News Summary

The Little Hawks from City High in Iowa City have captured their first-ever state baseball title, concluding their season with an impressive 33-9 record. Coach Brian Mitchell lauded the team’s unity and strong foundation, showcased by standout performances, especially in their championship victory against Bettendorf. Several players received individual accolades, highlighting their exceptional contributions throughout the season. With their talent and teamwork, the future looks promising for the Little Hawks as they celebrate this historic achievement.

Iowa City Celebrates First State Baseball Title!

Iowa City is buzzing with excitement as the Little Hawks from City High have done it! This talented team has just claimed their very first state baseball title, marking a major milestone in the school’s history.

A Championship Story

From the very beginning of the season, City High proved they meant business by being named the “Team of the Year”. Coming into the season, they were the top-ranked team according to the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association preseason poll. Throughout the season, they maintained a strong presence, finishing in the top five and wrapping up with an impressive overall record of 33-9. This is their second-best performance since 2007, and it sure gives fans something to cheer about!

Their championship journey concluded with an exhilarating victory over Bettendorf, where the Little Hawks secured a solid 4-1 win in the state finals. And let’s not forget about their thrilling semifinal match against Cedar Rapids Prairie, where they avenged previous setbacks with a 6-3 outcome that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

The Key Players

Coach Brian Mitchell highlighted the invaluable experience that his players had over the years, showcasing their long-term camaraderie and unity as a team. This close-knit foundation truly shone through when it mattered most.

One of the standout features of the Little Hawks was their phenomenal pitching staff, which took the top spot in 4A with a 1.70 earned-run average and allowed only 195 hits. Their offensive capabilities were equally impressive, landing them second in the league with 21 home runs and fourth with a remarkable 147 stolen bases.

All-Star Recognitions for 2025

In addition to the team accolades, several individual players were recognized for their exceptional performances throughout the season. Kamren Francois from Cedar Rapids Prairie earned the title of “Player of the Year” with a dazzling .437 batting average and an impressive total of 55 hits. He also made significant contributions defensively with 91 assists and stole 28 bases—making him a critical asset to his team.

Meanwhile, Ty Donels from Cedar Rapids Kennedy claimed the title of “Pitcher of the Year” with an impressive 8-2 record and a 2.69 ERA. Donels didn’t hold back on offense either, boasting a batting average of .403.

Not to be left out, Caiden Buonadonna from Cedar Rapids Washington was celebrated as the “Super Slugger”, racking up a hearty 13 home runs during the season. His powerful performance left fans in awe.

Other awards included the “Jack of All Trades” accolade going to Mason Bechen from North Linn, who showcased his versatility with a .584 batting average and a flawless stolen base record.

Hillcrest Academy earned the “Underdog Award” for making a strong playoff run, even reaching the state semifinals, while Dylan Muszynski from Linn-Mar took home the “King of Thieves Award” after stealing a whopping 35 bases this season.

No awards ceremony would be complete without recognizing the phenomenal efforts of Deacon Kucera from Cedar Rapids Kennedy, who bagged the “Fireman Award” for leading the state with eight saves. Lastly, Laken Caves from Alburnett garnered the “Black-and-Blue Award” for being hit by pitches a record 24 times. Now that’s dedication!

As the excitement of the championship title settles in, the Little Hawks and their fans are looking forward to an even brighter future in the upcoming seasons. With their talent and teamwork, who knows what other records they will break?

Iowa City’s Little Hawks have truly taken the gold, and this victory is one for the books!

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