High School Softball in 2025
The high school softball season promises twists and turns, new stars and a fun ride!
The 2025 high school softball season promises to be a great one. At the outset of the spring (or dead of winter, more accurately), optimism reigns. Everyone believes this will be the year their team makes a run to state, or even wins one of those AHSAA blue maps.
The road to Choccolocco Park began in earnest in the fall, but the games begin to count here in the middle of February. So, let’s get started!
What is this?
If you’re new here (you are, because this is new), this is the next step for the 4 Corners Softball brand. Many of you have been longtime steady followers on X (@KyleParmley). All of the things you’re used to seeing on there will continue to be there. But this will allow for even more interesting content and stories as the season progresses.
** This season preview contains information about as many teams as responded to an email questionnaire. Please send any additional context or corrections to 4cornerssoftballpod@gmail.com. **
Here’s a look at each classification, and some insight about select teams.
Class 7A
2024 state champion: Hewitt-Trussville
Runner-up: Daphne
Other state tournament teams: Enterprise, Spain Park, Hoover, Dothan, Central-Phenix City, Thompson
Hewitt-Trussville
Outlook: The Huskies have won four of the last five Class 7A state championships, as Taylor Burt has built a machine in Trussville. Six seniors from last year’s team are now on college rosters, so things will look a little different this time around. Standout pitcher and outfielder Zaylen Tucker is on the mend. When she’s back to full strength, Hewitt will be hard to beat once again.
Seniors: Makaila Hope (Emory), Peyton Hull (Montevallo), Zaylen Tucker (UAB), Ryleigh Wood, Kinley Poe, Evie Andrews, Darcy Hill, Sydney Moore, Ava Hyde.
Returning all-state players: OF Corey Goguts and Zaylen Tucker.
Coach Taylor Burt said: “They’re super coachable. Very hard-working, they don’t complain and they just get out there and do what’s asked of them.”
Daphne
Outlook: Last year’s Class 7A Player of the Year Vic Moten is back, after a brief change of schools in the fall semester. Moten, an Alabama signee, is one of the best players in the country. Her numbers last year were silly: a 0.46 ERA and 463 strikeouts, along with 15 home runs at the plate. First-team all-state outfielder Abby Johnson is among the notable returners as well.
Enterprise
Outlook: Despite having a bunch of young starters last year, Enterprise found its way to the state tournament. The Wildcats are looking to build off that this year. Center fielder Kinley Hutto is a big loss, but look out for another big year from Ansley Reeves, who burst onto the scene last year as an eighth-grader.
Seniors: P Gracyn Snell (Itawamba CC), OF Ane Blevins (Wallace-Dothan), 3B/C Lila Faulk (Montevallo), OF Lee Lott (West Alabama)
Returning all-state players: Ansley Reeves.
Coach Kate Stump said: “Being able to get to Oxford with that group last year was a great experience and we plan to build off of that. We have a group of girls that play hard and want to win for one another so I am excited to see what this year brings.”
Hoover
Outlook: Hoover lost quite a bit from last year’s third-place finisher, but the Bucs will still field a competitive team this year. Twins Lindsey and Haley Westhoven will lead the charge as the primary pitcher-catcher battery, and a young core will look to grow into themselves as the season gets going. Junior third baseman Mollie Hanson came on strong last year and recently committed to Berry.
Seniors: C Lindsey Westhoven (North Alabama) and P Haley Westhoven (North Alabama)
Coach Trey Matlock said: “It’s going to be a learning curve early in the year.”
Dothan
Outlook: This young bunch is looking to put together another final eight campaign. Sophomores Kinley German, Jada Newman and Savanna Kendrick, and freshman Jadyn Hutchins are already big-time players.
College bound: Sara Harris (Miles).
Returning all-state players: Kinley German.
Coach Donny Bright said: “We went 32-12 last year and made the state tournament with zero seniors. We have the same team coming back and are hoping to build off last year’s success.”
