Hopewell 11-12’s Crowned Rec League Champs Behind Power Bats and Pitching Prowess

In a fitting finale to a memorable season, the Hopewell Little League 11-12 year-old squad—playing under Coach Yesionek – Lavia Tax Service—slugged their way to a 6-2 victory over New Brighton to claim the Rec Season Playoff Championship title on Wednesday night.

This wasn’t just another game—it was the culmination of months of hard work, grit, and chemistry built over an unforgettable Spring. From early in the season working on the fundamentals to becoming the most dominant team on the field, Hopewell finished strong when it mattered most.

Rhett Rankin and Kruz Krotec provided fireworks at the plate, while the entire Hopewell team put together a clean, sharp game both offensively and defensively.

Rhett Rankin was the undisputed star of the night, blasting two home runs and driving in four of Hopewell’s six runs, one of those bombs coming in the third and the other in the sixth. His bat stayed hot all game, but he wasn’t just dangerous with a bat—Rhett also came in for relief on the mound, contributing to a lock-down pitching performance.

The tone was set early when Kruz Krotec launched a two-run homer to dead center in the first inning, giving Hopewell an immediate 2-0 lead and the momentum they would carry through the rest of the game.

Kruz then took the mound and was dominant in his three innings of work, surrendering no hits, no runs, striking out five, and walking none. His rhythm and control kept the New Brighton hitters off balance throughout his outing.

Relievers Rhett and Austin G. closed the game strong, holding the line and helping Hopewell maintain their lead through the final innings.

Hopewell’s offense wasn’t a solo act either. Rhett and Kruz were an intimidating back-to-back combo in the lineup, each collecting two hits. The team stayed aggressive on the bases and delivered timely hits when needed.

On the defensive end, Hopewell was flawless—literally. The squad didn’t commit a single error, a testament to their focus and discipline under pressure. Declan Lavia led the defense with eight chances in the field, anchoring the unit with calm and control.

New Brighton didn’t go down without a fight. Cael C. and Santino G. were a tough tandem, both collecting two hits while batting back-to-back. Boz V. and Santino each knocked in a run, keeping the game within reach.

Boz V. started on the mound for New Brighton and gave a strong three-inning effort, allowing four hits and four runs while striking out four. New Brighton like Hopewell, played a clean game defensively, also finishing with zero errors. Christopher J. stood out with 10 defensive chances, and the team turned a crisp double play in the later innings.

But at the end of the day, Hopewell’s power bats and consistent pitching proved too much. The win was a fitting end to a rec season that saw these players grow as teammates and competitors. From chilly spring practices to summer heat showdowns, this group’s journey has been about more than wins—it’s been about development, heart, and rising to the occasion.

Congratulations to Hopewell LL – Lavia Tax Service on a well-earned championship. The bats were hot, the gloves were sharp, and the memories will last far longer than the final score.

Congratulations to our CHAMPION Vikings:

– Ethan Bolinger
– Austin Gallagher
– Kruz Krotec
– Declan Lavia
– Noah Loos
– Valentino Maroni
– Rhett Rankin
– Jaxson Thompson
– Leo Yannessa
– Christian Yesionek
– Breyson Hoth