Lexi Wellman, 9, prepares for a shot during the 35th annual Great Lakes Youth Pool tournament on March 15, 2025 at Crazy Joe’s Pool Hall in Escanaba. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

ESCANABA — It was a fun afternoon for youngsters of all ages in the 35th Annual Great Lakes Youth Pool tournament here Saturday.

The event drew 38 players, including beginners to a few who played on the national and international level.

Among those who played on the national and world stage is 16-year-old Kaden Hillman of New London, Wis.

Hillman played on the national and international stage within the past year, capturing the 13-16 title Saturday at Crazy Joe’s Pool Hall.

In July, he competed in the National Championships in Quincy, Ill. where he placed second in 8-ball and third in 16 & under and 18 & under pinball.

Hillman then traveled to New Zealand where he played for Team USA and finished 13th among 24 players in September.

“That was an eye-opener (in New Zealand),” he said. “It’s pretty tough over there. It was a big learning experience which I think helped me a lot. I got to see the world and play the game I love. It was pretty special.”

At least three players (age 12-14) opted to play in the 17-20 class.

“Those kids having the courage to go up is pretty cool,” Hillman said. “Hopefully, it will be little more of a challenge next year. This is always a fun tournament and Don (Shope) does a good job running it.”

Fourteen-year-old Thomas Okscata of Stevens Point, Wis. earned the 17-20 title, followed by fourteen-year-old Damon Kahler of Hermansville and 12-year-old Cedar Gauthier of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

“It was a well-fought battle,” Okscata said. “Damon is really good at pool and Cedar played well, too. Both matches were tough.”

Gauthier placed fourth in the Junior World tournament in late November into early December and plans to play in the Canadian National tourney in the second week of May.

“It was beautiful in India, but I lost my luggage on the way over and had to play without my own cue, which was bit of an adjustment,” she said. “I’m coached by Erik Hjouleifson of Toronto, who’s ranked No. 7 in Canada. Big Red (his nickname) helped me learn my fundamentals and strategy and gives me pointers on how to prepare for competition.

“I played my first tournament over here two years ago. Competition is pretty good and I like the community support. My great uncle also lives here and has some connections. I usually come to Escanaba about every two months and play some pool.”

Ten-year-old Ronald Schertz of Clintonville, Wis. gained top honors in age 8-12, defeating 11-year old Isaiah Miller of Manistique for the title.

Seven-year-old Freyja Trottier of Escanaba, who was the top female finisher in that division, also won a $300 Wal-Mart gift card.

“I had fun,” she said. “This was my first golf competition of any kind and got better with each match. I also made a new friend. I definitely want to come back here. My mom said I could buy some dinosaurs with my gift card. Those are my favorite (toys).”

Seven-year-old Archer Joseph of Hermansville was awarded a participant’s trophy.

“It feels good to go home with a trophy,” he said. “I didn’t win any matches, but still had a good time. This is the third time I played in this tournament and would like to come back. I just like to play pool.”

Four-year-old Tyson Mosser of Clintonville won his first two matches.

“I had fun,” he said. “I like hitting the ball.”

His father, Tyler, said he bought Tyson a new cue a week earlier.

“Tyson has been playing for about six months and has been hitting the ball,” he added.

Age 8-12 — 1, Ronald Schertz, Clintonville, Wis.; 2, Isaiah Miller, Manistique; 3, Dalton Nelson, Elroy, Wis.

Top female finisher: Freyja Trottier, Escanaba.

Age 13-16 — 1, Kaden Hillman, New London, Wis.; 2, James Joseph, Hermansville; 3, Eli Englund, Escanaba.

Top female finisher: Nora Egle, Kewaskum, Wis.

Age 17-20 — 1, Thomas Okscnta, Stevens Point, Wis.; 2, Damon Kahler, Hermansville; 3, Cedar Gauthier, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont (also top female finisher).