Monday, August 19, 2019

Shamrock Softball Seeking to Return to State Against Stiff Competition

North Harrison is seeking to return to state this year, two years removed from taking third there last year. They lose Mason Cracraft, Addie Slaughter, and Sally Briggs from last year’s 15-9 campaign, but return the bulk of their lineup and add some promising freshmen. They have 18 players out this year.

The Shamrocks are once again coached by Brandon Craig and assisted by Danny Lisle. Craig said that Mercer and Tri-County will be strong in the conference, while Worth County, Princeton, Albany, Platte Valley, and Stanberry will be teams to watch in the area. Two new teams that North Harrison added this year include Maryville and Lawson, two bigger schools. The Shamrocks went 12-2 in summer ball and will seek to build on that. They took Maysville, last year’s state champions, to the wire before falling in a slugfest, and their only other loss was to Putnam County, a solid Class 2 school. Emma Craig, Carly Rinehart, and Kami Gibson all hit home runs, and all three played on strong travel teams that won tournaments.

Returning is all-state catcher Emma Craig along with pitcher Carly Rinehart, who threw a perfect game and a no-hitter in back to back games. Kami Gibson can catch or play anywhere on the infield. Lola Brashears is ready to break into an outfield spot. Camden Castleberry can play nearly anywhere on the field, including pitcher or catcher.

Hunter Stevens could break into either an outfield spot or first base. Kenna Slaughter has played first and third before. Baily Briggs played some outfield last year and showed some pop in her bat this summer. Jayliegh Robins hit two balls over the fence last fall in junior high; she is competing for a first base slot and showed some speed and stamina, outrunning everyone at the end of a sweltering three hour practice Monday.

Trendi Johnson was automatic on the infield Monday, scooping up everything hit at her. Rainey Fordyce was automatic at center field, having anchored that spot for the last two years. She could also see time at second base. Ashlynn Gilpatrick was one of two main pitchers last year and anchors down third base when she is not on the mound. Katelyn Briggs showed some pop in her bat last fall with the junior high.

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