Cottonwood team wins tournament
A new chapter in Cottonwood Youth baseball history was written this summer as the Cottonwood Panthers captured the 2025 Cal Ripken Tournament title with a 5-2 victory in the championship game. This year’s tournament marked the end of an era, as Orofino concluded its 18-year streak as host.
Coached by Neil Bruegeman and Mat Forsmann, the Panthers showcased grit, teamwork, and determination throughout the tournament. Their hard work and dedication paid off as they claimed the title and brought pride to their community.
Two standout players received individual honors for their exceptional performances. Jett Lorentz earned the Golden Glove Award for his defensive excellence, while Kohen Forsmann was named Most Outstanding Player, a testament to his all-around impact on the field.
This championship is more than just a win—it’s a reflection of the time, effort, and heart this team poured into their season.
The Panthers finished the regular season undefeated at 14-0, earning a first-round bye in the tournament. In the second round, they defeated Orofino #4 with a commanding 13-0 win, followed by an 8-1 victory over Grangeville #1 in the semifinals. Pitching was a major factor in the Panthers’ tournament success, Justin Labrum recorded 3 strikeouts, Kohen Forsmann tallied 9 strikeouts, and Easton Bruegeman led the way with an impressive 22 strikeouts across the three tournament games.
The celebration doesn’t stop here: Cottonwood has been selected to host the 2026 Cal Ripken Tournament, bringing the excitement home and giving the community a chance to shine on a bigger stage. Congratulations to the Cottonwood Panthers—2025 Cal Ripken Champions!