Central
Outlook: Central has been on the doorstep in recent years, with coach Mitchell Holt pushing the program into the status of becoming a regular competitor in the state tournament. The Red Devils continue to push forward and have a chance to make a big splash this year. They have the reigning Class 7A Hitter of the Year in Ally Supan, along with Alabama signee and shortstop Gerritt Griggs to anchor a deep and talented roster.
College bound: Gerritt Griggs (Alabama), Ally Supan (Mississippi State) and Ari Shorter (Shelton State).
Returning all-state players: Gerritt Griggs, Ally Supan, C Khloe Broadwater.
Thompson
Outlook: Thompson appears to have one of the best teams in the state entering the season. The Warriors have been one of the state’s elite for several years now and won the state title in 2022. The lineup is littered with several college bound hitters and the pitching staff is led by a pair of returning all-state hurlers.
Returning all-state players: P Aubree Hooks, P Kadyn Bush, IF Kelsey Burden, OF Olivia Tindell, Whitney Holtzapfel.
Austin
Outlook: This program has been knocking on the door the last few years, it seems like only a matter of time before the Black Bears return to the state tournament. Austin has won three straight area titles, with sights on making it four. Claire Wright, Lyndi Perkins and Arden Breedlove are big-time players, and they’ll be joined by several youngsters this spring. Callie Lang and Grace Lamb are freshman pitchers ready to take the next step as well.
College bound: CF Claire Wright (North Alabama) and 1B Lyndi Perkins (Shelton State).
Returning all-state players: Claire Wright and Arden Breedlove.
Coach Blake Gray said: We have talked all offseason and preseason about discipline. Staying disciplined every day; whether in the weight room or on the field.”
Tuscaloosa County
Outlook: Connor Acton enters his second season as the head man at Tuscaloosa County, and the Wildcats have a roster that continues to improve and could very well be on the verge of a breakthrough this spring. They are a team to keep an eye on in Area 5 with Thompson, Hillcrest and Prattville.
College bound: C Holly Beth Brooks (Alabama), P Karlie Beth Beasley (Shelton State) and P/OF Peyton Earp (Gadsden State). Mary Morgan Odum committed to Gadsden State but she has decided to pursue nursing school instead.
Returning all-state players: Holly Beth Brooks.
Coach Connor Acton said: “We played some really good softball at times last year, but ultimately did not play well when it mattered at the end. We are looking to build off that and aiming to be playing our best softball at the end of the season when it counts.”
Bob Jones
Outlook: Braeden Netherton takes over as the head coach at Bob Jones after spending the last few years having some good seasons at Brewer. She takes over a Patriots program that is looking to build itself back up after having such a strong core the last few classes of seniors. Much of this year’s team will be eighth, ninth and 10th graders.
Seniors: Kaila Holloway (Calhoun CC)
Coach Braeden Netherton said: “We are very young. However, the competitiveness and drive to get better every day that I have seen from this group is top notch.”
Oak Mountain
Outlook: There are plenty of familiar faces at Oak Mountain this year, including the Eagles’ top four arms (Kelsey Crain, Marian Cummings, Maddie Prevallet and Sophia Williams). Bella Williams, Brooke Monosky, Sheridan Andrews and Faith Cofer are all back. The Eagles’ biggest problem? Getting out of an area with Hewitt-Trussville, Hoover and Vestavia Hills.
Seniors: C Anna DuBose, IF Elia Carrillo, 1B/OF Maggie Miller and OF Emma McGregor.
Coach Jordan Burson said: “Our focus is to grow and continually improve to peak at the right time and make a postseason run.”
Vestavia Hills
Outlook: Surprisingly, Vestavia Hills hasn’t made it out of area since 2021 despite having good teams each year. It will be tough for the Rebels to replace pitcher Tait Davidson, who is now at UAB, but they have a handful of older players who will lead a cast of young, but talented others. Watch out for seventh grade pitcher Kate Flanagan.
