Panthers denied second straight state trip
By Matt Gengler, Sports Editor
sports@missourivalleytimes.com
Logan-Magnolia knew there would be plenty of chances, they just had to find a way to cash in. The Remsen St. Marys Hawks escaped with a 3-2 win over Logan-Magnolia in the Class 1A Substate Final on July 14 at East High School in Sioux City.
“We knew we if we kept it close, we were going to give ourselves a shot,” stated Head Coach Kurtis Hinkel. “We had runners on base in most innings, but we were one hit away it seemed the entire night.”
RSM scored single runs in the fourth and fifth innings to break a 1-1 tie, taking a 3-1 lead heading into the seventh inning.
Lo-Ma’s Aiden King scored the Panthers’ second run in the top of the seventh inning, with Mason Van Iten earning an RBI. But Van Iten ended at third base as the final out was recorded.
“That final inning defined our season, we went down battling, as we were just one hit away,” stated Hinkel.
Lo-Ma pitchers, Van Iten (8th grader) and Aiden King (fr.) combined to allow just six hits and two walks, while finishing with four strikeouts.
Hinkel stated, “Our entire coaching staff was incredibly impressed with the maturity and moxy they handled the big-game environment. They never got rattled, it was impressive.”
Lo-Ma graduates two seniors in Eli Esser and Jason Kastner, as they finished their careers with 82 wins in five seasons, including a state tournament trip in 2025.
“They have helped establish our culture, belief and expectations, and will forever be Panther Loyal, and we’re glad they were a part of this journey.”
Logan-Magnolia finishes at 25-6, the 2026 Western Iowa Conference regular season title, and second straight 20-plus win season.
Class 1A Substate Final
BB: 7-14-2026 @ Sioux City East
Logan-Magnolia (25-6) 100 000 1 2 5 0
Rmsn St. Marys (21-6) 100 110 x 3 6 1
Lo-Ma Hitting: Aiden King 1-2, 2 RS; Cale Cunard 2-3, RBI; Mason Van Iten 1-3, RBI; Macklin Loftus 1-3.
Lo-Ma Pitching: Mason Van Iten 4 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K; Aiden King 2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K.
Lo-Ma Record: (15-1 WIC), 25-6.
Lo-Ma Panthers Seniors (2): Eli Esser, Jason Kastner. (82 career wins, 2022 – 2026)
