Team North delivered an unforgettable performance at the 2026 Ontario Summer Games in Waterloo, showcasing true grit, elite talent, and northern resilience.
Four local athletes that play in the Black Sox program, took part in the weekend competition highlighted as follows; Bryce Perrott: contributed strategically defensively and offensively while showing incredible toughness by battling through an injury that would sideline most athletes. Devon Grbich: One of the few 14-year-olds on the roster, delivered crucial contributions as a relief pitcher and finished the weekend with a .400 batting average. Greg Beckerson: had a respectable outing as a relief pitcher while slugging .556 on the weekend, Jakson Carroll anchored the infield defensively while supporting an impressive .800 OPS. In combination, all the players provided key contributions on and off the field throughout the weekend.
The team was led by an entirely local coaching staff (Head Coach & Manager: M. Caruso, Assistant Coaches: J. Prgomet & C. Read) who guided the players throughout the event.
The team wrapped up the tournament with a strong 2-2 record. Their final victory perfectly defined their “never quit” northern identity. In heroic fashion, Team North executed a thrilling walk-off win.
Competition Summary and Highlights
Game 1 (13-11 Win over SCBA)
Jakson Carroll walked, Adam Kustra walked, and Brenan Gusola lined out, each scoring one run.
Nathan Omeljaniuk singled, scoring one run, Merrik Sokoloski drew a walk, scoring one run, Liam Stephens drew a walk, scoring one run, Gusola drew a walk, scoring one run, and Devon Grbich singled, scoring one run.
Omeljaniuk earned the win for Team North. The righty gave up zero hits and zero runs over three and one-third innings, striking out five and walking one. Erik Binette appeared in relief for Team North.
Team North piled up 12 hits in the game. Kustra, the number seven hitter for Team North, led the way with three runs batted in. The third baseman went 1-for-1 on the day. Omeljaniuk, Olivier Séguin, Gregory Beckerson, and Grbich each collected two hits for Team North. Team North had patience at the plate, accumulating nine walks for the game. Nicholas Paquette and Kustra led the team with two bases on balls each. Beckerson stole two bases.
Game 2 (5-15 Loss vs HDBA)
HDBA defeated Team North 15-5 on Friday at Lions Park thanks in part to 10 runs in the second inning.
Team North opened the scoring in the second after Braedyn Farrow hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run.
Gregory Beckerson took the loss for Team North. The starter went three innings, surrendering 12 runs (nine earned) on six hits, striking out none and walking eight.
Jakson Carroll led Team North with two runs batted in. The right-handed hitter went 1-for-1 on the day. Adam Kustra led Team North with two hits in three at bats.
Game 3 (5-14 Loss) vs YSBA (eventual finalist)
Team North had trouble keeping up with YSBA in a 14-5 loss on Friday at Bechtel Park.
Team North got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Olivier Séguin singled to center field, Nathan Omeljaniuk doubled down the left field line, and Liam Stephens singled down the left field line, each scoring one run.
Séguin took the loss for Team North. The hurler went two and two-thirds innings, giving up seven runs on two hits, striking out five and walking seven.
Séguin and Stephens each collected two hits for Team North. Omeljaniuk, Séguin, Adam Kustra, and Stephens each drove in one run for Team North.
Game 4 (10-8 Win over NDBA)
Team North trailed by as many as six, but came back to defeat NDBA on Saturday at Breithaupt Centre, 10-8.
Team North made the score 10-8 in the bottom of the sixth after Merrik Sokoloski singled, scoring two runs, and Nathan Omeljaniuk doubled, scoring one run.
Omeljaniuk earned the win for Team North. The right-handed pitcher surrendered six hits and eight runs (two earned) over six innings, striking out four and walking four.
Olivier Séguin and Gregory Beckerson each collected two hits for Team North. Séguin and Beckerson each drove in two runs for Team North. Team North worked the count all day, amassing six walks.
Caruso was extremely proud of the teams’ efforts on the field and representation off it. Contrary to the other teams who largely have played together throughout the year, this all-star roster physically came together 48 hours before the tournament started to gel and prepare. He extends a magnitude of thanks to all of our generous sponsors and dedicated families. Your incredible contributions and support made this a memorable, life-long experience for these young athletes and the staff!