Seniors: C EJ Bragan (Union), OF Evelyn Splawn (Gadsden State), P Elizabeth Yother (Covenant) and OF Carmen Owen.
Coach John Simmons said: “There is a ton of room for growth. The youth that we have right now coming in is extremely talented.”
Other returning all-state players: Abigail Helms, Auburn; Kaytie Chandler, Prattville; Amya Duster, Huntsville.
Other teams to watch: Alma Bryant, Baker, MGM, Fairhope, Robertsdale, Auburn, Opelika, Smiths Station, Hillcrest, Prattville, Huntsville, Sparkman, Florence, James Clemens, Grissom.
Class 6A
2024 state champion Athens
Runner-up: Hartselle
Other state tournament teams: Baldwin County, Oxford, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Wetumpka, Helena, Gardendale
Athens
Outlook: Athens made an improbable run to the state championship last year, and enter the 2025 with no Morgan Stiles and a new coach in Chuck Smith, who will look to continue the Golden Eagles’ winning ways. His two seniors are a great starting point, and leadoff hitter Caitlyn Tedford is a star in the making as well.
Seniors: C Amaya Green (WKU) and SS Lily Lowery (FAU).
Returning all-state players: Amaya Green, Lily Lowery and Caitlyn Tedford.
Coach Chuck Smith said: “There are a lot of returning players, but most of them are young and having another year of growth I think is going to help them excel.”
Hartselle
Outlook: One of the most powerful and talented teams in Alabama last season lost a bunch, but the Tigers also return a bunch. If Kenlee Smothers and Bailey Lawrence (Gadsden State commit) can stabilize the pitching staff, you know Hartselle will put runs on the board in bunches. A lineup of five seniors, plus college commits like Ryley Cate Wolf (North Alabama) and Katie Norgard (Georgia Tech), will be tough to handle.
Seniors: 2B Morgan Osborn (Motlow State), C Brityan Godfrey (Auburn), OF Katie Gillott (North Alabama), Zoe Hitt and Lily Douglass.
Returning all-state players: Katie Norgard, Katie Gillott and Brityan Godfrey.
Spain Park
Outlook: Spain Park will be looking for another return to the state tournament, something that has been the norm the past decade-plus. Senior Charlee Bennett leads the way, with several juniors that were lineup regulars last season ready to make their mark. The Jags have dropped down to Class 6A this year.
Seniors: IF Charlee Bennett (UAB), Tatum Lasseter and Nylah Cottrell.
Returning all-state players: Bennett.
Coach Allyson Ritenour said: “A majority of our players have competed at the varsity level and are returning this year with more experience. Having a competitive schedule over the past few years has helped them develop and learn what it takes to compete at a high level.”
Wetumpka
Outlook: The 2023 state champions still have a lot of that team’s flavor on the roster, but Mya Holt’s graduation leaves a pretty big hole to fill. The next wave of stars is on the way, even if it takes a little time for them to fully develop. Pitcher Sophie Arant and third baseman Taylor Carlisle are opening day starters, so their names will become household ones in due time.
Seniors: Lily Davenport (Anderson) and Alyssa Brown.
Coach Daryl Otwell said: “Expect our group to play hard, timely hitting and be a scrappy team and be prepared for the back half of the season.”
Mountain Brook
Outlook: Brittany Vintson takes over as the head coach at Mountain Brook. The Spartans’ roster suggests they are going to be a team on the rise in the coming years, with a young crop of talent and a coach in Vintson dedicated to building something solid in Mountain Brook. Beyond its two seniors, Mountain Brook also returns Reagan Rape, Marianna Murray, AT Goldman, Emma Durr and Anna Kate Shea.
Seniors: 3B Edith Kaplan (Virginia) and IF/P Claire Robinett.
Coach Brittany Vintson said: We will prioritize the little things that are crucial for our success, from perfecting our fundamentals, growing our knowledge of the game, to maintaining our communication on the field.”
