State champion!

Photo by Shannon Payne Photography West Branch junior Grace Hamann reacts after winning the Class 2A girls’ 800-meter run Saturday afternoon in Des Moines.

After shrugging off a slow start, West Branch’s baseball team’s bats came alive to power the Bears to a 17-2 Saturday afternoon road win over Davenport Central.

Malloy gets 100th K to beat Camanche
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · June 10, 2026
A banner day for Lander Malloy and some offensive firepower lifted the West Branch softball team to a 14-5 Friday night home win to kick off a doubleheader against Camanche.

No. 13 Solon ends Bears’ playoff run, 6-2
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · June 10, 2026
West Branch’s girls’ soccer team had its first winning season come to a close with a 6-2 Class 1A regional semifinal setback to 1A No. 13 Solon June 2 on the road.

Baseball already exceeding 2025 season
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · June 10, 2026
With an influx of talented newcomers and several key returning pieces, the West Branch baseball team is primed for a breakout season.

Bears expect more from pitching squad
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · June 10, 2026
A young but experienced West Branch softball team looks to take the next step after a 10-16 campaign a season ago.

3rd at state! McGavin Smith cuts 9 strokes for state medal
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · June 03, 2026
Another rock-steady effort from West Branch’s McGavin Smith resulted in the junior claiming third place individually with a 71-73 144 in the Class 2A boys’ state golf tournament held May 26-27 at South Hills Golf Course in Waterloo.

Bears earn semifinal win over Marquette
by Gregory Norfleet · Sports · June 03, 2026
After an hour-long seesaw battle with Marquette Catholic on May 27, West Branch found momentum in the final 20 minutes to score a go-ahead goal in the regional semifinals.

Girls beat Rebels in quarterfinals, 2-1
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · June 03, 2026
West Branch’s girls’ soccer team survived a scare against Northeast and advanced with a 2-1 Class 1A regional quarterfinal victory over the Rebels.

Wall of Fame taps Jones for 2026 class
by Gregory Norfleet · Sports · June 03, 2026
A late takedown to defeat Emmetsburg’s No. 1-ranked, 195-pound wrestler in 2013 for his second state title.

No. 1 Regina defeats Bears in title round
by Gregory Norfleet · Sports · June 03, 2026
Regina earned a No. 1 ranking for a reason.

Golden Hawks hold West Branch scoreless
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · June 03, 2026
A strong pitching performance from Lander Malloy and a plethora of baserunners could not result in a run as West Branch’s softball team fell 5-0 to Mid-Prairie Monday night on the road.

Late rally falls short against Mid-Prairie
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · June 03, 2026
Despite a fine pitching performance from starter Garrett Sotzen and a sixth-run rally, the West Branch baseball team dropped a tight 4-3 game at Mid-Prairie to open up a Monday night doubleheader.