JOHNSTOWN — Excitement fills the air as two Blair County natives have propelled their teams into an all-Johnstown championship for the AAABA National Tournament. Hunter Smith, a graduate of Central High School, showcased his talent by helping Johnstown’s Martella’s Pharmacy secure a tense 5-4 victory against New Orleans at Sargent’s Stadium, while Altoona’s Erik Rhodes made significant contributions to Johnstown’s Mainline Pharmacy, who also triumphed over New Brunswick by the same score on Friday night.
For Martella’s, Smith showed great prowess, going 2-for-4 at the plate, which included a pivotal solo home run in the second inning. Teammate Boden Fernsler also shone with a 3-for-4 performance that included two RBIs. On the other side, Rhodes played a crucial role for Mainline, hitting 1-for-3 and driving in a run during a comeback after being down 4-0. Teague Hoover delivered the game-changing hit with a two-run triple in the eighth inning.
With both teams working hard to reach this point, they will face off for the championship title at 7 p.m. Saturday night at the Point, promising an exhilarating showdown.
In a related note highlighting Pennsylvania’s sports spirit, Glenmoore Little League is making waves by heading to the Little League World Series for the fifth consecutive year. They achieved this remarkable feat by dominating the Mid-Atlantic regional tournament and defeating Maryland 7-1 in their latest match. With stellar performances on the mound and at the plate, the team remains undefeated in the tournament and will face South Dakota next Thursday.
In addition to these thrilling competitions, Johnstown is also hosting a noteworthy wrestling camp, featuring over 100 top youth wrestlers from across the nation at the 1ST SUMMIT Arena. The camp, organized by Firebird Wrestling, showcases elite wrestlers who have inspired these young athletes. The Bassett brothers—Bo, Keegan, and Melvin—lead the camp, bringing their exceptional skills and experience to help train the next generation of talent.
As Johnstown continues to emerge as a vibrant hub for sports, its contributions to both local and national athletic achievements highlight the dedication and passion of its athletes and the community supporting them. The atmosphere is charged with energy as the championship and other sporting events unfold, offering a bright and hopeful outlook for the future of athletics in the region.