RECAP: Central Cass Makes it Back-to-Back; 10-2 Win over Kindred in ND Class B Softball Title Game

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (KVRR) – It is a rivalry like few others.

Two years after Kindred defeated Central Cass in the 2024 state championship game on the very same field, the Squirrels made sure this year’s ending would be different.

Trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning, Central Cass’ offense exploded for nine runs in a game-changing rally that completely swung the momentum of the title matchup. One of the biggest moments came from senior Aspyn Prien, who launched a three-run home run on her birthday.

“It was kind of crazy,” Prien said. “I didn’t really know what was going on. Good thing the fans back there, they told me it was over, so I just kept running.”

Prien’s blast helped power the Squirrels to a dominant 10-2 victory over their rival, securing Central Cass’ second consecutive state championship and the eighth title in program history.

“I just do everything for my team, and it was so fun,” Prien said. “This game was so fun. I know we kind of started slow, but when we started to pick it up, it was so much fun. I could not be more proud of these girls. They’re amazing, and I’m so sad to leave the team. I’m so proud of them.”

While the offense stole the headlines in the fourth inning, Whitney Mitchell delivered a strong performance in the circle to help keep Kindred in check throughout the game. She ended the game with six strikeouts.

For head coach Scott Kost, the championship is the payoff for months of hard work.

“Yeah, it sounds really good,” Kost said. “There’s just so much work that goes into this and even to just get to this point and get into this game. To be able to claw our way and come out on top, it just feels really, really good.”

And every championship run needs a little magic.

Central Cass found theirs in an unlikely good luck charm — a blowup alien nicknamed “Timmay.”

“Timmay was left on the bus,” Prien said. “I don’t know, he was in my seat, so we kind of took him over and taped him to my bat, and now he’s our good luck charm. But I think we’re going to send him back to space.”

Kost says moments like that are part of what makes the program special.

“You know, there are some things that you just got to — part of this whole program is — you got to have fun,” Kost said. “You got to have fun, and that’s fun for them, so I’m okay with it.”

This time, the Squirrels got their revenge — and another state trophy to celebrate. Their second in a row and Eighth overall.