By Steve Morris

The North Branch American Legion baseball season came to an abrupt end last week as the boys lost to Cambridge 9-4.

It was the second loss in a row, in a best of three sub-district playoff.

In winning the game, Cambridge advanced to district play this week.

Overall, the North Branch team finished its summer season with a record of 5-10.

Despite the season-ending loss, head coach Trent Grams said it was a good season.

"Completion of the summer season should not be looked at in a disappointing fashion as there were many positives that can be taken away from the overall summer," he said.

Throughout the summer, the team heavily relied upon senior pitchers Tony Dahlberg and Danny Ginal on the mound.

Grams referred to them as his "co-aces."

"They gave us a great chance to win every time they were out there," he said.

Dahlberg and Ginal also lead the team in hitting, both averaging over .400.

On the defensive side of the game, Cole Willcoxen at third place and Kirk Dahle at shortstop played their position well all summer, Grams said.

Also helping out on defense was the teams youngest player, Drew Lundquist.

"He was the youngest starter on the squad and it didn't show, as he played remarkable at first base and was the catalyst in the offense from the lead off spot," Grams said.

In a final analysis, Grams was pleased with the play of Mark Johnson, Ben Meemken, DJ Charley and Chris Becklin who provided key leadership for the younger players.

"These four individuals are a class act both on and off the field and they provided the young players with leadership qualities that can hopefully be duplicated in years to come," Grams said.