ESCANABA — Twelve-year-old Isaiah Miller of Manistique took another step up the ladder, the one he needed to earn top honors in the age 8-12 division of the 36th Annual Great Lakes Youth Pool tournament here Saturday.

This was the fifth appearance in this tournament for Miller, who placed third in 2024 and second a year ago and gained his first title in a hard-fought, three-set victory over 10-year-old Camden McGuire of Stephenson.

“It took a lot of practice and four months of preparation to get here,” Miller said. “He put up a pretty good fight. I knew I had to play really good, and knew I had a chance. It feels really good to do that.”

Maleah Kressin, a sixth-grader at Escanaba Middle School, became the top female finisher in 8-12 in her first tournament appearance.

“My dad was in my corner,” she said. “Most of the time he was very helpful. I’ve been playing for 6-8 months and got my first cue stick for Christmas. I learned a lot here today and I’ll be coming back. It’s fun to go home with a big trophy. I’m thankful Don (Shope) put on this tournament and the weather cooperated.”

Kaden Hillman, age 17, of New London, Wis. was crowned champion for the six straight year, taking top honors in the 17-20 class with a victory over Crivitz, Wis. High School senior Kylah Betka.

“Having a positive attitude and having fun were key,” Hillman said. “I was helping her out. I like to help other people out. It feels really good. I try to achieve my goals and help people out as much as I can. It’s fun to come up here. Don does a great job. Hopefully, we’ll get more kids here next year. There were only three of us in 17-20. She played real good all day.”

Betka said she appreciated the help she got from Hillman.

“The first-place guy helped me a lot,” she added. “He coached me through the entire match. This is the fourth time I played in this tournament. I’m very happy with where I finished. I love it here. Everybody’s super kind. They encourage people to come out. I appreciate the effort of all the people at Crazy Joe’s (Pool Hall).”

Her mother, Angie Betka, had similar thoughts.

“This is such a nice venue,” she said. “Everybody’s super friendly. A lot of kids go home with prizes. They really try to make it fun for the whole family. She (Kylah) will go home with a new pool cue.”

Nine-year-old Dalton Nelson of New Lisbon, Wis. opted up and gained top honors in 13-16 in a triumph over 16-year-old Kallen Betka of Pembine, Wis.

“I thought it might be a little harder competition, but felt I could compete,” Nelson said. “It feels good to win it.”

The tourney, directed by Shope and Wayne Juhl, drew 35 players.

“I’m very pleased with the turnout,” Shope said. “About 14 kids showed up (Friday from 4-7 p.m.) for free pool and all the pizza and pop they wanted, then we gave them tips and pointers. These kids are amazing shooters.”

Age 8-12 — 1, Isaiah Miller, Manistique (12); 2, Camden McGuire, Stephenson (10); 3, Karson Betka, Pembine, Wis. (12).

Top female finisher: Maleah Kressin, Rock.

Age 13-16 — 1, Dalton Nelson, New Lisbon, Wis. (9); 2, Kellen Betka, Pembine, Wis. (16); 3, Eli Englund, Escanaba (16).

Top female finisher: Nova Egle, Kewaskum, Wis. (15).

Age 17-20 — 1, Kaden Hillman, New London, Wis. (17); 2. Kylah Betka, Pembine, Wis. (18); 3, Keagan Braun, Escanaba (18).

Top female finisher: Kylah Betka.