Stephenson resident Connor Lesperance, 20, watches his shot go in the pocket during the 34th annual Great Lakes Youth Pool Tournament on March 16, 2024 at Crazy Joe’s Pool Hall in Escanaba. ("The Big Dog" Mitch Vosburg/Daily Press)

ESCANABA — Wisconsin pool players made quite a haul here Saturday, taking 2-of-3 places in each age division during the 34th Annual Great Lakes Youth Pool Tournament.

Kadin and Brody Hillman, brothers from New London, captured top honors in the age 13-16 and 17-20 divisions, respectively, each going undefeated through the entire tourney at Crazy Joe’s Pool Hall.

15 year-old Kadin won for the fourth consecutive time, defeating 14-year-old Eli Englund of Escanaba for the title.

“It doesn’t get much better than that,” he said. “I just took it one match at a time and didn’t let little mistakes get in my head. It’s always nice to win. I practice a couple hours everyday. Fatigue wasn’t a factor. The breaks between matches can be tough. Although I don’t think about it too much. This is a fun event. I enjoy making the trip up here. It’s fun to do.”

Brody Hillman topped 20-year-old Connor Lesperance of Stephenson for his first title.

“I just took my time and played my best,” Brody said. “I’d say my breaks helped a lot. This is something I’ve been trying to do for a couple years. Going undefeated was unexpected, but it was kind of a cool thing to do. This is a great tournament, one which is fun to play at.”

Nine-year-old Ronald Schertz of Bear Creek, Wis. defeated seven-year-old Dalton Nelson of Elroy, Wis. for top honors in the 9-12 division.

“I was a little nervous before the tournament, but that went away after a while,” Schertz said. “It feels good to win. He did very well.”

Nelson came into Saturday’s event as defending champion.

“I was sad about losing, but he played real good,” Nelson said. “I still have a lot to be happy about. I want to come back next year.”

Cedar Gauthier (age 11) of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. was the top girls’ finisher and placed third in that division.

13-year-old Riley Bennett of Escanaba was top female finisher in 13-16 and Stephenson High School senior Jada Kuntze earned similar honors in 17-20.

“I’m pretty excited,” Bennett said. “My breaking went pretty well and I’m happy with the way I hit my shots. This was my first time playing in this tournament. I was nervous, but after shooting for a little while the butterflies went away and became more relaxed. I hope to come back next year.”

Bennett and eight-year-old Lexi Wellman of Escanaba were winners for $300 gift cards from Wal-Mart.

The tournament, which is free to enter, drew 28 players.

“The turnout was down a little from last year, but we’re not disappointed,” tournament director Don Shope said. “We had one from Sault, Ont. and several from Wisconsin and the U.P. The kids are having a great time. There were a lot of other activities going on today. You’re always going to conflict with something. The kids are getting to be much better players. We had a few hiccups, but overall we’re very happy with how everything went. It’s a thrill watching the kids make new friends and this is a golden opportunity for them to do that.

“The only way this tournament is possible is through donations from area businesses and our helpers. It doesn’t cost the kids anything to play and we give them hot dogs and chips.”

Age 8-12 — 1, Ronald Schertz, Bear Creek, Wis.; 2, Dalton Nelson, Elroy, Wis.; 3, Cedar Gauthier, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. (also top female finisher).

Age 13-16 — 1, Kadin Hillman, New London, Wis; 2, Eli Englund, Escanaba; 3, Kallen Betka, Crivitz, Wis.

Top female finisher — Riley Bennett, Escanaba.

Age 17-20 — Brody Hillman, New London, Wis.; 2, Connor Lesperance, Stephenson; 3, Landyn Downs, Marinette.

Top female finisher — Jada Kuntze, Stephenson.