New Home Secures First State Title
The New Home baseball squad captured its maiden state championship, downing Iola 7-2 in the Class 2A Division I title game on Saturday. The win marks the team’s first title after six appearances at the UIL State Tournament.
Bransen Beckham led the offense with a 3-for-3 outing, driving in four runs and delivering a two-run double that sparked a five-run first inning.
Standout Performances
Tucker Cotton kept Iola’s bats quiet, allowing just two runs on three hits over four innings, while Avin Madrid closed the game with three shutout innings, surrendering only a single hit.
The team finished the season at 30-8, a testament to a balanced attack and steady pitching that carried them through a demanding schedule.
Iola’s Missed Opportunity
Iola’s starter Brody Vaughn, who had been nearly untouchable in the postseason, gave up seven runs in the first two innings, a lapse the Leopards capitalized on with timely hitting and three errors.
Coaches and players alike praised the collective effort, noting that the blend of timely hitting, solid pitching and defensive resilience defined the championship run.