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

Derrick Webb, Staff Writer

Two regional champions, seven 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.

Sadie Binkley | Logan Elm | Pitcher | Sophomore

There’s no question about it … Binkley was the engine that kept the state-tournament bound Braves running. The sophomore routinely kept Logan Elm in ballgames on the brightest stages, spinning the ball well in the circle and keeping opponents off-balance. Her dominance as a pitcher, and her timely hitting, allowed the Braves to win 21 games and win a regional crown.

Catie Boggs | Wheelersburg | Shortstop | Junior

Bases empty or with runners on, Boggs is an absolute nightmare to pitch against. The junior shortstop hit .449 this past spring with nine homers, 26 RBIs, eight doubles, a pair of triples, 45 runs scored and a .560 on-base percentage. Those numbers helped her Pirates win 21 games and make a fourth straight Elite 8 appearance. She’s got one year left to terrorize opponents.

Alexis Book | Unioto | Outfielder | Senior

Book ends her career with three school and SVC records in hand — 30 home runs, 196 hits and 174 runs scored. As a senior, she hit .469 alongside nine homers, 24 RBIs and 48 runs. Those numbers helped the Shermans win their first Gold Ball since 1998 and a second consecutive district championship. She exits the program as one of the best, if not the best, Shermans ever.

Graycie Brammer | Ironton | Catcher | Senior

As usual, Brammer habitually showed why she’s one of the best backstops in Ohio. While leading her Tigers to 21 wins and a share of the OVC crown, the senior hit .426 alongside four homers, 11 doubles, 25 RBIs and 20 runs. She was a fixture at the top of Ironton’s lineup and a leader in the team’s dugout. She ends her career with first-team all-district and all-OVC nods.

Savannah Bushatz | Huntington | Third Base | Junior

For three years, Bushatz has been one of the area’s most underrated hitters. She did nothing to negate that this past spring. While hitting a team-leading .533, she led Huntington to a season of revival and 16 victories. She also added 33 runs scored, 33 RBIs, 18 doubles, five triples and 21 steals. She was a first-team all-district selection and a second-team All-Ohioan.

Kaylynn Carter | Wheelersburg | Pitcher | Junior

Carter had her best season yet as a junior. While leading her Pirates to a regional championship game, the right-hander threw 77 innings and carried a 0.91 ERA with 81 strikeouts. She also did damage offensively, hitting .560 with five home runs, 21 RBIs and a .575 on-base percentage. She was the SOC III’s Pitcher of the Year and earned honorable mention All-Ohio honors.

Maddie Childers | Wellston | Catcher | Sophomore

It’s safe to call Childers, a sophomore, one of the best catchers in Ohio. She’s lethal with a bat in her hands and acts as a wall behind the dish. Wellston finished 22-2 this past spring and tied a school record with 22 consecutive wins. With leaders like Childers on the roster, that should be no surprise. The Rockets should be a special group in 2025. Childers is a huge reason why.

Bella Claxon | South Webster | Third Base | Senior

In four years, no matter what she participated in, Claxon enjoyed nothing but success. After helping her volleyball program reach a state tournament in 2021, she helped her softball team do the same this spring. Behind their leader, the Jeeps made a run that ended in Akron — their first-ever state bid. Claxon ends her career as one of the most decorated athletes in SW history.

Abbie Deeds | Coal Grove | Pitcher | Junior

Deeds was the engine that kept the Hornets running all year long. The youth-filled program won a share of the OVC title and its first-ever district championship with Deeds leading the way. The junior hit .341 alongside three homers, seven doubles, 15 RBIs and 29 runs scored. In the circle, she was 16-6 with a 2.09 ERA and 253 whiffs. Opponents hit just .168 when facing her.

Ava Dettwiller | Unioto | First Base | Senior

For a good stretch of time, it could be argued that Dettwiller was Unioto’s most feared hitter. Nestled into the Shermans’ ultra-talented lineup, the senior made the most of her opportunities, hitting .367 with eight home runs, four doubles and 30 RBIs. Her bat was so loud that her elite defensive ability often went unnoticed at first base. She leaves enormous shoes to fill.

Lillie Eberts | Jackson | Shortstop | Freshman

Some freshmen play like — well — freshmen. Eberts is not one of those names. In her first varsity stint, Eberts led the team in batting average (.453), hits (34), runs scored (31), doubles (10) and home runs (3). Those numbers helped Jackson finish 16-7 overall with an 8-2 mark in FAC play. There’s a youth-laden core in the Apple City. Eberst will lead the charge next spring.

Maddie Entler | Notre Dame | Outfielder | Junior

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better table-setter than Entler. She once again did damage at the top of the Titans’ lineup, hitting .495 with 47 base hits, 11 doubles, three triples, 24 RBIs, 45 runs scored and 33 stolen bases. Those numbers helped Notre Dame finish 24-5 and make a second consecutive Elite 8 appearance. Bad news for opponents: she’s back for one more year.

