Jets sign to play softball

Coaches Aaron James (top left) and A.J. Daugherty helped Jets players Aubrion James, Emily Jackson and Caroline Payne celebrate signing softball scholarships. RECORD PHOTOS/MIKE EASTERLING

By MIKE EASTERLING / For the Record

MADISON – Three James Clemens High School softball players signed college scholarships Monday (Feb.1)

with two planning to continue their careers in the Tennessee Valley and one making history at a Louisiana school.

Emily Jacklin is headed to Calhoun Community College in Decatur and Caroline Payne to Snead State Community College in Boaz. Meanwhile, Aubrion James is the first Jets player to join a four-year program when she signed with Southern University in Baton Rouge, La.

The trio, coached by A.J. Daugherty, signed during a ceremony at the school.

Jacklin is the daughter of Andy and Anna Jacklin. A pitcher, Emily Jacklin has won 54 games at James Clemens entering her senior season. She has a career earned run average of 1.89 with 411 strikeouts. She also has a career on-base percentage of .301.

Payne, a shortstop, is the daughter of Richard and Luanne Payne. Caroline Payne owns a career batting average of .349 with an on-base percentage of .437. She’s totaled 74 RBIs and 50 stolen bases.

James, a pitcher/outfielder, is the daughter of Anthony and Erica James. Aubrion James transferred to James Clemens for her junior season when she earned nine wins with an ERA of 1.38 and 72 strikeouts. She had an on-base percentage of .308 with 18 RBIs.

The Jets open the season Jan. 19-20 in the Trojan Classic at the Kiwanis SportsPlex in Huntsville.

James Clemens opens its home slate March 7 against city rival Bob Jones.