Event Recap: Nebraska Thunder Swing into Spring

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events travelled to Nebraska this weekend to host the Nebraska Thunder Swing into Spring Powered by Top Gun Events. This three-day event in La Vista, Nebraska featured 54 teams.

In the 12u age group, Nebraska WAVE Gold Kroll 11u finished atop Pool A with a 3-0-0 record. Nebraska Quakes Pearson had the best record in Pool B, going 2-1-0. Nebraska WAVE Gold Kroll 11u started the tournament with an impressive 11-4 victory over Nebraska Thunder Wilcox. Nebraska Quakes Pearson began their pool play with a 9-5 win over Prime Beach 11u.

Most of the games in the 12u age group were close, but there were a couple of dominating victories. Nebraska Gold Naughton beat Nebraska Quakes Borgeson 12-0 and also defeated Nebraska Thunder Wilcox 10-5.

There were four pools in the 14u age group. NE Storm Prime Bachman 13u and Nebraska Gold Gillis won their pool with 3-0-0 records. Nebraska Gold Michaelis won their pool with a 4-0-0 record. Nebraska Quakes Gold Carson and Millard Fury Gold Vance both finished with a 2-0-1 record in their pool.

Nebraska Gold Michaelis defeated Fury Gold Ethen 11-0 and High Plains Diamonds Hallberg 14u 14-0. Nebraska Gold Gillis beat Nebraska Quakes Chonis 13-0 and Millard Fury Gold Sullivan 8-0. Nebraska Quakes Gold Carson beat Nebraska Gold Zach 18-3.

The 16u age group also had four pools. Nebraska National Taylor 16u, Nebraska Gold Groebli, Nebraska Gold Butler/Jarose, Nebraska Gold Waller, and Nebraska Gold deMontel all finished pool play 3-0-0.

There were several dominant victories in the 16u age group. Nebraska Gold deMontel beat Nebraska Thunder Gass 14-0. Nebraska Gold Butler/Jarose beat Primetime Weis 10-0. Stinger O’Hara beat Nebraska Thunder Johnson 12-0. Nebraska Thunder Hansen beat Nebraska Thunder Gass 13-0.

The 18u age group had two pools. Nebraska Gold National Perkins won their pool with a 3-0-0 record. Primetime Select Eadus 16u and Nebraska Gold Swift both finished 2-0-1 in their pool.

The 18u age group had several large victories. Nebraska Gold Swift defeated Nebraska Thunder Fox 11-0 to open the tournament. Nebraska Gold National Perkins beat Nebraska Gold Zach 8-0. Nebraska Quakes Bowen beat Nebraska Gold Closner 10-0.

Bracket play began on Sunday, but was, unfortunately, cut short due to weather issues.

The 12u age group was able to make it all the way through bracket play. Nebraska Quakes Byrd was crowned the champion. The team defeated Nebraska Quakes Borgeson 10-5 and Nebraska WAVE Gold Kroll 11u 3-1 to make it to the finals. The team beat Nebraska Quakes Pearson 8-0 to win the tournament.

The final four teams in the 14u age group were Nebraska Thunder Piatt, Millard Fury Gold Sullivan, Nebraska Gold Gillis, and Nebraska Thunder Bennett. The 16u final four teams were Nebraska National Taylor 16u, Millard Fury Gold Westley, Nebraska Gold deMontel, and Nebraska Gold Butler/Jarose. The 18u age group had three teams remaining – Nebraska National Hoelscher, who made it to the final, Nebraska Gold Perkins, and Nebraska Gold Swift.

Thank you to all of the teams who participated this weekend!

Event Recap: Top Gun Ranger

By: Madison Feldhahn

Over the weekend, the Top Gun Ranger took place at Blue Valley Recreation Complex in Overland Park, Kansas. The three-day event featured 30 teams across three age divisions – 12u, 14u and a high school division.

The 12u age group was made up of just one pool. Select Fastpitch Gamet 11u finished pool play 4-0-0. The team started off with a bang, being Team Kansas Brown/Hays 10-2 to open their pool play. Louisville Lady Sluggers Fyrberger. This team scored 27 runs and allowed just 8 runs against during pool play. Their largest margin of victory was in an 11-7 game against Epic Fastpitch – Bond.

There were several other dominant victories in the 12u pool play. Nebraska Quakes Evans defeated KSA Klutch – Robertson 8-1. Nebraska Quakes Evans also defeated Epic Fastpitch – Bond 7-0.

In the 14u age group, there were two pools. RP Storm 2010 came out on top of Pool A, going 3-0-1. Select Fastpitch Reliford 13u finished atop Pool B with a 4-0-0 record. After tying Select Fastpitch Heinrich 12u 8-8 in their Friday evening game, RP Storm 2010 went on to defeat KC Pride Flavell 8-0, KC Rebels Lickel 13-0, and Originals Campbell 7-2. Three teams finished pool play with a 3-1-0 record – Mac N Seitz Ellsworth, Aces Fastpitch 14u Black, and Select Fastpitch Zagozda 13u.

Several teams had dominant victories throughout the weekend, including a 12-0 Synergy Fastpitch 13u win over KC Rebels Regional Olsen 14u. Select Fastpitch Reliford 13u won 13-0 over Nebraska Quakes Dailey and Select Fastpitch Zagozda 13u beat KC Rebels Regional Olsen 14u 15-0.

In the high school division, there was one pool. Both Louisville Lady Sluggers Lovelady and Firecrackers Wildey finished pool play with a 3-0-1 record. Louisville Lady Sluggers Lovelady started pool play with an 11-1 win over KC Phoenix Miller and 12-0 win over Louisville Lady Sluggers Clark 16u. Firecrackers Wildey started their pool play with a 6-5 win over Louisville Lady Sluggers Clark 18u.

There were plenty of impressive wins in the high school division. AC Fury Miller had a dominant 11-2 win over Top Gun Hooper. KC Bombers Adkins defeated Louisville Lady Sluggers Clark 16u 14-1, while Top Gun Hooper topped KC Phoenix Miller 12-2.

Bracket play took place on Sunday. This was a single elimination bracket.

Select Fastpitch Gamet 11u came out on top of the 12u bracket. The team defeated Sass Fastpitch Hart 5-2 to secure their spot in the final. The team beat Nebraska Quakes Evans 4-2 to win their championship game.

The 14u champion was Select Fastpitch Reliford 13u. Their closest game in bracket play was a 7-3 win over Synergy Fastpitch 13u. The team defeated Mac N Seitz Ellsworth 9-0 to make it to the final. To secure their championship, Select Fastpitch Reliford 13u defeated Aces Fastpitch 14u Black 7-0.

