HARTLAND, MI — The Hartland High School Rocket League team capped off its historic 2024–25 season with a national Top 8 finish in the 2025 PlayVS Cup, the premier high school esports tournament in the country. Out of more than 1,100 teams nationwide, the Eagles proved themselves as one of the elite programs in the U.S., building on a season that already included a state championship. After capturing the Michigan High School Esports League (MHSEL) State Championship in December, Hartland earned an automatic bid to the national tournament and received a first-round bye. The Eagles were led throughout the tournament by seniors James Petrucci and Christian Gatien, junior Dylan Reinwand, and eighth-grade reserve Tavin Flanagan, who played a critical role off the bench. Hartland opened tournament play on May 21 in the Round of 32, defeating Tewksbury Memorial High School (Massachusetts) by a score of 4-2. Petrucci, Gatien, and Reinwand combined for 15 goals, 11 assists, and 32 saves in the series. On May 23, the team returned to face Bentonville High School (Arkansas) in the Sweet Sixteen and delivered another strong performance, winning the series 4-2. Petrucci led the offense with 11 goals on 17 shots, while Reinwand and Gatien controlled the midfield and defensive zones, totaling 7 assists and 23 saves between them. In the Elite Eight on May 28, Hartland’s playoff run came to an end against Timpanogos High School (Utah), falling 4-1 in the series. Despite the result, the Eagles showed tremendous resilience. Petrucci, Reinwand, and Flanagan combined for 37 saves, pushing multiple games into overtime in what proved to be one of the most tightly contested matchups of the tournament. The season marked a high point for the Hartland program, both in terms of performance and national recognition. With Petrucci and Gatien graduating, Reinwand returning for his senior year, and Flanagan representing the next generation of Hartland talent, the future of the program remains bright. Hartland’s 2024–25 season will be remembered as one of resilience, growth, and championship-caliber play. With their national finish, the Eagles have firmly established themselves as one of the premier Rocket League programs in high school esports.