Jaylin Forbes | Piketon | Shortstop | Freshman

There may not be a more exciting freshman in the Scioto Valley Conference than Forbes. While leading her Redstreaks to their best season since 2017, the shortstop quickly made a name for herself in the middle of the team’s order. She led Piketon in batting average, RBIs, doubles and base hits — and has three years left to add to her totals. She’s a name you’ll be reading a lot.

Kyndall Ford | Notre Dame | First Base | Senior

There’s a reason Ford is a Division I collegiate talent and headed to Northern Kentucky University this fall. That reason was on full display all spring. The senior hit .356 with 31 base knocks, five doubles, four long balls, 28 RBIs and 19 runs scored. And, when you throw in her grit, you get an exciting five-tool player. She gives everything she has every time she competes.

Mylea Fridley | Hillsboro | Outfielder | Junior

Hillsboro was 20-5 overall and 10-0 in the Frontier Athletic Conference. Fridley was one of the main reasons why. The first-team all-FAC selection and second-team all-district pick hit .439 alongside with a home run, 13 RBIs, six doubles, 36 hits and 36 runs scored. She was one of the team’s most reliable hitters and will continue to be as she enters her senior year.

Marly Halcomb | Adena | Shortstop | Freshman

Halcomb fit into Adena’s culture of success rather perfectly. Assuming shortstop duties as a freshman, she hit .446 while adding 34 runs, nine doubles, six triples — a high mark in the SVC — and 14 base swipes. Her play aided the Warriors to 20 victories and a sectional championship. If there’s ever an elite name to look for throughout the next three years, it’s hers.

Lauren Redoutey | Northwest | Pitcher | Senior

If there was ever a reason why Northwest returned to form, winning 16 games and a share of the SOC II championship, it was Redoutey. The southpaw showed poise and control in the circle, limiting opponents to minimal scoring chances. And, she didn’t disappoint at the plate with a timely, powerful swing. Her efforts were rewarded with all-SOC and all-district honors.

Andi Jo Howard | Wheelersburg | Pitcher | Senior

Four years ago, Howard immediately made a name for herself as one of the area’s best all-around players. Four years later, nothing has changed. The senior hit .527 alongside nine home runs and 39 RBIs while, once again, giving the Pirates a dominant option in the circle. She rightfully ends her career with first-team all-league, all-district and all-state accolades.

Hannah Hull | Unioto | Pitcher | Senior

The SVC Player of the Year was magnificent in 2024. While leading her Shermans to a second straight district championship, Hull tossed 169 innings and compiled a 23-4 mark. She struck out 144 hitters, walked just 37, and was the driving force to the Tanks’ first Gold Ball since 1998. And, for good measure, she helped her own cause with a .368 batting average and 32 RBIs.

Emilie Johnson | Valley | Pitcher | Senior

While Valley enjoyed one of its most successful seasons in recent memory, Johnson was undoubtedly her tribe’s chief. The senior hurler was nothing but extraordinary, leading the Indians to 17 wins and their first district championship since 2018. Johnson’s impact was felt in both the circle and at the plate. She was a first-team all-SOC, all-district and all-state honoree.

Abbie Marshall | Unioto | Catcher | Senior

You may not find another player who loves the game as much as Marshall. While always sporting a smile, the Tanks’ backstop turned in another impressive season. She hit a team-high .505 while tallying 46 hits, 10 bombs, 10 doubles, 40 RBIs and 43 runs scored. And, defensively, she had a .971 fielding percentage in 175 total chances. Spectacular is an understatement.

Khamil Martin | Ironton | Shortstop | Sophomore

Make no mistake about it … the next two seasons for Ironton will go how Martin goes. The always-fun-to-watch shortstop showcased her rare combo of power and speed once again, hitting a team-high .506 alongside 12 bombs, 11 doubles, 33 RBIs, 40 runs scored and 19 stolen bases. Those numbers helped Ironton win 21 games and reach a district final.

Gabby McConnell | Circleville | Pitcher | Senior

As one of just two seniors on Circleville’s roster, McConnell’s leadership shined through each and every crack this past spring. She led her Tigers to a district final appearance before earning first-team all-conference, all-district and all-state honors. Statistically, in the circle, she sported a 1.89 ERA and struck out 101 hitters. And, at the dish, she hit .471. She was, in a word, elite.

Megan Miller | Unioto | Shortstop | Senior

There isn’t much that Miller can’t do on a softball diamond. She’s proven that in four consecutive years. As a senior, while helping the Tanks win 23 games and a second consecutive district title, the shortstop hit .455 alongside six home runs, 13 doubles, 20 runs scored and 32 RBIs. She was a fixture in the middle of the team’s lineup and leaves a glaring hole at her position to fill.

Megan Nickell | Eastern | Catcher | Senior

As usual, Nickell gave pitchers fits all year long. The Eagles’ catcher set the tone time and time again, anchoring the lineup in her leadoff spot. In 26 games, she hit a whopping .621 alongside 54 hits, six doubles, six triples, 13 RBIs, 50 runs scored and 32 stolen bases. Those numbers helped Eastern win 16 games and helped Nickell earn herself second-team All-Ohio honors.

