SOFTBALL: Take a look at SOSA’s All-Area Team

Derrick Webb, Staff Writer

One state champion, six district champions and a plethora of sectional title winners made this past softball season well worth covering.

But those were just the highlights. To really understand how special the season was, you’d have to look back on every career-defining moment, every big-moment pitch, and every at-bat that ended with jubilation.

Southern Ohio Sports Authority was right there every step of the way, covering individual milestones, improbable feats and wins that changed history.

After a fun-filled spring, take a look at our All-Area Team, which consists of 35 area players who were at their best throughout the spring season.

Olivia Banks | Athens | Second Base | Senior

In some circles, especially those in Athens, Banks would be considered as a “once in a lifetime” player. The tools are there, the intelligence accents those and her love for the game is undying. Banks hit .506 as a senior and added 10 homers, 34 RBIs and 44 runs — all team-highs. She was a first-team all-league, first-team all-district and honorable mention All-Ohioan.

Sadie Binkley | Logan Elm | Pitcher | Freshman

Second-team All-Ohio as a freshman? That’s quite an accomplishment. But every bit of it was earned. The right-hander made her introduction to Logan Elm’s varsity program by posting a 10-7 record in the circle with a 2.27 ERA in 114 ⅓ innings. She struck out 160 hitters, walked just 38, and hit .460 alongside two bombs, 17 RBIs and 18 runs scored. She’s flat-out special.

Alexis Book | Unioto | Outfielder | Junior

The Ohio University-commit electrified the area this past season while making opposing pitchers constantly rethink bad decisions. Book hit .545 and added seven triples, eight home runs, 48 runs scored, 35 RBIs and 24 stolen bases. That helped the Shermans amass their best season in program history, going 24-4 and reaching their first-ever regional title game. 

Catie Boggs | Wheelersburg | Shortstop | Sophomore

It’s hard to believe, but when it’s all said and done, Boggs could be the best player to come out of Wheelersburg in quite some time. She was slotted in the center of the Pirates’ batting order and was the best she’s ever been — which is a significant statement. In the state tournament, she was 3-for-6 with a home run, a triple, three runs scored and five RBIs. She’s legit, legit.

Greenlee Bossert | Adena | Pitcher | Senior

She was a magician in the circle and used offspeed pitches to make hitters look foolish. Yet, somehow, she seemed to be one of the league’s more underrated players. She racked up 16 victories, owned a 2.56 ERA and struck out 66 hitters. Oh, and she hit .550 near the top of a talent-packed lineup. Talk about being tough to replace. She leaves big shoes to fill.

Maddie Childers | Wellston | Catcher | Freshman

If you’re looking for young, elite catchers, look no further. Childers is the cream of the crop. The freshman led her Rockets to 20 wins and earned all-district and all-state accolades. She sent eight balls over the fences, knocked in 38 runs and collected 51 base hits. Childers looked like a well-seasoned veteran at the plate and is only going to get better — a scary thought.

Makayla Cook | Westfall | Catcher | Senior

Fearless. That’s the best word that describes Cook. That’s how she played, that’s how she carried herself and that’s how she’ll enter the University of Findlay’s program. The Mustangs’ backstop hit .483 as a senior alongside seven home runs, 15 doubles and 37 RBIs. Those are the numbers we’ve been accustomed to seeing from Cook. Findlay is getting an absolute steal.

Cara Cooper | Circleville | Shortstop | Senior

Cooper’s trophy closet has to be jam-packed because there’s not much she didn’t accomplish as a senior. She hit .660 for the 20-win Tigers and added 14 doubles, 10 triples, four homers, 50 runs, 17 stolen bases and 55 RBIs to her resume. Those numbers helped her earn Mid-State League and Southeast District Player of the Year honors. She was also a first-team All-Ohioan. 

