Despite steady rain throughout the day, fun was had by all at the 2022 youth tournament. In the end, top seeded Dale defeated perennial contender North Isanti Baptist Red to claim the championship. Karmel-Oxlip and Cross Pointe Miller also had great runs to win 3rd and 4th place, respectively.
Closed circuit to youth coaches, parents, and players: Oxlip and Karmel are merging youth teams for the remainder of the season, and as such, we had to update the schedule. Please note that if you previously had a bye week scheduled, that is no longer the case with an even number of teams. The schedule is updated here on the website. If you have any questions, please reach out to Allen. Thanks!
Each year, Salem Lutheran Church hosts a one pitch tournament right before the DAMSL season starts. What makes the one pitch tournament unique is that every at bat is only one pitch, period. You either hit the ball into play, take a ball (which is a walk), take a strike (which is an out), or hit a foul ball (which is also an out). This makes the games go by quicker so you can fit more into the day. This year’s tournament was double elimination and consisted of 7 teams: Karmel 1, New Hope Cambridge, Oxlip Ballhawks, Oxlip Clown Sharks, Refuge 1, River of Life, and the host Salem Saints.
This is always a fun event, and today was no exception. It rained steadily for the first several hours, but everyone made the best of it as they were all just happy to be back playing the game they love. Coach Cole Shugren of Salem did a great job keeping the water under control as best as possible, and Karmel Covenant Church was gracious enough to lend use of their field for a few games to keep things on schedule.
The rain slowed considerably by early afternoon and the field was in much better shape. The games were competitive, featured great sportsmanship, and fun was had by all. In the end, New Hope Cambridge edged the Salem Saints 19-17 in the championship game, while the Oxlip Clown Sharks claimed third place.
Salem is looking to expand the tournament next year to even more teams, so be on the lookout for announcements next spring. If your team has interest in playing but is short on players, you are able to add players from other teams as this is not a league sanctioned tourney. Thanks again to Salem Lutheran Church for putting on such a great event!
Cross Pointe 1 went undefeated in the tournament, including wins over the top two seeds to claim the division 1 championship. ROC 1 finished as the runner up, and the Oxlip Clown Sharks won 3rd place.
North Isanti Baptist 1 went a perfect 4-0 in the tournament to win the division 2 championship with two card fought wins against Cambridge Lutheran, who won 2nd place. Third place went to New Hope Cambridge.
Souls Church went undefeated in the tournament to win the division 3 championship, including a couple hard fought wins over 2nd place Home Church. North Isanti Baptist 3 won three straight games in the losers bracket to fight all the way back to claim 3rd place.
The 2021 youth tournament was a great showcase of the young talent in our area. New Hope edged defending champion North Isanti in the championship game, and Cambridge Lutheran went on a great run to win 3rd place.