Hannah Potts | Wellston | Pitcher | Junior

Potts was flat-out dominant. It’s that simple. The junior gave opponents headaches all year with her ability to control games from the circle. While leading her Rockets to a district final appearance, she posted a 17-2 mark with 260 strikeouts and a 0.25 ERA in 112 innings of work. She also hit .452 with six homers, 12 doubles and 32 RBIs — you know, for good measure.

Caitlyn Quickle | Fairfield | Pitcher | Senior

After an injury erased Quickle’s entire junior season, she returned to form this spring. The Valparaiso commit hit .556 while belting five home runs alongside 17 doubles, three triples, 48 RBIs and 43 runs. In the circle, she was again dominant, posting a 15-6 mark with a 2.74 ERA and 147-30 strikeout-walk ratio. Those numbers earned her first-team All-Ohio honors.

CJ Rittinger | Chillicothe | Pitcher | Freshman

For quite some time now, the trajectory of Chillicothe’s softball program has been upward. Rittinger only uplifted that cause as a freshman. The left-handed hurler helped the Cavaliers win 16 games and their first sectional championship since 2010. Rittinger received a first-team all-FAC nod, earned Division I District POY honors and was a first-team all-state selection.

Kaylee Salyer | Fairland | Pitcher | Senior

Salyer was asked to do many things at Fairland. She met every task with flawlessness. As a senior, she was again spectacular. At the dish, she batted .431 with three homers, 20 RBIs, 20 runs scored and 14 extra-base hits. In the circle, she hurled 125 ⅓ innings alongside a 2.12 ERA and 182 strikeouts. She helped her Dragons win 15 games and a sectional crown.

Gwen Sparks | Notre Dame | Pitcher | Senior

There isn’t much to say about Sparks that hasn’t already been said. Four years of dominance. She ended her legendary career by leading her Titans to yet another district title, throwing 125 ⅔ innings, posting a 14-5 record with a 1.14 ERA and 249 strikeouts. She also hit .429 with 12 home runs, 46 RBIs, 22 runs scored and 36 hits. Pittsburgh is getting an absolute elite talent.

Camryn Spruell | Hillsboro | Pitcher | Junior

Spruell’s reputation preceded her dominance as a junior. She was the Indians’ workhorse in the circle, tossing 147 ⅓ innings. She was 18-3 with a 0.67 ERA and 338 strikeouts. She was also magnificent at the plate, batting .493 alongside 11 home runs, 41 RBIs and 33 runs scored. She was the FAC POY, a first-team all-district honoree and an honorable mention All-Ohio selection.

Lynsay Vanhoose | Logan Elm | Shortstop | Senior

Logan Elm has been lucky enough to have plenty of elite talent play in its program over time. You can add Vanhoose to that illustrious list. At the top of the Braves’ lineup, the senior set the table and when she reached base, more often than not, she rounded third and headed home. She was a huge reason why LE won its first regional title since 2012 and second in its history.

Kiera Williams | Adena | Second Base | Senior

It’s hard to believe that Williams has played her last game at Adena. She’s been a staple of the program for what seems like forever. Her senior year harvested more success for the Warriors as Williams scored 36 runs, knocked in 30 more, tallied 10 doubles and three triples, and stole 18 bags. The first-team all-district selection will continue her playing career at Shawnee State.

Rylie Young | Manchester | Pitcher | Junior

Rather quietly, Young turned in her best season to date — and that’s significant, considering her body of work. The junior tossed 112 ⅔ innings, going 14-4 and striking out 176 hitters with a 1.55 ERA. While leading the Greyhounds to a district title game, she hit .483 with five long balls, 28 RBIs and 23 runs scored. She was the DIV District POY and a first-team All-Ohioan.

Skylar Zimmerman | South Webster | Shortstop | Senior

When the game is on the line, Zimmerman is who you want standing at the plate. Her clutch gene was at work once again this spring as she led her Jeeps to their first-ever regional championship. She routinely reached base, constantly caused havoc on the paths and was undeniably the straw that stirred the drink for the most prolific softball team in school history.

Honorable Mention Selections

Emma Garrison, Adena; Paige Helton, Piketon; Abby Guffey, Zane Trace; Brynn Wipert, Zane Trace; Allie Baker, Huntington; Sophi Stauffer, Paint Valley; Maycee Ford, Notre Dame; Alayla Soard, Notre Dame; Desiree Simpson, Symmes Valley; Brenna Tibbs, Symmes Valley; Brooke Hawes, Northwest; Haley Myers, Wheelersburg; Ava Estep, Wheelersburg; Addi Claxon, South Webster; Jaiden White, South Webster; Kate Rollins, West; Kaylor Pickelsimer, West; Ryleigh Weeks, Valley; Chloe Roberts, Hillsboro; Serenity Taylor, Jackson; Morgan Webb, Chillicothe; Ella Michael, Circleville; Peyton Richendollar, Logan Elm; Emmi Vance, Fairfield; Jobey Hattan, Fairfield; Jenna Campbell, Manchester; Kayla Hammonds, Athens; Kendra Hammonds, Athens; Aubrey Ferguson, Ironton; Ally Shepherd, Fairland

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