Olivia Dumm | Westfall | Pitcher | Senior

There aren’t many things Dumm can say she hasn’t accomplished while in Williamsport. Her name is well-known throughout local softball circles and she’s lived up to her reputation by whiffing hitters with ease in the circle. As a senior, she posted 14 victories and a 2.19 ERA, and added a league-leading 171 strikeouts to her stat sheet. The Mustangs will miss her dearly.

Macee Eaton | Wheelersburg | First Base | Senior

During the last three years in state tournament play, against the best of the best, Eaton has hit .400 alongside two doubles, a triple, two home runs, seven runs and four RBIs. That’s the reason she’s going to Virginia. She’s the best of the best. Point blank. Period. The first-team All-Ohioan and District Player of the Year leaves as the best, so far, to ever play at ‘Burg.

Maddie Entler | Notre Dame | Outfielder | Junior

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better leadoff hitter in the surrounding area than Entler. The junior batted .495 with an on-base percentage of .558 and an OPS of 1.239. She added nine doubles, four triples, a total of 45 hits and 42 runs scored. Those numbers helped the Titans win yet another SOC I title and reach a regional championship game. She’s the definition of elite.

Kyndall Ford | Notre Dame | Pitcher | Junior

For the past three seasons, Ford has absolutely emerged as the Titans’ offensive leader. She took another step forward as a junior, clubbing .491 alongside 52 hits, 14 doubles, five home runs, 24 runs and a whopping 52 RBIs. Put simply, there aren’t many hitters that can do what Ford has and continues to do. Expect more of the same as she enters her senior season.

Allie Grooms | Eastern Brown | Pitcher | Sophomore

Grooms had a sophomore year for the ages, getting the job done at the plate and in the circle. She hit .527, collected a team-leading 39 base hits and added 11 doubles, nine home runs and 45 RBIs — also team-highs. She reached base in 57.8 percent of her plate appearances and helped her Warriors turn the corner as a program. They’re going to be dangerous next spring.

Kayla Hammonds | Athens | Catcher | Junior

The junior season that Hammonds pieced together was the best she’s ever had … and that’s saying something, considering her history of success. She hit .457 in 94 at-bats while collecting 43 hits, 12 doubles, 26 runs scored and 30 RBIs. In 100 plate appearances, she struck out three times with an on-base percentage of .470. Those numbers helped Athens win 24 contests.

Kendra Hammonds | Athens | Outfielder | Junior

If you stand out on a team that finishes 24-2, you’re doing something right. Hammonds did just that. The junior batted .452 alongside 38 hits, 10 doubles, three triples, three round-trippers, 34 RBIs and 34 runs scored. She helped her Bulldogs win a TVC-Ohio title and reach a district final. She’ll be key to next year’s success and will be slated into the heart of the team’s order.

Andi Jo Howard | Wheelersburg | Pitcher | Junior

Three seasons. Three state tournament appearances. Two state championships. All as the Pirates’ ace. If that’s not impressive, the sky isn’t blue. Howard once again carried Wheelersburg to the state’s biggest stage and, once again, performed at an elite level. She’s known nothing but success throughout her career. Expect nothing less during her senior year.

Hannah Hull | Unioto | Pitcher | Junior

In two short years, Hull has gone from a starter to an ace. She’s gone from a pitcher that was helped out by her offense to a pitcher that has the ability to carry her team. As a junior, she racked up a league-leading 24 victories and amassed 133 strikeouts alongside a 2.62 ERA. She’s often underrated. But make no mistake, she gets the job done on a regular basis. 

Abbie Marshall | Unioto | Catcher | Junior

You could argue that down the stretch, Marshall was the Shermans’ best overall player. The junior catcher scored 34 runs, knocked in 35 others and clubbed 10 doubles and seven home runs. All the while, she controlled the game from behind the dish, emerging as Unioto’s emotional leader. She’s a model teammate and does anything she can to help her team win.

Khamil Martin | Ironton | Shortstop | Freshman

Martin put on a clinic at her shortstop post. She was as smooth as silk fielding the ball and equally as dangerous with a bat in her hands. Ironton’s scoring rallies often started with Martin, who could hit for both contact and power. And when she did reach base, she often swiped second. Speed kills and she has plenty of it. Keep your eyes on her the next three years.

