A Season of Promise and a Final Setback
Boone's baseball campaign drew to a close on Tuesday night as the Toreadors fell 7-2 to Cedar Rapids Xavier in the Class 3A Substate 7 Championship. The loss marked the end of a season that saw the team finish 18-12 overall and 7-9 in the Raccoon River Conference, a respectable showing that underscored the program's steady progress.
Offensively, Boone managed four hits, with Braxton Gifford leading the way by collecting two hits, one of which was a double. Levi Behn and Cole Christeson each contributed a single, while Christeson drove in a run. Tyce Carlson, who paced the team with 37 hits for the season, added the other RBI. The offensive output, though modest, reflected a balanced effort from a group that consistently produced at the plate throughout the year.
On the mound, Levi Behn took the start and recorded a strikeout before being charged with the loss. He was followed in relief by Braxton Gifford, who worked into the later innings. Pitching staff veteran Conor Scoggins, who topped the rotation with 47 strikeouts, finished the season with a strong showing, while Noah Davies and Landon Youngblood also contributed notable strikeout numbers.
Xavier's victory propelled them into the state tournament, where they will meet No. 6 seed MOC-Floyd Valley on July 20 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids. The upcoming matchup promises a fresh challenge for the No. 3 seed as they aim to extend their season beyond the substate round.
Beyond the final score, the season was defined by individual milestones and team growth. Levi Behn led the club with 26 RBIs and seven pitching wins, while Noah Gorman and Noah Davies each added 17 RBIs. The depth of talent across the roster, from power hitters to reliable arms, suggests a promising foundation for future campaigns.