This week’s Leskovar Honda Athletes of the Week honors go to the Copper City Softball Senior All-Stars and Butte Miner Gavin Trudgeon.

The All-Star team for players 13 to 16 takes the girls’ honor after going 4-1 to start the Western Regional Softball Tournament in Missoula.

This marks the first time in Copper City Softball Little League history that a senior team has gone to the Western Regional. The Montana state champions beat Arizona 8-4, Washington 10-0, Oregon 6-5 and Southern California 5-3 before dropping a 6-5 decision to Northern California.

Kendallyn Schad, Brit Klima and Madisyn Swanson led the Butte girls at the plate. Mattie Stepan was a solid leader behind the plate while swinging a hot bat. Reese Johnson and Allie Becker were tough in the middle, turning a few double plays this weekend along with being quick on the bases. 

Ellison Graham and Avery Barsness were a defense a force, covering ground in the outfield.  Sophie Radcliffe had some great catches and hits over the weekend. Brea Henderson was tough on the mound and loud in the dugout. Lilly Sandoval and Cambree O’Neill were key contributors coming off the bench for a group full of enthusiasm and energy.
Copper City is coached by Melissa Johnson, Travis Johnson and Josh Schad. Kate McGree is the Copper City president.

Trudgeon takes home the boys’ honor after picking up a win on his last appearance on the mound at 3 Legends Stadium.

Trudgeon pitched the distance as Butte’s “Mine Boys” completed a doubleheader sweep of the Bitter Root Red Sox with a 10-3 win. The righty struck out four batters and did not issue a walk. He gave up just five hits in yet another quality start for the Miners.

Trudgeon, a senior and recent Butte High graduate, is 5-3 on the season. That includes eight starts and 11 overall appearances. Like he did with the Bulldogs, Trudgeon gives the Miners a reliable option on the mound.

Those Miners will play in the South A District tournament this weekend in Belgrade.

For the second year, Leskovar Honda, home of the 20-year, 200,000-mile warranty, is teaming up with the ButteCast to honor the finest student-athletes from the Mining City in an effort to encourage more children to get up, get out and try all kinds of sports and activities.