectional postseason action heated up Saturday with a full slate of games across the Wayne-Finger Lakes, with several more teams advancing to the next round.

Canandaigua baseball rolled past Victor behind Tyler Christopher’s three-RBI day and a complete game from Johnny Mohammed. Alexander Rogers dominated on the mound for Waterloo, striking out 19 in a shutout win over North Rose-Wolcott. On the softball side, Gwyn Panek powered Waterloo with a home run, triple, and double to lift the Tigers.

Check out all the scores and stats below.

BASEBALL

Class AA Quarterfinals
No. 6 Canandaigua 12
No. 3 Victor 3

Tyler Christopher led the Gray Wolves with two hits, including a double, and drove in three runs. Sam Clark, Jack Clark, and Cole Harris each added two hits, while Johnny Mohammed contributed two hits of his own and earned the complete game win on the mound.

Class B Pre-Quarterfinals
No. 9 North Rose-Wolcott 0
No. 8 Waterloo 6

Alexander Rogers was dominant on the mound for the Tigers, striking out 19 over 6.1 shutout innings while allowing just four hits and one walk. He also scored a run in the win. Dylan Caraballo led the offense with two hits and a run, while Aidan Acquilano added a double, a run, and an RBI. Marcus Haffner and Lathan Milliman each collected two hits for North Rose-Wolcott.

Class C1 Pre-Quarterfinals
No. 13 Caledonia-Mumford 3
No. 4 East Rochester 4

Class C1 Pre-Quarterfinals
No. 11 South Seneca/Romulus 1
No. 6 Notre Dame-Batavia 11

Bryce Racono went the distance on the mound for South Seneca/Romulus, striking out five in a complete-game effort. Samual Dufour led the offense with a pair of singles, while Hunter Scott added a hit and scored a run. Liam Wolvert and Kyan Miller-Hopkins each chipped in with a single.

Class C1 Quarterfinals
No. 8 Williamson 3
No. 1 Sodus 5

Austin Cincinello struck out 11 over six strong innings to lead the Spartans to the next round, while also contributing a single, walk, and run at the plate. Jordan Orrange-Paton launched a two-run homer, and Garrett Barron tallied two singles, a walk, and an RBI. Cooper Ingersoll added a single, two runs, a walk, and an RBI as part of a balanced Sodus offense. The Marauders rallied for three runs in the seventh behind RBI singles from Devin Allen and Michael Ishler, with Allen and Caiden Watson combining for eight strikeouts on the mound.

Class C1 Quarterfinals
No. 7 Bloomfield 7
No. 2 Pembroke 6

Grady Rogers sparked the Bombers early with a two-run single as part of a multi-hit day, helping the Bloomfield build a 7-0 lead through three innings. Kevin Dredger and Gunner Vogel each added RBI singles, drew walks, and scored, while Joey Walsh tossed five innings with five strikeouts and chipped in an RBI at the plate.

Class C2 Pre-Quarterfinals
No. 13 Alexander 9
No. 4 Honeoye 10

Kyle Schmitt ignited the Bulldogs’ comeback with two singles, three runs scored, and an RBI while striking out three in two innings of relief. Owen Cuba earned the save with two strikeouts in the final frame and added two hits, two RBI, and a walk at the plate. Samuel Clark tripled, singled, walked, scored twice, and struck out two over 2.2 innings on the mound. Christopher Shannon chipped in with two singles and two runs, while Dylan Washburn added a hit, an RBI, a run, and a walk.

Class C2 Quarterfinals
No. 6 Cuba-Rushford 0
No. 3 Gananda 8

Henry Shutts delivered a complete-game gem for the Blue Panthers, striking out 10 and helping his own cause with two walks and a run scored. William Schneemann paced the offense with two singles, two walks, two runs, and two RBI. Anthony D’Agostino added a single and drove in three, while Peter Jacob went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run. Owen Switzer doubled and scored, and Brady Wadsworth chipped in with an RBI single.

Class D Pre-Quarterfinals
No. 13 Hinsdale 2
No. 4 Naples 4

Oliver Bruen delivered a key two-run home run in the third inning to help power the Big Green Machines. Theron VanZandt chipped in with two singles and scored twice, while Wilhelm Schmitt added an RBI single. Hunter Jacoby started on the mound and pitched four innings with two strikeouts. James Haremza, Lukas Hall, and Grady Grove each pitched in relief, combining for six strikeouts over three innings.

SOFTBALL

Class AA Quarterfinals
No. 7 Victor 2
No. 2 Penfield 13

Class B1 Quarterfinals
No. 8 Penn Yan 0
No. 1 Haverling 20

Class B1 Quarterfinals
No. 5 Midlakes 5
No. 4 Livonia 11

Class B1 Quarterfinals
No. 6 Hornell 0
No. 3 Waterloo 9

Gwyn Panek powered the Tigers with a triple, double, home run, three RBI, three runs scored, and two stolen bases in a dominant all-around performance. Maddie Westerberg added three singles, two runs, two RBI, and two steals. Gwen DiIorio went the distance in the circle, striking out nine in a complete game victory. Allisa Haley led Hornell at the plate with a pair of singles.

Class B2 Quarterfinals
No. 5 Mynderse 3
No. 4 Le Roy 7

Kyah Lajewski led the Blue Devils offense with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Bella Burlew added a solo home run, while Mercedes Santana chipped in with an RBI single.

Class B2 Quarterfinals
No. 7 North Rose-Wolcott 0
No. 2 Wayland-Cohocton 9

Class C1 Pre-Quarterfinals
No. 10 Canisteo-Greenwood 0
No. 7 South Seneca/Romulus 4

Class C2 Pre-Quarterfinals
No. 10 Clyde-Savannah 5
No. 7 Alexander 24

Class C2 Pre-Quarterfinals
No. 14 Honeoye 0
No. 3 Genesee Valley-Belfast 12

BOYS LACROSSE

Class D Pre-Quarterfinals
No. 9 Waterloo 3
No. 8 Haverling 17

GIRLS LACROSSE

Class B Pre-Quarterfinals
No. 9 Canandaigua 21
No. 8 Eastridge/Bishop Kearney 14

CAN: Alexandra DiSanto (1g), Taylor Ennis-Chinn (4g-1a), Keira Gioseffi (5g-2a), Samantha Lupton (3g-2a), Lola Schorr (2g-5a), Leah Sheridan (1g-1a), Sarah Urlacher (1g-1a), Nola Weaver (4g-1a) Goaltending: Aviana Nelson 7s/14ga (48 mins)

Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].

(25News Now) – El Paso-Gridley is the 1A State Girl’s Track Champion. Normal U-High is the 2A State Girl’s Track Champion.

Eureka, IVC, Peoria Notre Dame and Normal U-High win 2A baseball regional titles. Heyworth and Illini Bluffs win 1A baseball regional titles.

Dunlap and Metamora are both sectional tennis champs. Metamora has a softball day for the ages with their 1,000th program win!

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