High School Softball Previews 2018
MADISON- With spring rain showers and flowers also comes the sprouts of a new season of high school softball. The 2018 season is underway with a galaxy of stars waiting to blossom and shine on a goal of winning an Alabama High School Athletic Association state championship. The 2018 AHSAA season ends May 19.
SPARKMAN- The perennial high caliber Lady Senators of Sparkman were runner-up in last season’s campaign losing to county rival Buckhorn in the Class 7A state finals. Sparkman head coach Dale Palmer, who has led his teams to six state titles, entered his 22nd season with six seniors and 10 returning players off last season’s squad which went 54-11. He’s also looking at underclassmen to make their big steps up to the varsity level of action.
“I feel very confident with our young players because last year they had a lot of opportunities to play,” said Palmer. “Our senior leadership with their character and integrity is as good of a class as I’ve ever had here at Sparkman.”
The Senators will be led by Western Kentucky signee All-State outfielder/pitcher Taylor Davis who hit .500 a season ago. She, too, understands the senior leadership mixed with the up and coming players will have to gel to make the Senators thrive in 2018. “When I was a sophomore and we won the state championship I saw those seniors were very helpful and this year’s seniors want to be like those of two years ago,” said Taylor.
One of the big powers the Senators will have is junior pitcher Lily Calvert who was an All-State selection as a sophomore a year ago. Palmer is also looking to much anticipated great play from Cassidy Duskin (So.), Lauryn Gross (So.), Faith Crocker (Jr.) and T.J. Webster (Jr.), a three-year starter at shortstop.
“These girls are coachable and want to be successful and you couple that with a discipline environment structured to do everything the right way, you have a team that care for one another and their community,” said Palmer. “They are not playing just for themselves. They’re playing for something that is much bigger. I have high expectations. I don’t expect our success to change this season.”
BOB JONES- Improving is the main goal of the 2018 edition of the Bob Jones Patriots. The squad was 15-29 a season ago and have three seniors and four juniors who were starters returning for a shot at that improvement. One position that is being considered to be stable is pitcher. Returning is Emma Jared to be the solid member of the pitching staff. “I think Emma is a solid pitcher for us and will help us get to that top level of play,” said Erin Chambliss, (Jr., 3B-2B-C). “Our success may come from the fact most of us have played together through recreation play and travel ball as we’re bonded.”
“We brought up several players to varsity at the end of last season and we’ll rely on those young players not to be freshmen on the field,” said second year head coach Whitney Deaver. “I feel comfortable with our team as last year was a little bit of a learning experience. We lost four seniors, but we have a good core coming back who played last year. This will be a fun year.”
“Our goal is to take one game at a time,” said Chloe Johnson (Sr., 1B-2B-OF). “We definitely have to be mentally prepared by leaning on each other. We need to rely on our teammates and believe in our team concept.”
JAMES CLEMENS- This could be a banner season for the Lady Jets as James Clemens has 10 returners with varsity experience including four seniors from a squad that posted a 40-20 record a season ago. Two of those returning have already signed college scholarships in preparation of completing their senior year. Eve Mallard (C) signed with UAH while Jordan McMeans (OF) signed with Wallace State.
“We have everything on this team,” said McMeans. “Everyone can hit, quick on the base paths, good pitching and our defense is pretty good. We’re all competing for a spot on this squad. We’re ready for the competition.”
Travis Barnes entered his second season at James Clemens with what he considered a great group of student-athletes, especially the seniors who he thinks will hold the remainder of the team accountable. He added, “The key is the team to work together as one unit. Our players are working for the players next to them and not for themselves. This day and time, that’s a hard battle to fight. We’ll be aggressive, especially on the base paths.”
Mallard described the 2018 Jets as, “Good character as we’re all friends and that’s a big part of winning as we all want to see all of the team do good. It’s team unity.”
MADISON ACADEMY- The 2018 season is centered on what is returning for the Lady Mustangs. Twelve players are on the roster with just two seniors, Olivia Snell (P/1B) and Keleigh Tovey (P). Snell missed most of last season due to suffering mononucleosis and is more than hungry to return and help the squad be successful.
“I hope to help Keleigh on the mound as she was responsible for most every inning for us last year,” said Snell. “I feel stronger than ever. If we just play together and max out our own potential and be the best we can be we should be fine. I’m ready.”
The Mustangs were 24-15 last year and with head coach Dean Clark in his 19th season as a coach and fourth as head coach, Madison Academy should contend with the Class 4A area won by Westminster last year. Clark feels this team has talent, though young. Last season, he started two seventh and eighth grade players, so even those players have experience at the varsity level. He added, “We’ll need some new girls to step up and contribute. We are going to be stronger both defensively and offensively after everyone got their experience last year.”
Madison Academy will be led by junior outfielder Clare West, an All-State player who batted over .620 last season and added over 50 stolen bases. She’s been recruited by a throng of colleges, but others on the team know it will take a complete team effort to makes things successful. “Having Olivia back this year is great to know as this team will bond together,” said Tovey. “For us to win, it will take motivation and integrity.”
