Event News: Champions are Crowned at 2021 Top Gun Invitational… Here’s a Look at Who Won Titles on Father’s Day in Kansas City!

The Top Club Invitational in Kansas City wrapped up on Sunday after 210 teams began action on Thursday in seven age divisions (Maverick & Viper) at the 18U, 16U, 14U and 12U age divisions.

Heading into Sunday, the final 16 teams were set and after a passing rainstorm came through about 10:30 am local time (Shawnee, KS), action resumed as played moved into the afternoon

Here are some news items and highlights from the final day of play (focusing on the Maverick divisions in the 18U, 16U and 14U age divisions.)…

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What’s the one thing Event Director Robb Behymer has been saying all week?

“I’m very proud of the one-run games,” he proclaimed multiple times this week, meaning the games—and the teams—were equitable and competitive.

Take a look at the final scores in the three oldest age divisions and you’ll see that’s very true: 18U: 1-0; 16U 3-1; and 14U 6-5.

Take our Team of the Tournament, for example:

After Virginia Unity 06 won their first six pool games by no less than seven runs, things got tighter in bracket play as Josh Johnson’s team placed tight games in the quarters, semis and championship beating Impact Gold National – Hays 5-4, then topping AZ Hotshots 2024 1-0 before pulling out a third one-run game in a row, defeating Beverly Bandits DeMarini – Scibelli 6-5.

“What an awesome extended weekend of softball in Kansas City!” a jubiliant Johnson exclaimed after the win.

“The girls went 10-0 with just 10 players in some serious heat against some great competition!  We are missing a few with their high school state playoffs still going on.  Our pitching was lights out and we had some big offensive performances.  The two-headed monster of Kadyn Camper and Lilly Parrish carried our team by only giving up 16 runs and both provided offensive firepower as they batted in the 3rd and 4th spots in the lineup all weekend!”

Impressively, Virginia Unity had wins over five teams inside the Extra Elite Eighty 14U club rankings and two inside the Top 10. So dominant was the visitors from Virginia that they outscored opponents 76-16.

“I could not be prouder,” Coach Johnson continued: “This team is really making a name for themselves and we are getting a ton of college coaches attention!  We have now defeated 9 top 10 ranked teams over the last 20 months!  “

Here’s a look at the offensive and pitching leaders who made a difference:

Pitching Leaders

• Kadyn Camper (2024) went 5-0 with a Save.  She pitched 24 innings with 23 strikeouts and giving up only 4 earned runs.
• Lilly Parrish (2024) went 5-0 pitching 22.0 innings striking out 36 and only giving up 5 earned runs.

Offensive Leaders

• Hannah Tober (2025) batted .560 with 2 HRs, 3 Doubles, and 9 Singles.  She drove in 12 RBI and scored 10 runs.
• Rylie Johnson (2025) batted .542 with 4 Doubles, 9 Singles, while walking 7 times. She scored 14 runs and had 6 RBI.
• Alyssa Jones (2024) batted .500 with 1 Double and 8 Singles.  She scored 6 runs and had 6 RBI.
• Haylee Whittemore (2024) batted .435 with a Double and 9 Singles.  She scored 6 runs and had 6 RBI.
• Destiny Harris (2024) batted .414 with 3 HRs and 9 Singles.  She scored 15 runs and had 8 RBI.
• Kadyn Camper (2024) batted .409 with 1 HR, 3 Doubles, and 5 Singles. She scored 7 runs and had 7 RBI.
• Lilly Parrish (2024) batted .381 with 2 Doubles and 6 Singles. She scored 6 runs and had 5 RBI and walked 5 times.

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The Game of the Day, okay, let’s just say of the entire weekend was the thriller in the 18U championship game.

A true pitcher’s duel, 2023 lefty Olivia Duncan of Lady Dukes – Lamar and Jordyn Bahl of Nebraska Gold, the 2021 Oklahoma signee, went toe-to-toe and the game was 0-0 but it looked like the Lady Dukes would break through with the game’s first run in the top of the 6^th inning.

The speedy team lead by Coach James Lamar got three infield hits and loaded the bases with no outs.

That forced Bahl to elevate her game and she did, as she impressively struck out the next three batters to escape the threat.

Nebraska Gold had a chance to jump on the board in the bottom of the inning when Brooke Dumont (2021, South Dakota State) singled through the left side of the inning. Lexie Bradey (2021, Ole Miss) next singled up the middle with one out.

The next batter, however, fouled out and a passed ball put runners on second and third but a ground out ended the threat.

In the top of the 7^th, Kyye Rickes (2021 Duke), tripled with no outs and the Dukes looked again like they’d go out in front, but Bahl once again came up huge by shutting down the threat by striking out the side.

It came down to ITB and Mia Jarecki (2021, South Dakota State) was placed on second. With one out, Maggie Vasa (2021, Iowa) laid down a bunt and was safe at first and Jarecki was able to move over to third.

Vasa stole second to try and induce a throw, but it didn’t matter as Bahl (yes, she hits well too) hit a clean shot up the middle and gave the Nebraska Gold 18U National the 2021 Top Gun Invitational.

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Finally, we can’t forget the Beverly Bandits DeMarini – Cray team.

Coach Cray Allen’s squad had gone 6-0 in Pool C and then reeled off five straight wins in bracket play including four victories on Sunday.

The team played games at 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm.

— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball