Wow. What a ride this baseball season has been. It feels like just yesterday we were starting practices, full of hype for what this team could do. Now, here we are, after the final out, and it’s a mix of emotions, for sure.

Substate Finals Showdown

Our season came to an end last week in the Substate Finals against Waukee NW. It was a classic pitcher’s duel, and honestly, it felt like a state championship game, even though it wasn’t. I got the start, and I was locked in. I threw 5 innings, only giving up 1 run on just 1 hit. I also racked up 5 strikeouts but walked 2.

That one run they scored? It was in the first inning. Their hit was this slow roller to our second baseman, and their guy just beat it out. Then, after a walk and an error, they got on the board, making it 1-0. But we battled back and tied it up 1-1 in the second, and that’s where it stood when I came out after the fifth.

It was tough after the game, really tough. I knew I had pitched well, but losing 2-1 stings, especially when it’s the game that ends your season. Part of me felt like I could’ve gone another inning, but hey, hindsight is 20/20, right? I totally trust my coaches’ decision to bring in a fresh arm from the bullpen. They know what’s best for the team.

Looking Ahead and Congrats to the Champs!

It’s pretty wild to think that our season ended in the substate finals, especially since we played against the eventual Class 4A champions, Iowa City High, back in Week 1. I actually threw pretty well in that game too, giving up only 2 runs and striking out 11 in that game, but we still lost. Coming up just short against them then, and again in the substate finals, is definitely going to fuel my fire this off-season. I’m already motivated to work even harder, get stronger, and get better so we can make it to the state tournament next year. That’s the goal!

Reflecting on the Season and All the Accolades

Reflecting on the season has been a whirlwind. It’s tough because our team goal was to make it to State, and we didn’t quite get there. I know only one team gets to end the season with a win, and I get that, but it doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye to the season. I wasn’t ready for it to be over.

Despite the tough ending, I’ve also received some incredible recognition, which is pretty awesome. I was a unanimous 1st Team All-District selection and also a unanimous 1st Team All-Conference selection. It was also super cool to find out I led the CIML in strikeouts and was in the top 4 for all of Class 4A! On top of that, I was a Mr. IaBaseball semi-finalist in Class 4A! I didn’t make it to the final four, but just being considered was a huge honor. My teammates also voted me as our team’s Pitcher of the Year, and I even received an Academic All-Conference award. It’s super cool to see all that hard work pay off.

What’s Next? Showcase Time!

Even though the high school season is over, my baseball journey isn’t. I’ve got a couple of showcase events coming up in August! I’ll be at the Senior Games in Kansas City on August 2-3, and then the Iowa State Games the following weekend, August 8 or 9, in Fort Dodge, IA. If you happen to be at either of those events, please stop by and say hi! I’d love to chat.

It’s been an unforgettable season, with its many ups and couple of downs, but I’m already looking forward to what’s next. Thanks for following along!