The Butte Magic 10U softball team members are this week’s Leskovar Honda Athletes of the Week.

The honors come after the team capped an outstanding season with a third-place finish among 20 teams at the Montana Junior Olympic Fastpitch Softball State Tournament July 10-12 in Great Falls.

The Magic battled through the tournament bracket by winning their first three games to reach the semifinal round before dropping two contests on Sunday, finishing just one win shy of playing for the state championship.

The tournament opened with a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Avalanche 10U of Missoula in what many expected to be one of the tournament’s top first-round matchups. Entering the contest, the two teams had combined for just six losses all season.

The Avalanche grabbed a 4-2 lead in the top of the fourth inning, but the Magic answered immediately. Butte erupted for four runs in the bottom half of the inning to regain control and held on for the one-run victory.

The Magic followed with an impressive 7-2 win over the Havre Stampede 10U behind a dominant performance from pitcher Kyla McEwen, who struck out 12 batters. McEwen also contributed at the plate as part of a balanced offensive attack that included multiple-hit games from Parker Gilbreath, Loghan Smith, Taylor Benski, Ella Briggs, and Mercie McArthur. While the final score was convincing, Butte left nine runners on base, leaving even more runs on the table.

A spot in the semifinals was secured with a gritty 5-3 victory over the Blizzard 10U of Billings. McEwen and Taylor Benski combined for another strong outing in the pitcher’s circle, while the Magic offense manufactured just enough scoring to advance.

Sunday proved to be a difficult finish to an otherwise outstanding tournament. The Magic fell 8-1 to the Emeralds 10U of Kalispell before dropping a 14-3 decision to Belgrade 10U, the eventual state champions.

Despite the two losses, Butte’s third-place finish among 20 of Montana’s top 10U teams highlighted a season filled with success. The Magic concluded the summer with an impressive 18-6 overall record while demonstrating resilience, balanced pitching, and timely hitting throughout the season.

The Butte Magic 10U roster included Taylor Benski, Ella Briggs, Parker Gilbreath, Mercie McArthur, Kyla McEwen, Keston Osborne, Gracie Renz, Austyn Sholey, Loghan Smith, Khloe Soloman and Shea Whitaker. The team was joined for the state tournament by Sammi Staley and Kacee Staley.

The team is coached by Jenny McEwen, Lindsey Solomon, Cullen Gilbreath and Chris Benski.

With a top-three finish at the state tournament and an 18-win season, the Butte Magic 10U squad has established itself as one of Montana’s premier youth softball teams and built a strong foundation for future success.

Since the beginning of 2023, Leskovar Honda, home of the non-commission sales staff that always has your back, has teamed up with the ButteCast to honor the finest student-athletes from the Mining City to encourage more children to get up, get out and try all kinds of sports and activities.