Pelham
Outlook: Pelham is certainly a capable of team, with the top half of its lineup returning with plenty of experience. Rebecca Roy, Laini Stewart (Itawamba CC) and Jordan Young (Columbia) have already committed to playing in college, while Taylor Howard probably isn’t far behind.
Seniors: C Rebecca Roy (MMI).
Coach Rachael McClure said: “Hoping we can peak at the right time and hope to surprise some folks.”
Mortimer Jordan
Outlook: The harvest of the future has to be planted at some point, and that’s what it appears Mortimer Jordan will be doing this year. Multiple eighth graders will be contributing for the Blue Devils this season, but on a team with no seniors, emerging talent will build toward a future payoff.
Coach Stephen Manning said: “We will be young with a lot of inexperience and the majority of my team will have to grow up very quickly. I love my young group that I have.”
Brookwood
Outlook: Brookwood has to be one of the oldest teams around. The Panthers have seven seniors and eight juniors, many of them returning starters. Amori Morrison, Layla Steele and Brinlee Miller are part of a strong pitching staff, and the Panthers are searching for ways to score more runs this spring.
Players to watch: P/1B Amori Morrison, 3B Kylee Grace Roy, P/OF Brinlee Miller, P/IF/OF Layla Steele and CF Shelby Meador
Coach Danel Clark said: “Pitching was our strength last year with a team ERA of 2.40. We have made hitting a priority this offseason. We hope to improve on last year’s 26-20-2 record.”
Chelsea
Outlook: Chelsea came on strong at the end of last season, and a drop down to Class 6A should serve the Hornets well. This is an experienced team capable of surprising some folks this spring.
Seniors: Emma Parmley (MMI), Katie Hopson (MMI), Alaysha Crews (Snead State), Sydney Carroll (Mississippi State) and Allie Scott.
Returning all-state players: Sydney Carroll.
Coach Scott Lowery said: “We have a group that is talented, but extremely hard workers to look to benefit from that hard work. We continue to daily work on their mindset to create even better results this season.”
Spanish Fort
Outlook: This Spanish Fort team has all the pieces to put together another strong year. Some talented veterans complemented by promising youth. The Toros’ pitching staff returns intact, and this team could be poised to do some damage if it can advance past an area that also includes Baldwin County and Gulf Shores.
College bound: Haley Hart (Louisiana), Ann Thomas Luke (Itawamba CC), Aubree Palmer (Mobile), Madison Griffith (Coastal-South).
Returning all-state players: SS Haley Hart.
Coach Jonathan Rasberry said: “We had a great year last year, going 34-16-1, losing in regionals. We plan to use the experience from the last two years to play even more confident and loose this year.”
Homewood
Outlook: Homewood has a young team, still, but most of the returning Patriots got plenty of experience last season. This seems to be a year to expect significant progress from this program.
Seniors: P/OF Mia Gonzalez, 2B Abigail Box, Ava Robinson and Julia Dabney.
Coach Arica Moss said: “We’re not going to lean on any individual, but it’s going to be a team effort and everybody doing their job, and producing positive results from that.”
Other returning all-state players: Madilyn Byrd, Baldwin County; Gracie Dees, Saraland; Nyla Treptau, Pell City; Marti McCluskey, Hillcrest; Hayden Traywick, Helena; Myleigh Dobbins, Saraland; Ameria Anderson, Pike Road; Kenley Vaughn, Gardendale; Kherington Keith, Pell City; Kennedy Cuthbert, Pike Road; Emma Tims-Becerra, Oxford; Sheridan Kynard, McAdory, Anna Leigh Price, Gulf Shores; Anayia McCutchen, Gulf Shores; Jalyn Allen, Southside, KK Jacks, Gulf Shores.
Other teams to watch: Baldwin County, Gulf Shores, Pike Road, Helena, Hueytown, McAdory, Oxford, Pell City, Gardendale, Cullman, Jasper, Fort Payne, Southside, Decatur, Muscle Shoals, Buckhorn and Hazel Green.
