For the first time in three decades, North Central’s varsity baseball team claimed a regional championship, defeating Greenfield-Central 6-3 on June 7. The victory capped off a dominant postseason run that included sectional and Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC) titles, marking a historic moment for the Panthers program.

While the regional win was the first since 1994, winning itself was not new for this year’s team, which secured sectional and MIC championships before advancing to semi-state play.

For many players, the regional game was exhilarating rather than stressful, though it came with its challenges.

“We had to put in a lot of extra work to get to where we got to,” junior Jackson Dinnsin said. “Lots of us would stay after practice for extra reps, and we’d get there early to help set up the field so we could start on time.”

Graduated senior Tristan Wilson set the tone on the mound, pitching three scoreless innings and giving up just one hit.

As a team, the Panthers finished with a collective batting average of .154, an on-base percentage of .421 and a fielding percentage of .960. Senior Rykin Matthias contributed two runs over his five plate appearances.

Players credited their success not only to talent and preparation but also to team chemistry.

“Probably one of the big reasons we did win—we are all good friends, so the chemistry was really good,” junior Tyler Jane said. “It felt more like fun instead of work.”

That bond made the regional title even sweeter.

“It felt pretty good when we won because we worked really hard, and a lot of people didn’t expect us to win,” Dinnsin said. “We’ll make sure to bring this feeling to our upcoming season.”

With their first regional championship since 1994, the Panthers proved that hard work, chemistry and determination can shift the course of a program. As the team looks to next season, players say the camaraderie built this year will be key to keeping North Central baseball on top.