A Season of Growth for the 10U Methow Valley Cubs
The 10U Methow Valley Cubs entered the 2026 summer schedule with a modest roster and limited experience, but the team quickly found its rhythm. After an opening stretch that produced just a single win, the boys rallied, stringing together a series of solid performances that lifted them to a final record of six wins and five losses.
Their most memorable test came at the Deer Park Wooden Bat tournament, where the Cubs fought their way to the championship game. Despite a 1‑3 record in pool play, they rallied to win the trophy round, defeating Chelan youth baseball 19‑0 and edging Chewelah 7‑6 to secure a spot in the final.
The championship match pitted the Cubs against a dominant Trail team from British Columbia, whose pitching proved too formidable. The Cubs fell 10‑0, but the close scoreline barely captured the effort they displayed throughout the tournament.
Beyond the tournament, the squad logged several highlight victories. They split double‑headers with Ephrata, sweeping both series in non‑tournament games, and recorded an early‑season win over their local rivals from Chelan. A 7‑6 triumph over Chewelah showcased the team’s resilience in tight contests.
Coaching staff played a pivotal role in the team's development. Head coach Eric Lentz, with assistants Jared Slater and Sheri Peterson, guided the players through both practice and game situations, helping them translate practice swings into real‑world successes, even breaking a wood bat in the process.
The roster featured a blend of ages and talent, with standout performances from players such as Blake Richmond, Brooks Pitvin, Calvin Peterson, Cooper Meyer, Finn Slater, Rawly Port, Gamble Plowman, Heath Query, Ryker Jateff, Trygve Lentz, William Kulsrud and Zach Knox. Their combined effort illustrated a promising trajectory for the program.
The season also revealed areas for future growth. Assistant coach Sheri Peterson noted that Trail’s pitching was of a higher caliber than any they had faced before, underscoring the need for stronger arms and strategic adjustments as the team looks ahead.