On May 26 the Frankfort baseball team capped a remarkable regular season by capturing the Northwest Conference championship, defeating Benzie Central 8‑1 in the opener and following it up with a 12‑1 victory in the nightcap. The back‑to‑back wins not only secured the league crown but also underscored the team’s depth and resilience as they turn their attention to the upcoming district tournament.
Key contributions at the plate and on the mound
Rylan Lewis led the offense in the first game with a crisp three‑hit performance, while Kole Anhalt added a timely single and drove in two runs. Aiden Evans contributed a single and an RBI, and Carson Gillison delivered a solid three‑scoreless‑inning outing that kept Benzie Central at bay. The second game saw Anhalt double his output with two hits, and Luciano Carrella exploded for two hits and two RBIs, sealing the sweep.
Beyond the headline stats, the roster’s breadth of talent shone through. Nelson Catanese, Cody Huntley, Dayne Gillison and Carson Case each chipped in with solid at‑bats, while pitchers such as Jacob Koscielski and Matthew Ockert provided depth on the mound. The breadth of contributors reflected a team culture built on collective effort rather than reliance on a single star.
District play on the horizon
Benzie Central’s softball and baseball squads now shift focus to district competition. The baseball team will meet Traverse City St. Francis at 10 a.m. on May 30, while the softball side is slated for a 4 p.m. showdown with the same opponent on May 29. Both matchups promise fresh storylines as the conference’s emerging talents test themselves against a formidable regional field.
The softball team, which finished the regular season with a 15‑21‑2 record, displayed flashes of brilliance in a recent contest against Manton. Maddy Swander erupted for five hits and three RBIs, and Moraya Mosher launched a three‑run home run in the top of the third inning, highlighting the team’s capacity for explosive offense. Other standouts such as Shay Anhalt, Lydia Heiges and Bella Ullom have continued to provide steady production throughout the year.
Community support has been a constant backdrop to these achievements. Local newspapers such as the Manistee News Advocate and the Benzie County Record Patriot have chronicled the teams’ journeys, while school districts including Frankfort, Onekama and Traverse City St. Francis have rallied behind their athletes. The upcoming district games will be more than just contests for a trophy; they will be a celebration of a season marked by growth, perseverance, and the promise of future success.