Firecrackers Wildey was the champion of the high school division. The team defeated AC Fury Miller 8-2 in their first bracket game. This was followed up with a close 7-6 victory over Louisville Lady Sluggers. In the championship game, Firecrackers Wildey defeated Louisville Lady Sluggers Lovelady 5-0.

Thank you to all of the teams who joined us this weekend!

Event Preview: Nebraska Thunder Swing into Spring powered by TGE

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events has partnered with Nebraska Thunder to host the Thunder Swing into Spring Powered by Top Gun Events this weekend in La Vista, Nebraska. The event features 54 teams across 12u, 14u, 16u and 18u.

The 12u pool play will begin on Saturday at 8:00 AM. The last game will start at 3:55 PM. The pool play for 14u, 16u, and 18u all begin Friday at 5:45 PM with the last games starting at 8:55 PM. The 14u, 16u, and 18u pool play will resume Saturday at 8:00 AM. The last pool play game for all three age groups is 5:30 PM.

Bracket play begins on Sunday. 12u, 14u, and 16u will begin at 8:00 AM. The 18u bracket play will start at 9:35 AM. The 12u championship game is at 2:20 PM. The championship games for 14u, 16u, and 18u start at 5:45 PM.

The entire schedule can be found here: Thunder Swing into Spring Schedule.

Check out some of the teams joining us below!

12u

Nebraska Quakes Gold Borgeson

Coaching Staff: Rich Borgeson (head coach), Ben Grojean (assistant/hitting), Mark Stroud (assistant/fielding) & Andy Larson (assistant/pitching)

Team Social Media: Nebraska Quakes Gold Borgeson (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Halloween Freight Fest Champs, KS for Cancer Champs

Key Players:  Raelee Tackitt (SS), McKinley Grojean (C), Josilyn Pieper (P/MIF), Teagan Stroud (UTL)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Looking to build confidence in all our players and compete in every game we play.

Nebraska Thunder Wilcox

Coaching Staff: HC Ryan Wilcox, AC Jared Holub & AC Ashley Wilds

Team Social Media: @NEThunder2011s (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: We thought the girls transitioned well into the 12u age group last season in 2023. Turned a slow start into a good summer of development as the girls adjusted and competed well all summer long.

Key Players:  Aliza Holub – has been a workhorse in the circle for us while also being a big contributor at the top of the line up. Lauren Schmidt – has taken over the leadoff spot for us and continues t make hard contact with nearly every swing she takes. Emery Jacobs – very productive hitter that will always put the ball in play, can play multiple positions for us on defense.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We will always look to compete against the best this area has to over and continue to develop as a team.

Nebraska WAVE Gold Kroll 11u

Coaching Staff: J Kroll (head coach), Jason Meents, Shelly Custor, Zac Venema & Jess Roberts (assistants)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2024 Boo Bash Champions gold bracket, 2023 Battle in the Burbs Gold bracket champion

Key Players: Tatum Buckley, Millie Krueger, Bryn Meents

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Lots of travel tourneys out of state (KC, Des Moines, Sioux Falls, OKC)

14u

Millard Fury Gold Rivera ‘09

Coaching Staff: Head coach Rick Rivera, assistant coaches Ann Naidas & Nick Rivera

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: First year 14u team that finished 2nd in several tournaments including Odd State. Finished in the top bracket at the 13u Nationals. Combined summer/fall record of 41-20-3.

Key Players: We have a well balanced team with hard working players who all contribute offensively and defensively. So far in 2024 our record is 12-5-1 and we have finished 2nd in both tournaments we entered. Megan Kelly leads in batting avg & slugging percentage. Olivia Rivera leads in hits, runs scored & stolen bases. Violet Hanlon leads in doubles. Adele Thompsett leads RBIs. Yessenia Cuevas has the lowest ERA London Garcia leads in strikeouts & innings pitched. Addie Hruska has given up only 4 walks in 21 innings.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: The primary objective continues to be player development in a positive environment where we inspire each player to develop a growth mindset and love of the game.

Millard Fury Gold Vance

Coaching Staff: Mark Vance, Ryan Boozikee & Charles Starkovich

Team Social Media Handles: @FuryGoldVance (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Finished the year 56-25. NE Class B USSSA State Champions, USSSA Midwest Nationals Open Silver Bracket National Champions. Finished the year off winning the 14U Boo Bash in Lincoln, NE

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: For 2023-24, we have changed organizations to provide better exposure for our players and enable us as coaches to assist those that want to play college softball. We are playing a very tough schedule at A and Open level and, with the move to the new organization, we are getting opportunities to play against better competition to help our team grow. We have very big goals for the year and it might not show at the end of the year in our record. But we, as coaches, wanted to challenge our girls and we have seen them step up already through winter workouts. We have never had a more cohesive team and such a great group of girls from attitude to effort across the board.

Nebraska Quakes Chonis

Coaching Staff: Don Chonis (Head Coach) & Assistants Karlie Chonis, Casie Volkmar & Bryan Nielsen

Team Social Media Handles: @NEQuakesGold13U (X), nequakesgold_13u (Instagram) & Nebraska Quakes Gold Chonis (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: New Team

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: To compete at the Class A/Gold level & get ready for the jump to high school

Nebraska Quakes Gold Carson

Coaching Staff: Jen Carson (Head Coach) & Assistants Lynn Griffis, Susan Stagid & Sarah Gutschow

Team Social Media Handles: @NEQuakesCarson

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Tied for 9th in the USSSA Midwest Championship, 1st Place at Under Armour Championship in KC, 1st Place in York in 16U Division, 3rd Place in USSSA Super 48 Invitational in KC, 1st Place in Blair Invite, 2nd Place at Heroes Classic in Hastings, 7th Place at USSSA 16U State

Key Players: Paityn Spencer, Alex Finley, Lexi Skradski, Hope Stadig, Liv Wenz

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are looking to challenge ourselves each time we step foot on the field. We want to compete with the best teams locally and out of state. Win or lose, we seek to get better each game and practice to develop as a team, as individual players, and as humans.

Nebraska Thunder Bennett

Coaching Staff: Jenny Bennett, Kurt Pohlmann & Jake Bergren

Team Social Media Handles: @NThunderBennett (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 1st Place in the Jayhawk Slugfest, 2nd Place in the Kansas City Memorial Tournament, 2nd in the Nebraska State Tournament

Key Players: Kaylee Huffman, Addalynne Bergren, Allie Bergman, Aurelia Gramd

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are looking for our girls to compete with confidence, have fun and continue to love the game.