Class 5A
2024 state champion Jasper (now 6A)
Runner-up: Moody
Other state tournament teams: Rehobeth, Hayden, Marbury, Gulf Shores, Beauregard, Alexandria
Priceville
Outlook: Priceville lost five starters from last year’s team, but will look to field a competitive team once again this year. Junior pitcher Elizabeth Murphy recently committed to Blue Mountain, and there are still experienced players like Kelsey Green capable of putting together standout seasons.
Seniors: Baxley Black and Darby Thigpen.
Coach Matt Morris said: “We are moving up to 5A for the first time, so that will be a challenge. It will also be our last year on our current field, as we have a new turf field being constructed, so we will finally get to play on campus.”
St. Paul’s
Outlook: St. Paul’s has been defined by elite pitching over the last several years, and despite seeing Caroline McClendon and Madeline Howard graduate in recent years, Ava Voris is the next one up for the Saints. She’s a breakout candidate in 2025. St. Paul’s is a regular at the regional tournament, looking to take another step with a young roster this spring.
College bound: Fancy Malone (Coastal Alabama), Ava Voris (Georgia State) and Emily Lockhart (Mobile).
Coach Kayla Johnson said: “We are a young team with a lot of potential, which makes us exciting to watch. Every practice and every game will be a chance for us to grow. The chemistry and energy this group brings to the field are special, and I think fans will enjoy seeing the fight and heart this team plays with.”
Northside
Outlook: Northside moves up to Class 5A this year. While that sounds rough, Class 4A softball in Alabama is loaded, and the Rams are set up to compete this year with much of its core returning. Catcher Caroline Jones is back for her junior season, coming off an all-state year in 2024. Baylee Appling and Avery Patton are back to anchor the pitching staff.
Returning all-state players: Caroline Jones.
Ardmore
Outlook: Ardmore is a team to look out for in Class 5A this spring. Whitney King takes over the program this season with no shortage of expectations. King believes the team has embraced the tenets of the culture she is attempting to establish.
College bound: C Alaina Grace King (UT Southern), 2B Aynslee Malone (Calhoun) and P/OF Addison Mikel (Calhoun).
Returning all-state players: Alaina Grace King.
Coach Whitney King said: “Many of our players have played in the state tournament two or more times. After a year where our program did not advance beyond the area tournament, their determination has intensified.”
Lawrence County
Outlook: Lawrence County has been competitive in recent years and is expected to be that yet again. Superstar McKenzie Hyche has graduated, but the program does welcome transfer McKinley McCaghren to the fold. Freshmen LA Norwood and Alivia Templeton are stars in the making, while the likes of Bella Cross, Bentlee Cross and Raegan Johnson have established themselves as strong players.
Returning all-state players: LA Norwood and McKinley McCaghren.
College bound: Alyca LouAllen (Calhoun) and AB McKay (Northeast Mississippi CC).
Coach Will Inman said: “I love the makeup of our 2025 team. I believe if we continue to do the little things well then we will be a tough out in May.”
Briarwood
Outlook: Briarwood is looking for another year of growth and progress. Former Alabama star Caroline Hardy has joined the coaching staff and the young Lions have continued to improve all winter.
Seniors: Reese Collier, Zora Willingham and Grace Nilsson.
Coach Ashley Segreto said: “These girls have sparked a drive to get better. I believe that the growth that our girls have made in the offseason and the detailed training they are getting with our newly-built coaching staff will only serve as additional resiliency and drive.”
Other returning all-state players: Charlee Parris, Alexandria; Lillie Stagner, Faith Academy; Kendall Trimm, Moody; Allyssa Hunt, Alexandria; Bailea Boone, Holtville; Mylee Stagner, Faith Academy; Lily Livingston, Arab; Pressley Slaton, Alexandria; Georgia Chancellor, Springville; Gracie Lawrence, Brewer; Austin McNeece, Scottsboro; Maddie Williams, Rehobeth; Shila Wadkins, Scottsboro; Breia Rusk, Brewer; Leah Bowden, Springville; Lindsey Moulton, Beauregard; Grier Maples, Boaz; Bella Turley, Moody; Ava Rhoden, Boaz; Brenlee Sparks, Alexandria; Caitlan Bland, Shelby County; Kyra Wallace, Brew Tech; Kylie Snowden, Holtville; Emily Adams, Houston Academy.
