The North Harrison Shamrocks lost some big pieces from last year’s 16-8 squad, including Ashlynn Gilpatrick and Hunter Stevens and Kenna Slaughter. But they have 19 players out this year, and there will be a lot of depth and versatility on this year’s squad.
Back will be All-Staters Emma Craig and Rainey Fordyce. Emma got All State her freshman and sophomore years, while Fordyce got it last year. Fordyce has locked down the center field spot for the last three years, while Craig has done most of the catching, although she was automatic at shortstop Thursday in practice and can play anywhere on the infield.
Among other returners, Kami Gibson has locked down the shortstop position, but has also caught and played first base. Camden Castleberry has a lot of range in the outfield, but can play shortstop or third base as well. Carli Rinehart returns to the mound. Baily Briggs could play first base, where she has some pop in her bat, while Trendi Johnson can play anywhere she is needed. Jayliegh Robins hit for the cycle in a game last year, and can play outfield or first base or catch. The scary thing is that she is only a sophomore. Lola Breshears can play outfield, and she showed a lot of improvement with her bat this year.
Some newcomers will be vying for a spot in the lineup as well. Lily Shovick, who showed some potential last year, was steady at first base Thursday in practice. Among the freshmen, Jaci Davis could play in the outfield somewhere. Amber Wilson keeps improving every single year; she showed some pop in her bat, scorching one down the left field line for extra bases in hitting practice Thursday. Ruby Heinz, who has two older brothers who played baseball for the Shamrocks, could fill a big hole at third base, playing the position solidly and spraying some base hits Thursday.
Rinehart will lock down the pitcher’s slot for the Shamrocks as long as her shoulder holds up. There are plenty of other prospects on the mound. Emma Craig has pitched varsity before. Trendi Johnson and Camden Castleberry are also possibilities, both fielding that position well during bunting and hitting practice.
One intriguing possibility is freshman Erika Gerken, who grew a lot since last year, throws as hard as anyone, and showed some potential with her bat as well as some speed. Gerken threw a no-hitter last year in junior high. She also played third base well Thursday. Camden Castleberry will also show a lot of speed on the basepaths; she outran everyone in practice during running drills Thursday; Jayliegh Robins will also provide a lot of speed and aggressive baserunning for the Shamrocks.
The Shamrocks have been scrambling to find games after Albany abruptly canceled their softball tournament Wednesday. They are trying to bring up Maysville, who has gone to state the last two years and which won the whole ball of wax two years ago, along with another team. They tried to bring up Chillicothe; however, the MEC is not letting teams play outside the conference this year. They have added Lawson to the schedule, and continue to play such teams as Hamilton, Worth County, Stanberry, Putnam County, Lathrop, Maryville, and other tough teams.
North Harrison sits at 49 straight HDC wins; however, the conference will show some improvement this year as Mercer had a slap hitter move in and showed a lot of improvement over the course of the season last year. Tri-County returns a lot of their players from last year’s runner-up campaign, while Grundy County has a new coach and could shake things up.
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