16u

Hastings HEAT

Coaching Staff: Matt Rossow (14 years competitive softball & baseball coach with the Hastings HEAT), Sean Kratzer (11 years youth softball coach), Kayla Koenen (8 years’ experience assistant coach) & Billy Hudson (pitching instructor)

Team Social Media: @08_heat (X), Hastings Heat (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Runner-up 2023 Ringneck, Champions of Heroes Classic, Top 8 finish in 2023 TGE Discovery, competed in several regional tournaments

Key Players: Adrienne Waller (2026 P), Audrey Rossow (2026 P), Paisley Mangers (2026 C), Emily Krazter (2027 IF), Alexa Jacobsen (2026 OF), Emily Drackley (2026 C/OF/3B), Lainey Murphy (2026 SS/2B)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We have a young team and a lot of new faces in 2024. We are committed to playing a tough schedule, working hard to improve daily, and have fun along the way.

Millard Fury Gold Cannon/Tatreau

Coaching Staff: Sean Cannon (co-head coach, 5 years of coaching experience), Mike Tatreau (co-head coach, 9 years of coaching experience), Bob Cannon (assistant, 15 years of select & 10 years at a collegiate level) & Brian Stuhr (assistant, 6 years of coaching experience)

Team Social Media: @FuryGold15u (X), furygold.15 (IG)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 7 tournaments played at 16A & HSO with 3 second place finishes & 2 third place finishes

Key Players: Cota Barmore (#13, SS/C), Isabell Stuhr (#38, P/SS), Shea Tatreau (#12, P/OF/2B), Kellyn Underwood (#27, 2B), Taylor Cannon (#23, P/1B), Dylan Chessareck (#44, OF/1B)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Continue to play in showcase and HSO tournaments, challenging our younger girls to play at top 18A levels and compete at the highest level. Showcase individual talent for coaches at the next level.

Nebraska Gold Bulter/Jarose

Coaching Staff: Nicole Butler (head coach), Katie Heard (assistant coach), Justin Jarose (assistant coach) & Larry Swift (NE Gold recruiting director)

Team Social Media: @negolds15 (X) & ne_gold_15u_national (IG)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 45-20-4 last summer as a 14u team playing a highly competitive tournament schedule at both the 14U & 16/18U levels

Key Players: Our team is made up of 14 talent young women who all have and will continue to contribute to the success of our team. Everyone has a role to play (which can change game to game or tournament to tournament) to help us build towards being the team we want/need to be to achieve our goals.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We will be playing in some of the very best tournaments in the Midwest this spring/summer and our goals/expectations are to compete on every pitch, play the game the right way, and represent our team and organization the way others in NE Gold have before us. We understand this is a big summer for our group in terms of exposure and opportunities and are focused on ensuring that we put ourselves in positions to succeed both on and off the field.

Nebraska Gold Waller

Coaching Staff: Kelli Waller (Head Coach), Steve Hinrichs (Assistant Coach) & Chad Villwok (Assistant Coach)

Team Social Media: @NEGold08_Waller (Twitter) & nebraskagold08s_Waller (Instagram)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 3rd place finish PG National Qualifier KC, 2nd place HS Division Spring Fling, 8th place Top Gun Spring Invite, 6th place USA SB Invite, 3rd place Top Gun Swing into Spring, 3rd place Top Gun Thunder/Gold Invite

Key Players: Lots of great athletes who will be key players this season. Covering multiple positions, we will be challenging our players to get comfortable playing uncomfortable roles.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: A young 15U team looking to compete against some of the best teams in the HS divisions. All players EW coming off very successful fall HS seasons and are ready to get back on the dirt this spring. We will be playing a very challenging schedule of Top Gun Events, USA Invites, and Triple Crown. This team thrives off competition and being the best teammates, and we are looking forward to this translating to game time.

Nebraska National Taylor 16u

Coaching Staff: Brett Taylor & Kirsten Dargy

Team Social Media: @NENational08 (Twitter)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 42-29-3 playing an elite level schedule last season. 1st Place at Top Gun NE National Tourney, 2nd Place at Top Gun Thunder/NE Gold Tourney, 2nd Place at USSSA 16) Swing into Spring, 3rd Place at Top Gun Swing into Spring Tourney, 4th Place at USSSA SEC National Championship, 7 Top 4 finishes out of 10 tournaments (not including rain shortened/canceled tournaments), 14U PGF Nationals at large bid (Platinum Division)

Key Players: Maizey Carpenter, Toria Rother, Lauren Schneider, Elli Ridgley, Alexa Taylor

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are an improved team over last year. We have a great group of girls and parents. Our goal as coaches is to continue to develop our players to help them reach their potential.

Nebraska Thunder Dillon

Coaching Staff: Head coach Jesse Dillion and assistant coaches Jon Ruyle & Amanda Caradori

Team Social Media: @nethunderdillon (X), ne.thunder.gold.dillon (IG)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2023 was a bit of a rollercoaster due to several injuries to many of our key players. However, our team battled through the adversity and was able to still compete at the highest level. Finished 1st place in both the CIS Gauntlet and the CIS Spooktacular.

Key Players: We have an amazing group of ladies that continue to contribute to our success and continue to grow each and every day both on and off the field.

Raegan Ruyle (OF/RHP), Taylor Schommer (RHP/ULT), Nevaeh Afaisen (OF), Ellery Dillion (1B), Gwyneth Revis (C/3B), Addilyn Foley (C), Avery Green (SS), Hailey Rasmussen (RHP), Hayden Byrne (OF)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are extremely excited for what our team is going to show this year. We have an explosive offensive, a solid pitching staff, and a strong defense so we expect to compete at a high level. Our goal for 2024 is that every time we step on the field, our girls continue their growth, both individually and as a team.

Nebraska Thunder Johnson

Coaching Staff: Head Coach Bruce Johnson & Assistant Coaches Alana Crollard & Antonio Torrez
Team Social Media: @nethunder22 (X) & @nebraskathundergoldjohnson (IG)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Top Gun NE Memorial Day Classic Champions in Omaha, USSSA Big Opener Runner-ups in Minnesota, USSSA Angels for Autism for Runner-up (HS Division) in Omaha, USSSA Easter Egg Strikeout Champions (HS Division) in Omaha, USSSA Season Opener GG 3rd place overall finish in Overland Park, USSSA Stand UP to Cancer 3rd place overall in Kansas City

Key Players: Ada Jantzen, Kendall Johnson, Kinnley Wehrle, Peyton Johnson, Ava Crollard

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We expect to compete for championships at all of our tournaments and start to make a name for ourselves nationally.

