Kanawha Valley August 2025 by Youth Nation Inc.

PLAY HARD. DREAM BIG. ALWAYS REMEMBER.

Cyncere Montgomery

MJ Morley

Jaxon Harrah

Julian Pearson

celebrate.

PLAY HARD. DREAM BIG. ALWAYS REMEMBER.

PLAYER PROFILE Nomination

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Disclaimer: Please note that all photos featured in this magazine have been submitted voluntarily by parents or volunteer photographers, and the league has included a waiver and disclaimer in the registration completed by the parent or guardian prior to the season starting. Additionally, the intended audience for this publication is exclusively the parents and league participants. The content featured in our publication, which includes images of youth athletes, local businesses, league updates, and other information, is intended solely for informational purposes. We strive to accurately represent the activities, achievements, and stories of individuals and organizations within our community. Please note that while we make every effort to obtain consent and permission for the use of images and information, there may be instances where individuals or businesses are inadvertently included without explicit consent. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and encourage anyone who wishes to have their image or information removed to contact us promptly. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in our publication are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of our organization. We do not endorse any specific products, services, or businesses featured in our publication unless explicitly stated. By accessing and using our website and publication, you agree to release us from any liability for unintentional use of images or information and acknowledge that the content provided is for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to update, modify, or remove content at any time without prior notice.Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to strive for transparency, accuracy, and integrity in our publication. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the content featured, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Dunbar Highlights

THE PLACE TO FIND...

HIGHLIGHT REELS

Photo Submission

Use the QR Code on your section to submit your ALL of your favorite photos each month! If you do not see them in the next issue, don’t worry, we continue to pull from the uploads each month!

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FAITH IN SPORTS CARRYING THE CROSS

By Nate Thompson

Taking up your cross daily is about committing to something even when it’s tough. Every practice, every drill, every game brings moments of challenge—running sprints when you’re tired, pushing through a tough loss, or staying positive after a mistake. Carrying your “cross” in sports means accepting those challenges with determination and using them to grow.

Following Him reminds us that faith shapes how we play. Sportsmanship, respect for opponents, and gratitude for coaches and teammates show others that we are playing not just for ourselves, but to honor God. When athletes live out their faith in competition, they become leaders who inspire others far beyond the scoreboard.

So the next time you step onto the field or court, remember Luke 9:23. Deny yourself by putting your team first, carry your cross by staying dedicated through challenges, and follow Christ by showing His love in how you play. Winning is great—but living out your faith through sports is a victory that lasts forever.

PLAYER PROFILE

SOUTH CHARLESTON REDS – T-BALL | # 10

# 10

Meet Cyncere Montgomery, a bright and energetic young athlete from South Charleston, West Virginia, who plays for the South Charleston Reds. Wearing #10, Cyncere is full of spirit and excitement every time he steps on the field—bringing joy and determination to his team.

Now in his second year of t-ball, Cyncere got started thanks to the inspiration of his mom, and he’s loved the game ever since. One of his favorite memories this season? Blasting the tee all the way to the outfield! That powerful swing shows his growing strength and fearless attitude at the plate.

When he’s not playing ball, Cyncere is a bundle of personality. He’s a huge fan of Sonic, music, dancing, wrestling, iShowSpeed, and mukbangs—always keeping life fun and exciting both on and off the field. Cyncere’s favorite MLB players are Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani, and he cheers for the LA Dodgers with pride. But his biggest role model is right at home: “My mommy, because she’s a super mommy.”

For Cyncere, the best part of being on a team is “my friends and running super fast.” Whether he's racing around the bases or making memories with teammates, he plays the game with heart.

With the support and love of his family—“The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work hard for them”—Cyncere Montgomery is off to an amazing start in the world of sports, with big dreams and an even bigger smile.