Sydney McDermott | West | Pitcher | Senior

All four years of her high school career, McDermott has been nothing but dominant. The hurler led her Senators to a 26-4 mark and a Sweet 16 appearance with a 1.12 ERA in 181 innings of work. She threw all but 12 of her team’s frames and racked up a 25-5 mark, 335 strikeouts and 17 complete games. The Valparaiso commit also hit .383 with 36 base hits and 30 RBIs.

Megan Miller | Unioto | Shortstop | Junior

Yet another key cog in Unioto’s best season in school history, Miller was solid all year long. She scored 36 runs, knocked in 32 runs, clubbed 10 doubles and four home runs, and swiped 16 bases. At times, she carried the Shermans’ offense. That’s the type of ability she has. She was an all-league and all-district selection and will look to tack on more accolades as a senior.

Emily Moore | West | Shortstop | Junior

Near the top of nearly every one of the team’s offensive categories was Moore, who hit .457 alongside 44 runs, 37 RBIs, 19 doubles, three bombs and a team-leading 48 base knocks. Those numbers helped the Senators win a second consecutive district championship before finishing their season with 26 victories. She’ll be the unquestioned team leader next spring.

Haley Myers | Wheelersburg | Catcher | Junior

If you’re starting a team from scratch and take a player like Myers, or “Deuce” as her teammates call her, you’re making a choice that will pay off well into the future. The Pirates’ junior once again stood out on a roster that won its second consecutive state championship. By stature alone, Myers stands well under 6-foot. By hustle and heart? She sticks out like a sore thumb.

Megan Nickell | Eastern | Catcher | Junior

You could almost write in each result of Nickell’s at-bats — base hit. Her gaudy .627 batting average proves that point tenfold. She was as dangerous as they come, compiling 32 hits, 22 runs scored, four homers, five doubles and 14 RBIs. Add in 18 stolen bases and a .667 on-base percentage, and you’ve got yourself a bonafide five-tool player. She’s one of the best around.

Erin Richendollar | Southeastern | Pitcher | Senior

Not so long ago, Southeastern’s softball program wasn’t thought about as a legit contender. Then Richendollar showed up and helped flip that narrative. The Panthers’ hurler earned 11 wins, posted a 2.74 ERA and struck out 150 hitters. With her in the circle, SE always had a shot to win … even against the best competition. She leaves humongous shoes to fill.

Mollyann Runyon | Northwest | Shortstop | Sophomore

If you’re looking for an under-the-radar talent to watch for throughout the next two seasons, Runyon is the perfect candidate for you. She was a feared hitter in the middle of the Mohawks’ lineup, consistently hit with runners in scoring positions and made playing shortstop look easy. Northwest could be a dangerous team next season. Runyon is at the center of that storm.

Kaylee Salyer | Fairland | Pitcher | Junior

There’s a reason Fairland went 14-0 in the Ohio Valley Conference and Salyer is that reason. The junior led the team in hitting with a .435 average to go along with four doubles, five homers, 26 runs and 14 RBIs. She also shined in the circle, throwing 134 ⅔ innings while posting a 1.35 ERA and 194 strikeouts. Opponents hit .183 against her. She was lights out. Period.

Lexi Scott | Zane Trace | Outfielder | Senior

If you played Zane Trace, Scott was the first name circled on your game plan. There’s not a lot she can’t do, and she showed that again and again. The slugger hit seven home runs and drove in 30 runs while anchoring the Pioneers’ offense. To say ZT will miss her is an understatement. She brought a rare mix of power, speed and intelligence to the game that will be hard to replace.

Gwen Sparks | Notre Dame | Pitcher | Junior

Sparks could end her career a year early and still be inducted into Notre Dame’s Athletic Hall of Fame. The junior dazzled again this past spring, striking out 226 hitters and posting a .689 WHIP. At the dish, she was just as impressive, hitting .391 with nine homers and 34 RBIs. She aided the Titans to league, sectional and district titles, as well as a regional final appearance.

