MA leads local teams in All-State Softball selection

MADISON – Both Bob Jones and Sparkman were represented in the 2026 Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State Softball Teams, but it’s Madison Academy that grabbed the spotlight with three players from the Lady Mustangs’ squad which finished third in the Class 3A state playoffs.

The Class 7A selections included Raychel Harmon, a junior, from Sparkman as a First-Team utility player and Bob Jones junior Carson Horton who was chosen Honorable Mention as a utility player. In Class 3A, senior Cataryna Schreiber was tabbed a First-Team selection as a pitcher while freshman outfielder Evie Stephenson was also chosen as a First-Team member. Memphis Houston, a junior, was named utility player from the list of Honorable Mention.

The Mustangs finished 27-14 in 2026 falling to Colbert County in the chance to advance to the Class 3A State Championship. The three All-State selections played a huge part in the success of the squad led by head coach Alyssa Walker in her first season as top Mustang.

Schreiber, a UAB signee, earned her fourth consecutive All-State honor as a power source for Madison Academy at the plate and on the mound. She batted .439 with 58 hits, 22 doubles, seven triples and eight homeruns with 57 RBIs. On the mound, the 5-foot-10, right-handed pitcher was magnificent as she was 25-9 on the season with 199 innings pitched. She faced 787 batters with a total of 2,860 pitches where she had 333 strikeouts and posted a 1.58 ERA.

For the 5-foot-3 Stephenson, who bats and throws left-handed, batted .554 with a .577 on-base percentage. She had 82 hits with 71 of those singles. She batted in 30 runs, scored 74 runs with 48 stolen bases. She struck out just seven times all season.

For Houston, the 5-foot-6 athlete concentrates on the position of catcher, but also plays infield when needed, finished the 2026 campaign with a .441 batting average which included 55 hits, 11 doubles, four triples and two homers. She had 49 runs batted in scored 45 runs and attracted 21 walks.

“I’m extremely proud of these girls for earning the All-State honor,” said Walker. “They have worked so hard this season and stepped up as leaders for our team. They have represented Madison Academy well and deserve their honors.”

For Horton of Bob Jones, she pitched and played other position, thus her selection as a utility player. She batted .369 with 141 at bats, 52 hits, including eight homers, and had 37 RBIs.

The Lady Senators of Sparkman made their way to the North Regionals before falling in their first two outings, but were led by the outstanding play of Harmon who had a stellar junior season. The elite student-athlete batted .602, with 74 hits in 43 games. She had 17 doubles, six triples and three homeruns and scored 50 runs. Harmon posted 15 stolen bases and was victim to a strikeout a mere five times in 123 at-bats.

Sparkman head coach Macie Morris said of her star junior player, “Her success as a student and athlete starts with her natural abilities and is enhanced by her discipline and work ethic. She has been one of my favorite athletes to coach in my 14 years because of the way she approaches her work and the standard she sets for everyone around her. Ending the season with .602 batting average against the type of competition we faced is something she should be proud of as we’re proud to call her a Lady Senator.”