07/26/2026
The final out has been recorded, and the Spring 2026 season is officially in the books for the DCA Bandits 14U.
As we close this chapter, we are looking ahead to transitioning into a summer ball program for the families who are interested in keeping the momentum going. We also know that some of our guys will be moving on to other programs, focusing exclusively on high school ball, or dedicating more time to other incredible talents like band and archery. Whatever the next step is, we are immensely proud of every single player who wore the Bandits jersey.
Coach Laura and I wanted to take a deep dive into the numbers to reflect on just how much this group has accomplished. Moving to a highly competitive 14U AA division was a huge leap, but the boys rose to the challenge. We want to take a moment to spotlight every player who contributed to this journey.
🌟 Immediate Impact: The 1st Year Players
Stepping onto a new team in a tough AA division is no easy task, but these two guys made an undeniable impact all season long:
DJ Cousins (Primary: 3B | Secondary: LF): What an absolute powerhouse addition! DJ set the tone, leading the newcomers with a blistering .460 batting average and 29 hits. He brought in 26 RBIs, scored 26 runs, and swiped 16 bases. On the mound, he was dominant with 27 innings pitched and 34 strikeouts!
Aiden Searcy (Primary: CF | Secondary: C): Aiden swung a crazy hot bat, finishing with a .455 average, 10 hits, 8 runs scored, and 6 stolen bases.
🤝 Thank You: The Departing Players
To the guys who gave it their all before departing the program prior to the season's end, we appreciate the foundation you helped lay:
Sam Begle (Primary: 1B | Secondary: P): Sam was an absolute force, hitting .432 with 19 hits, 8 RBIs, and 13 runs scored. He also threw 19.2 innings for us, tallying 15 strikeouts.
Nate Begle (Primary: CF | Secondary: 2B): Nate provided a solid .250 average, grabbing 9 hits, driving in 6 RBIs, and scoring 5 times.
🔥 Stepping Up: Our Super Subs
You can't survive a grueling travel season without players ready to step in at a moment's notice. A massive thank you to our incredible subs who filled the gaps seamlessly:
Grayson Forman: Grayson made the absolute most of his plate appearances, hitting .364 with 4 hits, 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored.
Cooper Smith: Cooper was incredible, going 6-for-10 (.600 AVG) with 4 RBIs, and logging 3.1 innings on the mound with 6 strikeouts!
Devin Midkiff: Devin made his at-bats count, going 3-for-4 (.750 AVG) with 3 runs scored and 2 stolen bases.
Stuart Borne: Stuart stepped right in and hit .600, picking up 3 hits, a run, and a stolen base.
Gideon King: Gideon contributed with 2 hits, 3 runs scored, and an RBI when his number was called.
Baylin Baker: Baylin was gritty, getting on base, scoring 3 runs, and eating up 5.1 important innings on the mound with 4 strikeouts.
Carson Blackwell: Carson showed great discipline, scoring 3 runs, grabbing an RBI, and stealing a base.
Braxton Winslow: Braxton added a hit, a run, and a stolen base to the offensive sheet, and he tallied 4 strikeouts on the bump!
Easton Matz: Easton came in ready to work, picking up a hit and scoring a run for the squad.
🏆 A Very Special Callout: The Honorary 9th Man
Skyler Coleman (Primary: LF | Secondary: CF): We have to give an extra special shoutout to Skyler. When we were down to the wire this weekend due to injuries and other commitments, Skyler stepped up to be our honorary 9th player on Saturday playing in the outfield so we could take the field. That is the definition of being a true team player and having your brothers' backs. Thank you, Skyler!
💎 The Foundation: Our 2+ Year Veterans
Finally, we want to show true appreciation to the core group that has been with this program for 2+ years (Yeti stats not included for 12U). Seeing you guys grow from Single-A 13U to AA 14U is why we coach:
Tyler Stager (Primary: 3B | Secondary: P): Tyler battled against harder pitching to hit .283 with 13 hits, 9 RBIs, and 6 runs scored.
Spencer Johnson (Primary: C | Secondary: SS): The definition of consistency and speed. Spencer hit .338 with 22 hits, and he turned into a total menace on the bases, scoring a team-high 31 runs and swiping 24 stolen bases!
Sawyer Cahill (Primary: LF | Secondary: 2B): Sawyer put together a great year, hitting .267 with 12 hits, 8 runs, and 9 stolen bases, while eating up 14.1 innings on the bump.
Logan (LJ) Jeffries (Primary: C | Secondary: 2B): LJ remains an absolute hitting machine. He hit an incredible .474 (27 hits) this season, bringing in 15 RBIs, scoring 18 runs, and stealing 12 bases.
Kingston Washburn (Primary: SS | Secondary: 2B): Kingston continued to be a major run producer, hitting .288 with 17 hits, 12 runs, and a massive 18 RBIs. He also threw 14.2 innings and fanned 9 batters.
Kaleb Dunn (Primary: P | Secondary: 2B): Our reliable workhorse. Kaleb led the veteran staff with 26 innings pitched and 24 strikeouts, while also hitting .359 with 14 hits and 12 RBIs.
Jeremiah Coleman (Primary: 1B | Secondary: P): Jeremiah stepped up huge, hitting .308 with 12 hits and 11 RBIs, while throwing 20 solid innings with 13 strikeouts.
Everett Franks (Primary: 3B | Secondary: CF): Talk about a breakout! Everett skyrocketed his production, hitting .381 with 16 hits, 8 RBIs, 13 runs scored, and 16 stolen bases.
Alex Welenken (Primary: RF | Secondary: P): Alex showed fantastic growth, hitting .234 with 11 hits, 12 runs, and 11 steals, while earning the nickname of "Kirby" in the outfield. Not much got past this guy, and he was a game changer on many occasions with his defensive effort.
🏢 Community & Commercial Partners
A special shoutout to the amazing commercial partners who help keep this program running! Thank you to Power Alley Sports for being our indoor training facility of choice, Valor Athletics Apparel for keeping the boys looking sharp on the field in our uniforms, and Action Shots Photography for designing and providing our fantastic team banners. We appreciate your continued support!
To every player, parent, sub, and fan who made this season possible: thank you. The stats are great, but the memories, the growth, and the heart you all showed are what truly matter.
Wishing everyone the absolute best of luck in their future! 💪🧢