Primetime Weis

Coaching Staff: Kaitlyn Weis, Ron Weis, Chris Barton & Dan Gudenrath
Team Social Media: @primetimeweis (X)

Key Players: Audrey Kohl – Pitcher from Missouri Valley. Emerson Anderson – Catcher/3B/Utility from Missouri Valley. Amanda Weis – SS/Catcher/Utility from Gretna East HS. Rylan Anderson – OF from Gretna East HS. Kenadie Barton – OF from Gretna HS. Cindy Xiong – Pitcher/Utility from Millard South HS

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Compete with the best and grow individually and as a team

18u

Nebraska Thunder Fox

Coaching Staff: William Fox (returning to the head coach position after 3 years as an assistant) & Brent Wonder (10 years of head coaching experience in both baseball and softball)

Team Social Media: NeThunder Fastpitch (Facebook), @nebraskathunder18u2024 (IG), @Nethunderf (Twitter) & 18U Thunder Gold (Fox) (SportsRecruits)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Our 4 graduating seniors committed and continued their athletic careers at the collegiate level (Barton College, Chadron State, Northwestern College and Highland CC). Fall resulted in 2 additional commitments (Concordia & Central CC)

Key Players: Ayla Mathney – committed to Calumet College of St. Joseph, a leader in the circle. Joslyn Sargent – junior at Ashland High School, new to our roster, she looks to make a statement at SS and in our lineup. Kaylee Tanuis – senior from Papillion-LaVista Class A State Champions, she is a vital and diverse player on our roster. Macey West – multi-sport athlete expanding her abilities and strengths as a UTL

Expectations for the 2024 Spring Season: With 3 returning players, we are looking for a season of growth and development. Develop a new team culture, drive athletes to become competitors, teammates, and family, achieve player goals on and off field, and continue the tradition of collegiate commitments

Nebraska National 18u Bahl

​​Coaching Staff: Head Coach Hayden Bahl & Assistant Coaches Emma Walbert & Jordy Bahl
Team Social Media: @NENational18u (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Champions of the 18u Quakes Classic, Runner-up in the 16u Nebraska Thunder Fundraiser tournament, 16u Perfect Game OKC Challenge. Team record of 33-16-5.

Key Players: We are very excited about what each player on our team is capable of, as we have seen amazing growth from so many of them!

Addison Burdorf (P/2B), Macie Wyman (3B/1B), Maycie Grant (SS/2B), Alivia Courter (C/2B), Lauren Frihauf (CF/LF)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are very excited about what we have seen from the team this offseason, and we love how this team has grown on the physical and mental sides of the game. The expectation for our team is that each time we step on the field, we play hard, smart, and together. While we will be one of the youngest teams in each tournament we play, we know that this team will be ready to show up and compete at a high level.

Primetime Select Eadus 16u

Coaching Staff: Mike Leapley
Team Social Media: @primetimenesb

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Winter Warmup Champions, Eggstravaganza Champions, 2nd Place USA Memorial Day Weekend KC, Pink Out Champions

Key Players: Hannah Miller, Hadley Hansen, Jaycee Woodard, Mace Cruse, Kennedy Drummond

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Play at a high level and compete

Good luck to all of the teams competing this weekend!

Event Preview: Top Gun Ranger

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events is hosting the Top Gun Ranger this weekend at Blue Valley Recreation Complex in Overland Park, KS. The event, which is in its second year of existence, is designed for up-and-coming teams who are looking to get introduced to Top Gun Events and high level tournaments. We have 30 teams joining us from Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, and Nebraska.

The 12u age group has one pool and will begin pool play Saturday at 8:00 Am. Games will run until 6:30 PM. The 14u age group has two pools. Their pool play will begin Friday at 6:30 PM. The last game will start at 8:15 PM. It will resume Saturday morning at 8:00 AM and will run until 6:30 PM. The 16u and 18u age groups have been combined into a high school division for this event. There will be Friday pool play games at 6:30 PM and 8:15 PM. On Saturday, pool play will begin again at 8:00 AM and run until 6:30 PM.

Bracket play will begin Sunday. The 12u age group will start at 8:00 AM and the championship game will start at 1:15 PM. The 14u age group will begin at 8:00 AM. Their final game will begin at 3:00 PM. Bracket play for the high school division will begin at 9:45 AM and the championship game will kick off at 3:00 PM.

Gate Fees:

Children (6-12): $5.00

Teens & Adults (13-64): $10.00

Senior (65+): $5.00

Military: $5.00

Take a look at some of the teams playing this weekend below!

14u

KC Rebels Lickel

Coaching Staff: Dan Lickel (head coach), Megan Arnott (assistant coach), Bob Waddel (assistant coach) & Mitch Hughes (assistant coach)

Team Social Media: KC Rebels 14A Lickel (Facebook) & @KCRebelsLickel (X)

2023 Fall & Summer Successes: 1st Place Swing for the Rings

Key Players: All of ‘em.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Top Gun Ranger, USA Memorial Day, Top Gun Discovery Showcase, Top Gun Heartland Showcase, PG Recruit Revolution Showcase, USSSA Dust & Diamonds, USA Heartland World Series

MN Moose 13u National

Coaching Staff: Led by former MLB player Dan Johnson of the Tampa Bay Rays. Assisted by Brandon Aman & Andy Wallschlaeger

Team Social Media: mn_moose_national (IG), @MNNational13u (X) & MNMoose-National (Facebook)

2023 Fall & Summer Successes: New roster as of Fall 2023. 2nd at Minnesota Fall State, 1st at Winter Bash Dome Tournament (MN)

Key Players: Excited for the addition of new players signed this fall with the existing core group from summer. Key positions: Pitching staff – Mackenzie Brooks & Reagan Wallschlaeger; catchers – Marin Aman & Kayce Jude; infielders – Ellie Johnson, Avery Crittenden, Brookyln Autrey, Katelyn Peterson & Avery Blais; outfielders – Peyton Haley, Mattie Drugg, Brooke Molitor & Amiya Polzin

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We have a heavy schedule that includes the PG Ranger, PG Super Series, S&C Showcase, and USSSA National Championships. Expectations are to play and perform at our highest-level whole representing the Minnesota Moose National Program. Have fun, be good people, and continue to love the game.

Originals Campbell

Coaching Staff: Head coach Tory Campbell & assistants Michaela Arnzen & Scott Beard

Team Social Media: @originalskc_campbell (IG & X), originals_campbell (TikTok) & Originals-Campbell (Facebook)

2023 Fall & Summer Successes: We are a brand new team that was established in the fall of 2023. Our successes have simply been actually winning games and learning how trust each other.

