The Berrien County Cougars defeated the Niles Sluggers to capture the BPA state title in Lansing last weekend. Pictured are Caleb Smith, Austin Thomas, Brad Page, Nathan Dennis, Tommy Moore, Jack Marzalec, Mickey Krynicky, Dan Koziel, Joe Jurza, Charlie Marven, Ashton Holdridge, Brian Moore, Dave Marz, Dan Dennis, Don Thomas, Al Page and Sean Jurza. (Daily Star photo/Provided)

LANSING – The Berrien County Cougars, a 13U travel baseball team in its first season, captured the BPA state championship last weekend with a 7-5 victory over the Niles Sluggers.

The Cougars will make a return trip to Lansing July 21-25 to compete in the World Series.
The Cougars went 5-0 to win the championship.

They opened up with a 7-4 win over the Mid-Michigan Bandits before blanking the West Michigan Broncos 17-0.

In a rematch with the Broncos, the Cougars were victorious again, this time 6-4.

In the semifinals, the Cougars blanked Morgan’s Hitting Club 5-0.

Cal Ripken Baseball
CLINTON TOWNSHIP – The Howard Township 11-year-old All-Stars only had to win three games and survive a thunderstorm during the championship to earn its state title.

The All-Stars toppled Brandywine in its first game and then Lanse Cruese and Huron Valley to advance to the title game.

Brandywine also reached the championship game with a 2-1 record, its opening game loss the only blemish on its slate.

A thunderstorm halted the championship game with Howard Township up two runs.

After a meeting in the press box, Howard Township came home with the state championship and a plaque to prove it.

Brandywine, which is hosting the regional July 23-26, was already scheduled to play in it.