Lightning Battle To Place Second At State Tournament

Pictured is: (L-R Front) Maddux Ashman, Ty Lorentzen, Solon Yates, Mason Martin, Coach Aubs, Grady Kool (L-R Middle) Caden Johnson, Lukas Toubekis, Griffin Snitker (L-R Back) Coach Nathan Johnson, Merek Padgett, Gus Bunnell, Jaden DeRonde, Head Coach Josh Ashman, Coach AJ Kool, Coach Amy Toubekis

Oskaloosa Lightning 12U played this last weekend in the USSSA State Tournament in Des Moines. Lightning was placed out of 4 Divisions and 81 teams in the state into the Division I bracket. This decision is based on Ranking Points and Power Rating. Lightning’s final record was 13-10 with Ranking Points of 1310 and Power Rating of 897 points. The three-day tournament was brutal with Heat Advisories, temperatures topping out at 94 F and high humidity.

In the first pool play game Lightning fell short, 10-14 to the SE Polk Rams Gold. The second game they hit a streak and beat the Clear Lake Lakers 10-4. That gave Lightning the chance to play in the Gold Bracket however, they would be in the 15th seed of the bracket for the second day. Lightning’s streak continued through the second day, they won both of their games against the Maquoketa Cardinals (12-3) and The Iowa Metro Knights (13-0, they were the 3rd Seed). They played hard and finished hard! Sunday started out much the same way with a hard won win over Peak Performance Prospects with a score of 6-3.

Lightning played in the Championship game at noon on Sunday. The boys fought hard in the heat and humidity but fell short against the Fort Dodge Legends and ended the tournament in 2nd place

Lightning should be so proud of themselves they started the tournament as a 15th seed and finished in 2nd place. So proud of these boys and all they accomplished. Great Job LIGHTNING!!