Cougars' historic postseason run concludes

BINGHAMTON | The New York State Class D championship game didn't produce the outcome that the North Warren Baseball team sought, but their accomplishments have brought renown and acclaim to the team as they achieved first-ever feats in the sport for their school. The 2025 North Warren baseball team won a Section II title and regional championship, earning a berth in the state finals game — and they did it just two years after enduring a 0-13 winless season: a historic turnaround. North Warren lost the state title game 9-2 on June 14 against last year's state Class D runner-up champion, Oriskany High. North Warren coach John Kelly said he and the team were disappointed with the loss, but the future is bright for Cougars baseball. "The team we played was very, very, very good…and we had some bases-loaded situations, but we didn't cash in on them — we didn't get the big hits we needed," he said. Oriskany established a lead in the first inning, scoring two runs. In the second inning, the Skyhawks scored two more runs, achieved by stealing bases. "Our performance was flat," coach Kelly said. "We didn't play up to our potential." North Warren responded by scoring a run in the third inning off an RBI double from senior Wyatt Jennings, but Oriskany answered with four runs in the fourth inning to establish a substantial lead. In the fifth inning, the Cougars rallied with three hits, followed by a run by C.J. Barlow. The Skyhawks added their final run in the seventh. The Cougars were credited with five hits; pitchers Jennings and Owen Schsefer recorded 13 strikeouts. A highlight of the game was Jennings surpassing 200 career strikeouts. After the game, several North Warren players told the media that despite the loss, they were proud of their achievements this year. Following the game, coach Kelly expressed thanks to his assistant coach Paul Matson — as well as jayvee coach Colby May and North Warren Athletic Director Josh Gifford for helping coach during the postseason run. He also praised Laura Dygert, whom he said was the team's "dugout mom," "security guard," and "mental therapist", as well as scorekeeper and bookkeeper. "She's done an amazing job of supporting the team," Kelly said. He said that although the Cougars will miss standout four-year senior players Jennings and catcher Tyler Hitchcock next season, the team has a solid roster of younger talent. "It will take two or three players to replace Jennings — he's incredible — and Hitchcock is a field captain; he's an extension of me on the field," Kelly said. "Losing Wyatt and Tyler hurts more than losing this last game." Kelly said he was impressed with the community support the team has received and his players' achievements. "I'm super-proud of the boys for making history — they gave everything I asked for, and far more," he said. "Now we've got to reload and get back out there for next year."

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Cougars' historic postseason run concludes

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