The Watertown Arrows Post 17 baseball squad capped the 2026 campaign with a combined 38‑25 record, a milestone that has resonated through South Dakota’s high school and American Legion circuits. Their performance not only marked the best finish in the South Dakota High School Baseball Association’s 26‑year history but also signaled a new era of competitiveness for a program steeped in tradition.
The team’s journey featured a dramatic run to the state championship game, where they led 3‑1 before falling to Brandon Valley on May 23, and a respectable tie for third place in the Legion tournament held in Rapid City on August 1. Both achievements underscored a season of steady growth and resilience, highlighting the squad’s ability to compete with the state’s elite.
Star performers
Key contributors such as shortstop Carter Buisker, who batted .368, and pitcher Hunter Halajian, who posted a 9‑3 record with a 3.04 ERA and 95 strikeouts, anchored the team’s success. Markus Pitkin and Cole Hansen added offensive firepower, while Jackson McClemans broke a program record with an 11‑5 record and a 1.22 ERA, cementing his place among the franchise’s all‑time greats.
The Arrows also benefited from the emergence of rookie pitcher Jackson McClemans, whose record‑setting season was complemented by strong performances from relievers and position players alike. The team batted .295 overall and posted a 4.02 ERA, reflecting a balanced approach that combined solid hitting with disciplined pitching.
A turnaround worth celebrating
Compared to the previous year’s 38‑27 record, the 2026 squad demonstrated a clear upward trajectory, a fact that Coach Ryan Neale highlighted during the post‑season celebration. "We’re proud of what these young men accomplished," Neale said, "and we’re excited to build on this foundation for the future."
The community’s response has been equally enthusiastic, with local businesses and fans rallying around the team’s achievements. As the Arrows look ahead, the momentum generated by this historic season promises to inspire the next generation of players and reinforce Watertown’s proud baseball heritage.