For the third time in four seasons, the Riverton softball team was the best in Class 6A. 

Riverton captured the state 6A crown this past season after winning titles in 2021 and 2022. Last season, the Silverwolves lost to eventual champion Bingham in the semifinals. The 2024 Riverton edition was dominant, and it got revenge on Bingham by defeating the Miners to win the 6A championship.

Heading into the finals on May 23, both Riverton and Bingham had gone through the tournament unscathed to reach the best of three championship series. 

The matchup lived up to its billing, and the Silverwolves had to overcome an early hole to prevail as the champions. 

In game one Bingham escaped with a 3-1 win. Riverton scored in the first inning but couldn’t generate any runs afterward. Sanchez had a good day on the mound in a losing effort, retiring five batters. But Bingham pitched and fielded well, holding Riverton to four hits on the day. 

With their backs against the wall, the Silverwolves regrouped.

In game two, May 24, the Silverwolves unleashed their familiar offensive potency, scoring 15 runs and getting 15 hits in a decisive 15-5 victory. Riverton had four runs in the fourth inning and six more in the fifth, at which point it had done enough damage to end the game via the mercy rule. Braylee Shields, Camryn O’Farrell, Lily Heitz and Jaydan Bushman hit doubles, with Heitz bringing in three runs. A quartet of Silverwolves—Shields, Peyton Sanchez, O’Farrell and Maggie Hamblin—ended up with two RBI each. 

Later in the day on May 24, the third game of the series would decide which team would earn the state crown. Riverton wasn’t going to be denied, as the Silverwolves cemented themselves as the premier softball program in 6A. 

Riverton took home a 12-3 victory to win the title, with all 12 runs coming in the final three innings. The Silverwolves had five runs in the fifth inning, four more in the sixth and three in the seventh. Shields made one of the day’s biggest plays with a home run. Brook Tacke hit a double and had three RBI, as did Shields. 

“When we officially clinched the state title by getting the last out of game three, that moment was honestly indescribable,” head coach Whitley Haimin said. “I was overwhelmed with so many emotions, it didn’t even feel like real life. It was a moment that you dream of and not many accomplish. I was mostly just so proud of our amazing team and grateful for the opportunity to share that moment with our players, coaches, families and supporters.”

In 32 games this season, the Silverwolves lost just five times and outscored opponents 11-4. Riverton captured the Region 2 title, too, finishing with an unblemished 10-0 mark, three games in front of second-place Herriman. 

The Silverwolves cruised to the championship round with some impressive wins in the state tournament. 

Riverton, seeded No. 1, breed past American Fork in two games in the best-of-three super regionals May 16 and 17. Game one went Riverton’s way in a 15-0 blowout that only needed to go three innings. The Silverwolves compiled 12 runs in the opening inning alone. The Silverwolves also had 15 hits to just one for American Fork. Heitz was the winning pitcher and showcased her talents from the plate too. She hit two home runs and drove in three more. Shields, Paige Mayfield, Hamblin and Bushman also hit home runs in a rapid offensive onslaught that showcased the Silverwolves’ power. Bushman and Shields also had three RBI, while O’Farrell hit a triple. 

Game two was much the same. 

Riverton scored nine runs in the opening inning and was up 13-3 after three innings. Four more runs came in the fourth inning in a 17-4 triumph. Heitz had five strikeouts and two RBI. No one had home runs this time around, though Hamblin hit two triples. Tessa Hogue had four RBI, while O’Farrell had three RBI and a double. Tacke hit two doubles. 

Riverton took down region foe Mountain Ridge in bracket play on May 21, prevailing 7-4. The winning pitcher in this contest was the sophomore Sanchez. She struck out six batters and had a good game from the plate, hitting a home run and driving in a run. Tacke, Heitz and Hamblin also hit home runs in the win. Heitz also hit a double and had three RBI. 

Two more wins followed in bracket play, as the Silverwolves marched to the finals. 

The Silverwolves continued their strong efforts with a 14-4 blowout over a good Davis team on May 21. The game only needed to go five innings before the Silverwolves scored enough for the mercy rule to apply. Riverton had 14 hits to Davis’ five, with three players hitting home runs. Tacke hit another one (along with a double), while Hogue and Bushman contributed homers too. Shields hit a double, and Baylee Martinez had two RBI. 

On May 22, Riverton had another five-inning rout bv defeating Pleasant Grove 16-5. Seven of the Silverwolves’ runs came in the first inning, with three more coming in the second. Bushman was the offensive star, as the freshman sensation hit two home runs. Tacke, Shields and Hamblin also hit homers, while Hogue recorded a triple. Shields also had a double, as did Sanchez, who was also the winning pitcher. 

This win set up Riverton’s title-clinching best-of-three series win over Bingham. To say the least, the Silverwolves were impressive in the state tournament. 

“We did phenomenal in so many aspects,” Haimin said. “The energy our team brought each day was unmatched. I feel like overall, we had great focus and we were also able to play loose and with freedom. All 21 girls contributed, and as coaches, we couldn’t be prouder. Offensively, we shined. We didn’t have just a few standouts; our entire offensive lineup one through nine contributed in big ways throughout the postseason. Our team is so stacked, we also had players come off the bench and succeed, which was awesome to see.”

In Riverton’s eight playoff games, its batting average was .490. It also averaged more than 12 runs a game and had 102 hits and 19 home runs.   

There’s no reason to believe Riverton won’t be a favorite to win it all in 2025 and once again claim state supremacy. 

First-year coach Whitley Haimin will be back for year two with a large complement of talent and experience at her disposal. Key players from this past season’s squad such as Heitz and Shields have graduated. However, productive players such as Sanchez, O’Farrell, Hamblin, Martinez, Tacke and Bushman, among others, will be back next season.  

“The bar has been set, and we’ll continue to shoot for the stars,” Haimin said. “Our main goals: region champs, state champs, enjoy the process.” 

Reflecting on the memorable season, Haimin is grateful for the support her team has gotten from parents, the school and the Riverton community. 

“These kids are a product of their environment and are being raised by great parents and adults at home,” she said. “Our school and admin have been so supportive all year long. Riverton softball has such a unique and special community. We appreciate everyone that has helped us along the way. Our Pack Runs Deep. Go Wolves!”  λ