Other teams to watch: Moody, Rehobeth, Hayden, Marbury, Beauregard, Alexandria, Faith Academy, Houston Academy, Brew Tech, Holtville, Elmore County, Leeds, St. Clair County, Corner, Springville, Boaz, Douglas, Sardis, Russellville, West Point, Arab, Scottsboro, John Carroll, Briarwood and Brewer.
Class 4A
2024 state champion Orange Beach
Runner-up: Brooks
Other state tournament teams: Curry, Cherokee County, Prattville Christian, Houston Academy, Northside, Madison County
Orange Beach
Outlook: Orange Beach is the most talented team in Alabama, at least in terms of future college prospects. The Makos have won four straight state championships and have their sights set on a fifth.
College bound: Ava Hodo (Arkansas), Katie King (Arkansas), Teagan Revette (Mississippi State), Daigle Wilson (Auburn), KG Favors (South Carolina), Addy Oldham (Northwest Florida), Justine Henderson (Mobile), Kaitlynn Robertson (Louisiana Christian).
Returning all-state players: Ava Hodo, Teagan Revette, Katie King, Daigle Wilson and Kaitlynn Robertson.
Brooks
Outlook: Brooks completed a years-long progression last year, reaching the state championship game and giving behemoth Orange Beach a competitive fight in the title game. The Lions will have to find a way to replace Ole Miss freshman Abby Herndon in the circle, but they have a lot left to offer this spring. This team may look a little different this spring, but they remain one of the most fun groups of people to be around on a daily basis
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College bound: Karley Moreland (North Alabama), BrayLeigh Leone (Shorter), Baylee Darby (UAH), Preslie Bunch (Northwest Shoals).
Returning all-state players: Faith Roberson.
Coach Kathryn Brown said: “We will mold new players to our standards and continue to build the expectation of excellence and legacy within the Brooks High School Lady Lions softball team.”
Curry
Outlook: Curry is perennially one of the best teams in the state, and that will be no different in 2025. The Yellow Jackets sent three players to play in college from last year’s team, but the cupboard is far from bare. Ambrey Taylor is one of the best all-around players in the country and will lead the charge for this team. In addition to the experienced cast, players like Madie Gross, Ralee Dunagan, Kerra Aaron and Shileigh Williams will get an opportunity to step up and shine.
College bound: Ambrey Taylor (Alabama), Brooklyn Morton (Bethel), Lanie West (Wallace State), Kaydence Hutchison (Northwest Shoals) and Kenadie Richardson (Coastal-South).
Returning all-state players: Skiely Perry, Ambrey Taylor and Ansley Brown.
Coach Dave Lawson said: “This team has been there, been close and have seen firsthand what it’s going to take to win a championship. It will be interesting to see if we can improve throughout the year and be peaking at the right time.”
West Limestone
Outlook: West Limestone will no longer sneak up on anyone. This is a team that put together a strong regular season last year and has every opportunity to do so again. Seniors Lilly Bethune and JuliAnn Kyle will be joined in the middle of the order this year by Haley Waggoner, who transferred from Athens. That is an extremely potent heart of the order to get through. Kyle is one of four sets of sisters on this team as well, so you may have to keep an eye on the dugout at times.
College bound: Lilly Bethune (Middle Tennessee), Haley Waggoner (Purdue) and JuliAnn Kyle (Northwest Shoals CC).
Deshler
Outlook: Deshler is young no more. The entire starting lineup returns, with Alivia Lewis, Kiersten Willingham, Makayla Willingham, Kaili Congleton and Maggie Kate Dixon have all played three years of varsity ball already. Gracie Lowery will make an impact as well. There are still some youngsters ready to take big steps this year, like Kendall Scogin, Havah Standridge, Taylor Tittle and Karley Hand.