PLAYER PROFILE

NITRO CHALLENGERS – BASEBALL | # 7 | OUTFIELDER

# 7

From Saint Albans, West Virginia, MJ Morley is a spirited outfielder for the Nitro Challengers, bringing heart, hustle, and a love for fun to every game. Wearing #7, MJ has been playing baseball for three years, inspired by his biggest supporters—his mom and dad—who got him started in the sport and continue to cheer him on.

This season, MJ’s favorite part hasn’t been a single play—it’s been making new friends, which he says is the best part of being on a team. His love for friendship and teamwork shines just as brightly as his performance on the field.

MJ looks up to his dad as his favorite player and names both his mom and dad as his biggest role models in life. Their encouragement and example continue to guide him, both in sports and beyond.

When he’s not patrolling the outfield, MJ stays active with a wide variety of interests. He loves watching TV, playing basketball and football, being outside, and spending time at the pool—always keeping busy and having fun.

A proud Tar Heels fan, MJ plays with enthusiasm and joy that lifts up everyone around him. With the loving message from home—“We love you so much MJ! We are so very, very proud of you!”—MJ Morley is already proving that being a great teammate and person is just as important as being a great athlete. Keep your eyes on #7—he’s just getting started!

HIGHLIGHT REEL

Photo Submission

South Charleston

# 42 PLAYER PROFILE

SOUTH CHARLESTON DODGERS – BASEBALL | # 42 | OUTFIELDER

From Dunbar, West Virginia, Julian Pearson brings speed, energy, and heart to the game as an outfielder for the South Charleston Dodgers. Wearing #42, Julian is known for his love of the field and his eagerness to try new things with his teammates by his side.

Julian’s sports journey began at the age of 4 with football, but it was the camaraderie and fun of being on a team that truly inspired him. Now, as a baseball player, he’s found joy in covering the outfield and making big plays with his teammates.

His favorite moment this season? Playing in the outfield, where he thrives on reading the ball and staying locked in with every pitch. Julian’s favorite team is the fun-loving Savannah Bananas, and he looks up to a player named Carson—someone who clearly left a strong impression on him.

Outside of baseball, Julian enjoys skateboarding, always staying active and adventurous. For him, the best part of being on a team is “being out on the field and experiencing new things,” a mindset that shows his love for learning and growing through sport.

When it comes to life role models, Julian doesn’t hesitate—his mom is at the top of the list. “She is so caring,” he says, a reflection of the strong bond and support that drives him forward.

With encouragement from home —“Always strive for greatness, and remember practice makes perfect. Never give up!”—Julian Pearson is a young athlete with big dreams and the drive to make them happen.

# 7 PLAYER PROFILE

NITRO LITTLE LEAGUE – PULLMAN’S HEATING & COOLING | #7 | CATCHER

From Nitro, West Virginia, Jaxon Harrah is stepping into the spotlight as a passionate young player for the Nitro Little League Pullman’s Heating & Cooling team. Wearing #7 and playing the catcher position for the very first time this season, Jaxon has found a new love for the game and a fresh spark behind the plate.

One of his favorite moments this year? Trying catcher for the first time—and loving every minute of it. It was a position that challenged him, energized him, and helped him grow into a stronger and more confident athlete.

Jaxon has been playing baseball for three years, inspired by his mom, who once played softball herself. Her influence sparked a passion in Jaxon, and he now takes the field with the same enthusiasm she once did.

When he’s not playing ball, Jaxon enjoys video games, riding bikes, and practicing karate, staying active both physically and creatively. He’s a big fan of the Cincinnati Reds, and when it comes to personal heroes, Jaxon looks up to the Green Ranger from Power Rangers. “He has many challenges thrown at him and conquers them all,” Jaxon says. “And he becomes a good guy.”

For Jaxon, the best parts of being on a team include making new friends, exerting energy, and—of course—the ice cream afterward. That perfect mix of hard work and fun is exactly what makes him such a great teammate and competitor.

With loving words from home—“You give 100% of yourself every single time. You’re a wonderful kid and will do great things in life”—Jaxon Harrah is a young athlete with big dreams, strong values, and a heart full of determination.