Mikayla Spaulding | Chillicothe | Second Base | Senior

Chillicothe’s top five hitters could all be considered elite. Spaulding separated herself from that group with her ability to constantly get on base. The infielder led her Cavs to 13 wins, kept them competitive and helped set the tone for the program’s future. Chillicothe has taken steps towards success in the past four years. Spaulding, and her fellow seniors, are a big reason why.

Ashlee Spence | South Webster | Junior

It’s been well-noted how much potential South Webster’s lineup brought each night. Spence’s bat may have been the most powerful in the bunch. She was no stranger to the long ball, consistently hit safely with ducks on the pond and had a huge hand in the Jeeps’ third consecutive district title. Spence helped SW finish 23-5 and make an Elite 8 appearance.

Cam Spruell | Hillsboro | Pitcher | Sophomore

She’s a human highlight reel. It’s really just that simple for Spruell. The second-team All-Ohioan and FAC Player of the Year helped her Indians win a league championship by hitting .631. She also amassed 53 hits, 11 doubles, two triples, 13 bombs, 44 runs and 55 RBIs. Then, in the circle, she tossed 121 ⅔ innings, going 18-3 with a 1.67 ERA and 235 strikeouts. Ridiculous.

Kiera Williams | Adena | Second Base | Junior

There are multiple reasons why Williams was named the SVC’s Player of the Year. The league’s batting champion at .624 — 74 points higher than any other — added 50 runs scored, four bombs, 11 doubles, five triples, 20 stolen bases and 45 RBIs to her resume. In other words, there wasn’t anything she didn’t do well. She’ll be looking to defend her title in 2024.

Rylie Young | Manchester | Pitcher | Sophomore

There’s good and then there’s Young, who was absolutely elite all year long. The sophomore hit .500 — 41-for-82 — with four homers, 15 doubles, 36 RBIs and 45 runs scored. In the circle, she fired 89 ⅓ innings, going 8-0, striking out 133 hitters and posting a 2.35 ERA. Opponents hit .183 against her. She has two more years to strike fear into the hearts of her opposition.

Skylar Zimmerman | South Webster | Shortstop | Junior

Directly at the center of the Jeeps’ first regional final appearance since 1997 was Zimmerman. The shortstop consistently hit well in the meat of the team’s lineup and was almost a guarantee to light up the scoreboard with runners in scoring position. She was a first-team all-district honoree and a first-team All-Ohioan. She’ll now try and repeat those feats as a senior.

Honorable Mention Selections

Savannah Bushatz, Huntington; Emma Garrison, Adena; Sophia Stauffer, Paint Valley; Delana Landefeld, Westfall; Ava Heath, Westfall; Gracey McCullough, Zane Trace; Abbey Guffey, Zane Trace; Morgan Daniels, Unioto; Ava Dettwiller, Unioto; Grace Wireman, Southeastern; Serenity Taylor, Jackson; Maddie Wright, Jackson; Julie Lemaster, Chillicothe; Kinsey Gilliland, Hillsboro; Sydney Skiver, Wheelersburg; Ava Estep, Wheelersburg; Emma Sayre, West; Addi Claxon, South Webster; Brooke Hawes, Northwest; Emilie Johnson, Valley; Faith Thornsberry, Waverly; Desiree Simpson, Symmes Valley; Gabby McConnell, Circleville; Chandler Hayes, Circleville; Kameyl Carter, Manchester; Jobey Hattan, Fairfield; Grace Prewitt, Eastern Brown; Bella Sorbilli, Ironton; Emily Cheatham, Portsmouth; Ava Angel, Gallia Academy; Katie Dehart, Fairland; Abbie Deeds, Coal Grove; Hannah Potts, Wellston; Ashleigh James, Athens; Bailee Toadvine, Athens

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