Key Players: We are still meshing as a team. All 11 of our girls have been key at some point or another. Our home run hitters have been Leah Morgan, Carly Beard, and Jersey Rogers. Defensively, we rely a lot on Addy Dillon on the mound. Our outfield is super face (Kortney Johnson, Tania Thomas, Jaeda Wilson), third base has a great glove (Jersey Rogers), and our face first baseman (Chloe Ring).

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are looking to keep getting better every tournament. Our goal is to be playing some great softball as a team by the end of the summer to lead into our 2nd year in 14u. These girls are amazing individually, so our biggest challenge is learning to trust a brand new group of teammates and coaches to achieve our bigger team goals (not just their individual ones).

Synergy Fastpitch 13u

Coaching Staff: Cam Clurman, Willie Dean, Jeremiah Feurt

2023 Fall & Summer Successes: 2nd place Road to the Beach, 12A National Championships

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Compete in 14A during the regular season, compete in the 13A Nationals in Music City, TN

High School Division

KC Bombers Adkins

Coaching Staff: James Adkins, Aaron Kaden, Makena Adkins & Cody Winburn

Team Social Media: Bombers KC Fastpitch (Facebook) & @KCBombersAdkins (X)

2023 Fall & Summer Successes: As a young 15U squad, we saw a lot of development amongst our players and finished with an overall 31-31-4 record against strong competition from across the Midwest.

Key Players: Pitchers Addison Cole & Trinity Krause and hitters Madison Dudok, Joselyn Gartner & Hannah Winburn

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are playing a Top Gun heavy schedule, also with trips to Nebraska and to the Southeast Bombers Invitational in Mississippi with the goal of playing competitive winning softball and providing our players an opportunity to play in front of college coaches from across the country.

Good luck to all of the teams competing this weekend!

 

Event Recap: Top Gun Heritage

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events went to Bixby, Oklahoma this past week for the Top Gun Heritage. The event was unfortunately cut short due to the weather in the area.

In the 14u age bracket, R.O.I. Midwest Kessler went through pool play 4-0, the only 14u team to do so. The team had dominant wins all weekend with an 8-3 victory, a 6-1 victory and two 7-1 victories. Oklahoma Athletics Madden was the only other unbeaten 14u team with a 3-0-1 pool play record. The team tied 2-2 with Louisville Lady Sluggers Premier VanBoxmeer to start the tournament. Their next three games were all wins with a score of 10-0, 6-0 and 1-0, respectively. Both Tulsa Elite Edmondson 13u and Oklahoma Athletics Geheb went 3-1-0.

Some dominant victories in the 14u age group include 8-0 OK Bombers King victory over Oklahoma Athletics Lampkin and a 9-4 Oklahoma Athletics Lampkin victory over Tulsa Elite Holson.

Epic Fastpitch National 09 Smith came out on top of the 16u age group. The team scored 29 runs and allowed just 2 runs against them. Their dominant performance included a 6-0 win, 9-1 win, and 10-0 win. Epic Fastpitch Burnett, Oklahoma Athletics Madden/Brown, and Oklahoma Athletics Zodrow went undefeated in pool play with 2-0-2 records. Epic Fastpitch Burnett’s most dominant victory came in a 5-0 game against Oklahoma Steel ‘08/’09. Oklahoma Athletics Madden/Brown had a 6-0 victory to start their tournament play. Oklahoma Athletics Zodrow played in two close games, coming out on top 7-6 against Oklahoma Athletics Madden/Ashbaugh and 6-4 against Epic National Stoner.

Other large victories in the 16us include a 15-0 Midwest Batbusters Brice victory against Pryme Fastpitch Foster, a 10-0 Epic Fastpitch National 09 Smith victory over Midwest Batbusters Brice, and a 14-2 Oklahoma Athletics Madden/Ashbaugh victory over IntenCity Gasso.

FFS Hugo was the only undefeated team in the 18u age group with a 3-0-1 record. Their largest margin of victory was 8-1 over Pryme Fastpitch Townsend. Oklahoma Athletics National Madden/Davis had the next best record at 3-1-0. They had a dominant victory over Epic Fastpitch Select Brice 18u with a final score of 12-0.

Oklahoma Athletics Coleman topped Epic Fastpitch Select Brice 18u 13-0 in one of the largest victories this weekend. Epic Fastpitch Vickrey had a dominant 17-3 victory over Oklahoma Pure Fastpitch Melson.

Bracket play for all age groups was canceled due to the inclement weather.

Thank you to all the teams who participated this weekend!

Event Preview: Top Gun Heritage

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events is headed to Bixby, Oklahoma for the Top Gun Heritage this weekend. Thirty-seven teams will be joining us for this three-day event from Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri.

The 14u age group will have 12 teams split into two pools. Fifteen 16u teams will be in three pools. The 18us will have two pools with five teams each. Pool play will begin Friday with games at 6:45 PM and 8:30 PM. Games will resume at 8:00 AM with the last pool play game starting at 8:15 PM.

Bracket play for the 14u and 16u teams will start at 8:00 AM on Sunday. The 18u age group will begin at 9:45 AM. The 14u championship game takes place at 3:00 PM. Both the 16u and 18u championship games will be at 4:45 PM.

Gate Fees:

Children (1-12): $5.00

Teens & Adults (13-64): $10.00

Senior (65+): $5.00

Military: $5.00

Check out some of this weekend’s teams below!

14U

Epic Fastpitch 14u Flynn

Coaching Staff: Travis Flynn (head coach), Brion Hitt (assistant coach) & Nick Dean (assistant coach)

Team Social Media Handles: Epic Premier 2010-Flynn (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2nd place Silver Bracket 2023 Sparkler, Jr.; fall 2023 – 1st place CFL OV v TX, 2nd place PGF Diamond Legacy & 3rd place in Gold Bracket Top Club National Fall Invitational

Key Players: Our focus is always team first. Brylee Daniels – pitcher and recently developed into our lead-off hitter. Lainey Hughey – locks down the infield at SS. Peyton Johnson – youngest on the team, extremely athletic left fielder that swings a big bat.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: As a first year 14u team, compete against the best regional and national competition. Continue building our team chemistry with the new players added for the spring. Win the supplemental power pool bracket and advance to the power pool at the Sparkler Jr.

