The Sandpoint Sasquatch 10U baseball team turned a rocky pool play performance into a championship run last month, winning the Silver Bracket title at the Bitterroot Tournament after entering bracket play as the third seed with a 1-2 record.
The tournament, held in June, opened with a strong showing for the Sasquatch as the squad knocked off the Bitterroot Red Sox All-Stars 8-2 in their first pool play contest. The momentum stalled quickly, however, as the team dropped a 10-2 decision to the Kalispell Sluggers Black and then fell just short against the Flathead A’s, 8-7, to close out pool play.
Turning Point in Bracket Play
Despite the uneven start, the Sasquatch regrouped and delivered when it mattered most. In their first bracket game, they faced a rematch with the Flathead A’s — the same team that knocked them out of pool play contention — and won convincingly, 9-6. Manny MacDonald powered the offensive effort, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. JD Wilson was equally dominant on the mound, striking out four batters without allowing a single run across his relief innings.
The Sasquatch recorded 15 hits in that bracket victory, building momentum heading into the championship matchup.
Championship Game Dominance
The title game brought another rematch, this time against the Bitterroot Red Sox All-Stars — the same club Sandpoint had defeated in pool play. The Sasquatch made it two wins against Bitterroot on the tournament weekend, pulling away for a 12-8 victory to claim the Silver Bracket Championship.
JD Wilson delivered one of the standout individual performances of the tournament in the championship game, going 4-for-4 at the plate with two doubles while also pitching three innings of relief and striking out six batters. The Sasquatch finished the championship game with another 15-hit output, demonstrating consistent offensive production throughout bracket play.
Jaxon Viloria also earned recognition for his work on the mound during pool play, recording five strikeouts in relief during the team’s loss to the Kalispell Sluggers Black.
The Sandpoint Sasquatch’s Silver Bracket title is a reminder that youth baseball tournaments — and North Idaho teams — can turn a season around in a single weekend. For families and fans looking for more community action this summer, Bonner County has a full schedule of Fourth of July events, including parades and live music, to keep the summer spirit going.
What Comes Next
With the Bitterroot Tournament now in the books, the Sandpoint Sasquatch 10U squad will look to build on their Silver Bracket championship performance as the summer baseball season continues. Youth sports remain a cornerstone of community life across Bonner County, and the Sasquatch’s run through bracket play — rallying from a losing pool record to a championship — is exactly the kind of story that keeps families engaged with local athletics all summer long. No further tournament dates were immediately available, but the team’s strong finish positions them well for additional competition ahead.