A Historic First
New Home High School captured its first-ever Class 2ADI Baseball State Championship on Saturday, downing Iola 7-2 in a game that will be remembered as much for its historic significance as for the dominance displayed on the field.
The Leopards exploded out of the gate, plating five runs in the opening inning and never looking back. The early onslaught set the tone and forced Iola to play catch‑up for the remainder of the contest.
Key contributors included Bransen Beckham, who delivered two RBI singles in the first and second innings, driving in crucial runs that stretched the lead. Pitcher Tucker Cotton handled four innings on the mound, while Avin Madrid closed out the game with three solid innings, preserving the advantage.
The victory marks the culmination of a season that saw New Home finish with a 30‑8 record. It also represents the sixth time the Leopards have reached the state championship stage, having previously contested the title game in 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2025.
Community members, alumni and local officials gathered after the game to celebrate the milestone, a moment that many hope will inspire the next generation of players. With the championship trophy now in hand, the program looks to build on this momentum as it prepares for future seasons.