OK Bombers King

Coaching Staff: Casey King (head coach) & Cody Warner (assistant coach)
Team Social Media Handles: @OkBombersX09 (X), OkBombersX09 (Instagram) & Oklahoma Bombers X09 (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Runner up at USSSA Gulf Coast National Championship

Key Players: Kylie King (RHP/1B), Abigail Rainey (SS), Kynlee DiLibero (C/UTL), Landen Warner (OF/1B), Kenzie Howard (C) & Jaziah Pierce (UTL)
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: For 2024, our expectations have been set high, and we look to have success in the most competitive tournaments in the area. We are excited about competing in lots of great events, where we will get to compete against lots of quality teams! We have been, and continue to, put in lots of hard work and feel like we can compete with any team we play. We are excited about attending the Sparkler tournament in Colorado and look to earn a berth in the Alliance Championship in California. Focus on improving every time out, we have been playing at a pretty high level and look to keep that trajectory going upwards and getting consistently better!

Oklahoma Athletics Geheb

Coaching Staff: Barry Geheb and assistant coaches JJ Nowlin, Alyx Parrot and Cody Ashmore
Team Social Media Handles: Athletics 27/28 Gold Geheb (Facebook)

Key Players: We have 13 players that all play a vital role in our success.

Oklahoma Athletics Madden

Coaching Staff: Mike Madden and assistant coaches James Duehning & Bailey Black
Team Social Media Handles: Ok Athletics 2010 – Madden (Facebook), okathletics2010madden (Instagram) & @OKAs2010Madden (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2023 Alliance Fastpitch Championships Series – 12u National Champion, 2023 USSSA Oklahoma State Championship – champion, 2023 Team 1 Elite Club Summer Invite – champion

Key Players: Rylee Black (11-0 record; only 10 runs scored against her in 47.1 innings, 87 strikeouts with only 17 walks, 1.331 ERA), Marlee Collier (7-4 pitching record, 62 strikeouts with only 12 walks, 2.608 ERA, .368 batting avg, 15 RBIs & 7 runs scored in 26 games), Kennedy Walker (.426 batting avg, .759 slugging %, 23 hits in 28 games including 2 doubles, 5 triples and 2 HR, 11 RBIs and 20 runs scored), Shylee Orr (.421 batting avg, .560 on base %, 12 RBIs and 12 runs scored in 28 games, 61 innings behind the plate, allowed 3 stolen bases, 1.000 fielding percentage in 97 chances), Kennedy Clemmens (.351 batting avg, .489 on base %, 13 hits including 9 singles, 3 doubles & 1 triple, 13 RBIs) & Teagan Duehning (.327 batting avg, 17 hits in 28 games, 8 RBIs & 20 runs scored, team leading 17 stolen bases, only caught stealing 1 time this year)
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: To continue to work hard and become the best ball players we can be but also to win another National Championship!!

Pure Fastpitch Green

Coaching Staff: Rusty Bracken and Ryan Green
Team Social Media Handles: Oklahoma Pure Fastpitch 09 Premier (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: The team had 4 top three finishes last spring/summer playing in large, highly competitive tournaments including Top Club, PGF, Top Gun, and several 16 and 18u college showcases.

2023 Top Gun Heritage – 3rd place, 2024 Tulsa Elite Invitational – 5th place, SES Summer Showcase – 3rd place, two tournament wins: USSSA, overall record 33-15

Key Players: Leah Green (2028 RHP/OF), Jayden Berry (2027 C/3B/SS), Sara Mouse (2028 OF)
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Every year, the team gets stronger. The girls continue to work hard and push themselves. As coaches, we continue to seek out the best competition to encourage the girls to keep fighting to get bigger, faster, and stronger. We want and expect to see the girls grow in grit and determination.

R.O.I. Midwest Kessler

Coaching Staff: Brad Kessler
Team Social Media Handles: ROI Fastpitch (Facebook), @ROIFastpitch (X), r.o.i.fastpitch_ (Instagram)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 75-15-3 in summer 2023 & 19-2 in fall 2023

Key Players: Gabriyella Kessler (SS, #77), Courtney Bandy (P, #16), Raegan Brandt (P/IF, #7), Maisey McCarty (P/1B, #55)
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: To continue to develop and compete at the highest level against the best teams in the country

16u

Epic Fastpitch Burnett

Coaching Staff: Joseph Burnett (head coach), Coleman Clark (assistant) & Scotty Smith (recruiting coordinator)
Team Social Media Handles: @2026Epic (X), Epic National 2026 (Facebook) & epicnational26 (Instagram)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Oct 2023 USSSA Bevo Bash 18u Champions, Nov 2023 CFL Fall Championship Final 4 Finish, Mar 2024 USSSA Opening NIT 18u Bash 2nd place, Apr 2024 Top Gun Elite 20 Spring Invite Final 4 Finish

Key Players: Kinsley Hill (uncommitted 2025, RHP), Katie Overstreet (uncommitted 2025, SS), Mikena Wilson (2026, RHP), Emily Gilleland (2026, CF), Emmy Rouse (2026, 2B), Kandance Burnett (2026, C/1B/3B)
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Expectations to get our 2025 good commitments. Compete and place in all tournaments while continuing to gel together as a new team.

Epic Fastpitch Chidester

Coaching Staff: Ty Chidester and Jerry Martinez
Team Social Media Handles: Epic Premier 25/26 (Facebook), @epicpremier2526 (X), epicpremier2526 (Instagram)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 1st place in 10th Annual Fall El Gigante, fall record 16-4-1
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Improve skills and strengths while creating a solid cohesive team unit

Oklahoma Athletics Madden/Ashbaugh

Coaching Staff: Jake Ashbaugh & Julie Lofland
Team Social Media Handles: OK Athletics 09 Ashbaugh (Facebook), okathletics09national (Instagram)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2023 Top 5 Supplemental Power Pool at the Sparkler, Top 25 Alliance National Championships, Runner up Top Gun Heritage, Qualified for Alliance Cup Championship 2024, playing the Power Pool at The Sparkler 2024

Key Players: Jade Ashbaugh (C), Katie Drummond (C), Weslyn McCorvey (SS/OF), Trinity Rice (P), Cadence Oswald (3B), Madison Smith (SS/2B), Brinlee Anderson (P)
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Our goal is for our girls to continue to develop and grow in the game of softball and life. Also, we want to win a National Championship.

