Head Coach Riley Jepson (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

NORTHPAWS BASEBALL

NorthPaws wrap up fourth WCL season with lopsided victory; miss playoffs for third straight season

Aug 7, 2025 | 1:46 PM

KAMLOOPS — Season Number 4 of NorthPaws baseball in Kamloops concluded on Wednesday (Aug. 6) evening in a matchup versus the Port Angeles Lefties. The game meant nothing in the standings for either squad, with both teams on the outside of the playoff picture on the final day of the West Coast League (WCL) regular season.

Going out in style, the Kamloops NorthPaws wrapped up their 2025 season last night, walloped the Lefties 21-8. Kamloops’ own Manny Recchi put an exclamation mark on the contest, bat-flipping his eighth-inning grand slam.

“The first bit of the year, winning a lot — it was great. It was something that last two years couldn’t really say too much,” said Recchi. “I mean, there were spurts here and there about what it could be, but it was very good this year.”

The Kamloops contingent led the way Wednesday, totaling 10 RBI, including three from standout two-way player Matt MacDonald.

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“It was good. I mean, the bus trips were way more fun and being able to go out and actually win games this year was awesome,” said MacDonald. “With that comes fans coming out and supporting us at our home games, which was incredible to see, as well.”

The Paws finished the year just outside of the playoff picture, finishing fifth in the North Division at 25-29. It was a marked improvement of 10 more wins than 2024 and 13 more than 2023.

“It’s definitely a step forward from last year and the year before,” said Head Coach Riley Jepson. “We would have obviously liked to make playoffs but I’m proud of this group and how they competed. Every day, they showed up and gave it our all. I thought it was a good year for all of us, and I think a lot of those guys who stuck it out had a lot of improvements over the summer.”

With the playoff drought reaching three years, the NorthPaws are hoping some stability could be the tonic for building sustained success.

“I think it’s great. I think what we have going, building forward,” said Recchi. “I think next year will just keep getting better and better. I know (Riley) Jepson, coming back and I assume Trey (Newman) and Jack (Slominski), as well, so if that core stays and we have guys coming in, it will be another great year next year.”

“Just being able to be comfortable and have a relationship with a coach is incredible,” added MacDonald. “The effect that a coach has on a team is huge, so to have that be switched every year is very difficult for a team to come in and play for a new coach. I think it’s really important to have the same sort of consistency or the same management over multiple years.”

While his players hinted that he will be sticking around and he said he plans to be back, Jepson said those important conversations are still ahead.

“Yeah, I think that’s the big thing, just making connections with universities and coaches, that even if they change schools they will still send you kids,” said Jepson. “I think this year was good, get kids in here and have coaches from colleges trust you and be like, ‘Hey, I’m going to send you kids year after year.'”