Oklahoma Athletics Madden/Brown

Coaching Staff: Mickey Brown & Jason Barger
Team Social Media Handles: @OKAthletics (X), Oklahoma Athletics National Madden/Brown 26/27 (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 5th Hustle City Invite, 3rd Top Club National Championship, tied for 9th Triple Crown Power Pool, AFCA Nationals 17th, 2023 final Alliance ranking 14th, Triple Crown US club rankings 27th

Key Players: Keegan Baker (2026 P), Kennedy Allen (2026 P), Camden Mack (2027 P), Marcela Attar (2028 SS), Brooklyn Wells (2026 UTL/C/1B)
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Playing Triple Crown Power Pool, Top Club National, P5 Invite Only, Alliance Nationals 

Oklahoma Steel ‘08/’09

Coaching Staff: Jordan Renz, Mike Sofield
Team Social Media Handles: OK Steel Fastpitch Softball (Facebook), oksteelsoftball (Instagram), @oksteelsoftball (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: We had a lot of changes in 2023 and were building as a first-year team, including losing a pitcher a few months before nationals. We have continued to build, and we have a gritty team with a great culture.

Key Players: Pitching staff of Coda Taylor, Sarah Chapa, McKenna Yancey, Laci Shomo. Players to watch include pitcher Sienna Renz, catcher Bailey Hartman, utility Rhyan Counts
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are proud of what we have built and now we just need to take it to the competition and see where we stand against some heavy hitters. I have confidence in these girls, and we are planning to make a name for ourselves.

18u

Oklahoma Pure Fastpitch Melson

Coaching Staff: Head coach Afton Meslon (D1 player, OK State), manager Sheila Melson (former player, former USA/ASA Commissioner), pitching coach Robert Melson (20 years of experience, former umpire)
Team Social Media Handles: Okla Pure Fastpitch MELSON

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Top Gun Kansas Invite: runner up champions, Tulsa Elite: runner up. 2023 18u USA Gold National 4th place, 2022 16u USA Gold Nationals Champions, 2024 Top Club Spring Invitational: runner up champions

Key Players: Pitchers: Brookyln Stohler, Jaiden Coffey; Catchers: Saylor Brown, Dakota Hall; Infielders: Brooklyn Isles, Kaylee Davis, Chenna Davidson, Taylor Clay, Emma Watkins, Nichelle Marshall; Outfielders: Syndee Seat, Reagan Wade, Laraby Jennings
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Participating in competitive tournaments to get college commits prepared for college and to expose the uncommitted players to college coaches.

Pryme Fastpitch Townsend

Coaching Staff: Head coach Chris Townsend and assistant coach Shane Poorboy
Team Social Media Handles: Pryme 18u Townsend-Premier (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2023 USSSA 18A National Champion, 2023 FASA 18A National Champions, 2023 Woo Pig Champions.

Key Players: Jaliyah Simmons, Kirsten Kay, Callie Rhoades
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: To compete every game against any competition. Can’t get better if you don’t try

 

 

Top Gun Elite 20 Futures Spring Invite

By: Madison Feldhahn

The Top Gun Elite 20 Futures Spring Invite took place this weekend, preserving through the severe thunderstorms in the Kansas City area. The 12u and 14u tournament was played at Central Bank Sporting Complex and Mid-America West Sports Complex.

Games Saturday were cut short due to severe weather in the area.

Select Fastpitch Gamet had the best pool play in the 12u age group, finishing 2-0. Several teams finished pool play 1-0-1, including Select Fastpitch Heinrich, Team Kansas Brown/Hays, Select Fastpitch Carr and Nebraska Gold 12u Raabe.

There were several impressive victories throughout the weekend. Select Fastpitch Gamet defeated KC Rebels 2012 Coppage 12-0. KC Rebels 2012 Coppage beat Select Fastpitch Forsythe 9-0 and Select Fastpitch Jones defeated KC Rebels 2012 Coppage 13-0. Nebraska Gold 12u Raabe won 8-0 against Louisville Lady Sluggers Fryberger.

In 14u pool play, 4 teams went 2-0 – Iowa Aries Elite Ohorilko, Louisville Lady Sluggers VanBoxmeer, Select Fastpitch Adams, and Diamond Club TC. Synergy Gold Clurman 14u and Select Fastpitch Zagozda both went 1-0-1 in pool play.

The 14u age group had a few dominant victories. Select Fastpitch Reliford won 10-0 against Kansas Renegades Enfield. ROI Fastpitch Kessler bested Nebraska Gold Michaelis 12-0. Millard Fury Gold Sullivan beat Diamond Club Craig 14-0.

Bracket play started back up on Sunday morning after being delayed Saturday evening.

Nebraska Gold 12u Raabe came out on top in 12u bracket play. The team scored 24 runs in bracket play, while allowing just 8 runs against them. The team kicked off bracket with an 8-0 win against Louisville Lady Sluggers Fryberger. Nebraska Gold 12u Raabe topped Select Fastpitch Jones 3-1 to win their age group.

The 14u champion was Iowa Aries Elite Ohorilko. Their closest margin of victory was 5-2 over Kansas Renegades Enfield and their largest victory was 6-0 over Select Fastpitch Adams. The team scored 29 runs and had just 7 runs against them in bracket play. The team beat Select Fastpitch Reliford 7-1 to win the age group.

Thank you to all of the teams who joined us this weekend!

Event Preview: Top Gun Futures Spring Invite

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events will be in Kansas City this week for the Top Gun Elite 20 Futures Spring Invite. The tournament will feature 31 teams across the 12u and 14u age groups from Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Games will be held at Central Bank Sporting Complex and Mid-America West Sports Complex.

Each team will have two pool play games before starting the double elimination bracket. The 12u age group will be split into three pools. The 14u age group will have five pools. Pool play starts on Friday at 6:00 PM. It will resume on Saturday at 8:30 AM.

Bracket play for the 12u teams will start at 12:00 PM, while the 14u bracket will start at 2:30 PM. Games will run until 7:00 PM. The bracket play will resume Sunday at 8:00 AM.

Gate Fees:

Children (1-12): $5.00

Teens & Adults (13-64): $10.00

Senior (65+): $5.00

Military: $5.00

Check out some of the teams joining us below!

12u

R.O.I Fastpitch McMullan

Coaching Staff: Joe McMullan (head coach) & Julio Rodriguez

Team Social Media: ROI Fastpitch (Facebook) & @ROIFastpitch (X)

2024 Summer & Fall Successes: 9u Midwest National Champions (Summer 2023), 10 Open – Top 5 finish in PGF-Diamond Legacy Tournament (Fall 2023), 10B – Undefeated (14-0) in USSSA (Fall 2023), 10 Open – USA World Series Runner-Up (Summer 2023), 27-7-1 Summer 2023 record & 19-4 Fall 2023 record

Key Players: Selena Rodriguez – shut down pitcher, 8-3 fall record with 106 strikeouts and 2.64 ERA; Sophia Rodriguez – brick wall catcher & power hitter with .592 batting average & .638 OBP; Autumn McMullan – true utility player, .477 batting average & .567 OBP; Ashlyn Hull – phenomenal base runner with 30 stolen bases

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We would like to play in top level tournaments such as Top Gun & PGF, not only playing in those top level tournaments, but to be able to compete. We want to grow our IQ and situational awareness. We want to mature in the game physically and mentally.

14u

Iowa Aries Elite Ohorilko

Coaching Staff: Brian Ohorilko & Kari Price

Team Social Media Handles: @Iowa_Aries (X), Iowa Aries Fastpitch (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes:

Fall Champions of:

-Team 1/Alliance FP STL Xposure Fall Invite in St. Louis, MO

-PGF Diamond Legacy Shootout & Showcase in Broken Arrow, OK

-PG Iowa City Scouting Showcase #1 in Iowa City, IA

-PG Elite 16 Illinois Scouting Showcase in Peoria, IL

-PG Elite 16 Minnesota Scouting Showcase in Minneapolis, MN

-USSSA CIS Spooktacular in Des Moines, IA

Key Players:

-Berkley Weiland (SS/OF) – RH/Throw, LH/Hit. Slapper. Amazing speed. Great defensive player.

-Kaylan Pray (SS/UTL) – RH/Throw & Hit. Excellent hitter & defensive player.

-Ivy Ohorilko (C/UTL) – RH/Throw & Hit. Power hitter, excellent defensive player.

-Karter Price (P/UTL) – RH/Throw & Hit. Excellent pitcher.

-Leela Appeldorn (MIF/UTL) – RH/Throw, LH/Hit. Excellent hitter and defensive player.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Iowa Aries encourages our high school players to participate in high school softball this time of year. The program will have a very light tournament and travel schedule this spring and summer supplementing our player’s high school workouts. We cannot wait to get back in full swing in the fall of 2024.

Kansas Renegades Enfield

Coaching Staff: Leeza Enfield (head coach) & Robert Thomas (assistant coach)

Team Social Media: Kansas Renegades Enfield (Facebook)

2024 Summer & Fall Successes: In summer 2023, as a first year 14’s team, we placed 5th in Kansas-Missouri USSSA State Championship, and we went 18-11-1 for the season. In fall 2023, we had two 1st place finishes and three 3rd place finishes.

Key Players: Emerson Hiebert (P & INF) brings morale to this team every chance she can, playing hard and doing whatever she can for the team. Paige Stroot (C) excels at everything she does and puts everything she has into the game and promotes morale during every inning. Her bat brings a lot to this team. Jaycie Thomas (UTL) can play anywhere on the field that her team needs her to play and brings a strong bat to the team. Kylie Matthews (P) continues to improve her pitching abilities.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We expect to continue to play many exceptional teams this spring. In doing so, we will be challenging ourselves so that we can improve our game and be the best version of our team. We will instill the love of the game by cheering each other on that way we can succeed on and off the field.

Synergy Gold Clurman 14u

Coaching Staff: Cam Clurman (head coach), Willie Dean (assistant coach) & Jeremiah Feurt (assistant coach)

Team Social Media: Synergy Softball Organization (Facebook), & synergysoftballorg (Instagram & TikTok)

2024 Summer & Fall Successes: 2nd place at Road to the Beach 12A Nationals in Destin, FL

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Competing in Top Gun Events, PGF Stars and Stripes, 13A Nationals in Nashville, TN

Wasco Diamonds 14u JE

Coaching Staff: Jason Edwards (head coach) & Kristyn Crawford (assistant coach)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Finalist at the NAFA Mom’s Day Rock tournament, consistently showed determination and resilience in tough games

Key Players: Every player on our roster possesses the ability to excel in multiple positions. Our athletes approach each role with the same level of commitment and dedication, knowing their contributions are vital to the team’s success.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Beyond wins and losses, the primary focus remains on fostering a culture of learning, growth, and personal development, both on and off the field. Players are encouraged to push beyond their limits, embrace challenges, and strive for continuous improvement.

Event Results: Top Gun Elite 20 16u/18u Spring Invite

By: Madison Feldhahn

The Top Gun Elite 20 16u/18u Spring Invite took place this past weekend at Blue Valley Recreation in Overland Park, KS. The 16u age group featured four pools and the 18u age group had two.

In the 16u age group, Select Fastpitch Reese finished pool games 4-0-0. Both KC Phoenix Bock and Iowa Premier Fastpitch Paz were 3-0-1 in their pool. Nebraska National Taylor, Epic Fastpitch Burnett, and Nebraska Gold deMontel went 3-1-0 through Friday and Saturday. Select Fastpitch Reese scored 46 runs. Firecrackers Wildey scored the next most runs with 36. Top Gun ’08 and Nebraska National Taylor scored 34 and 30 runs, respectively.

Notable wins for the 16u age group this weekend include a 17-0 victory for Firecrackers Wildey over American Freedom 16u Courson. Select Fastpitch Reese defeated American Freedom 16u Courson 18-0. Oklahoma Blaze Gold 16u topped CO Royals Loya 19-3.

Nebraska Quakes Jonas was the only 18u team to go undefeated through pool play. Select Fastpitch Jones, Top Gun National Turner, Iowa Premier Fastpitch Sandstoe, Select Fastpitch Chester, and Diamond Club National 2025 Page all finished pool play 3-1. Both Nebraska Quakes Jonas and Select Fastpitch Chester scored over 30 runs this past weekend, with Quakes Jonas scoring 35 and Select Chester scoring 31.

In the 18u age group, there were a few large wins. Select Fastpitch Chester defeated Marek Fastpitch Academy Nash-Archdekin 10-0. Nebraska Quakes Jonas beat Diamond Club National 2025 Page 11-0. Marek Fastpitch Academy beat Nebraska Thunder Fox 13-1 and Iowa Premier Fastpitch Sandstoe beat Nebraska Gold Jarzobski 12-1.

Bracket play began on Sunday. This was a single elimination bracket.

Epic Fastpitch National 09 Smith was the 16u champion. The team was dominant in bracket play. Their closest win was 6-3. Their largest win margin was a 9-1 against Epic Fastpitch Burnett. Epic Fastpitch National 09 Smith defeated Top Gun 2027 National 6-0 to claim their championship.

In the 18u age group, Select Fastpitch Jones was crowned champion. The team did not allow any runs against them in bracket play. Their closest bracket game was 2-0 against Nebraska Gold National Perkins. In the finals, the team defeated Top Gun National Turner 12-0. This was their largest win of the tournament.

Full Event Results

Thank you to all of the teams who joined us this weekend!