Coach Bailey Martin said: “I have told them no matter their age, they know what is expected of them and they know what the standard is for Deshler Softball. I think we are about to have a lot of fun and compete.”
Other returning all-state players: Ashtyn Sligh, Oneonta; Callie Richardson, White Plains; Leighton Arnold, White Plains; Allie Yeary, Madison County; LB NeSmith, Prattville Christian; Emma Hill, Cherokee County; Addi Wilson, Hamilton; Mary Margaret Fountain, T.R. Miller; Ava Hill, Handley; Ella Baswell, New Hope; Madison Sawyer, Satsuma; Belle Sheffield, Satsuma; Shayleigh Whitman, Dale County; Anna Kate Smith, Corner; Kandice Crosby, Prattville Christian; Bradleigh Lanier, Opp; Jaidyn Ivey, Opp; Addison Moseley, Opp; Abby Williams, Plainview; Graidin Haas, Plainview
Other teams to watch: Satsuma, Dale County, Geneva, Opp, Mongtomery Catholic, Prattville Christian, Tallassee, American Christian, Handley, Hamilton, Ashville, Etowah, Oneonta, Alexandria, Cherokee County, White Plains, Danville, Good Hope, West Morgan, Hatton, Westminster Christian, Madison County, New Hope, North Jackson and Plainview.
Class 3A
2024 state champion Opp (Now 4A)
Runner-up: Plainview (Now 4A)
Other state tournament teams: Madison Academy, Alabama Christian, Winfield, Excel, Saint James, Piedmont
Cottage Hill
Outlook: Cottage Hill is a young, up-and-coming program. A handful of middle schoolers all the way up to four seniors this year. Last season brought the first area title in program history.
Players to watch: Madison Brown, Makenzie Gartman, Paislei Daughtery, Emma Robbins, Molly Conken, Kennedy Jones, Lallie Hays.
Coach Krista Womble said: “It will be interesting to see how hungry they are to have a repeat of last year.”
Saint James
Outlook: This team put together a brilliant run last spring, deep into the state tournament, and returns everyone with hopes of grabbing a trophy this spring.
Players to watch: Emily Needham, Tat Shuford, Sydney Johnston, Emily Darby, Kaitlyn Hudson, Ava Stanford, Lily Stanford, Arden Green, Olive Maddox and Peyton Middleton.
Returning all-state players: Emily Needham, Tat Shuford and Sydney Johnston.
Coach Mark Hall said: “My expectation as a coach is to get the most out of this bunch of young ladies and maximize their abilities. We will play a tougher schedule with hopes of preparing us for the postseason.”
Other returning all-state players: Cat Schreiber, Madison Academy; Hallie Holland, Colbert County; Shila Marks, Lauderdale County; Maddie Traywick, Alabama Christian; Kennah Beth Lacy, Winfield; Izzy Warrick, Alabama Christian; Mardie Carpenter, Thomasville; Cacey Brothers, Piedmont; Emily Burgreen, Madison Academy; Hanna Kimbrell, Winfield; Imani Brothers, Thomasville; Molly Wright, Mars Hill; Makayli Davis, Colbert County; Aubrey Reed, Danville; Cayse Willett, Glencoe; Cayla Brothers, Piedmont; Avery Duke, Excel; Emma Rose Meldrum, Trinity; Maddie Norris, Providence Christian; Evie Stephenson, Madison Academy; Ellie Cox, Wicksburg; Natalie Cole, Wicksburg; Tylaya Lingo, Wicksburg; Anleigh Wood, Wicksburg; Samantha Galloway, Fyffe.
Other teams to watch: Mobile Christian, Wicksburg, T.R. Miller, Thomasville, Alabama Christian, Beulah, Glenwood, Thorsby, Randolph County, Carbon Hill, Oakman, Winfield, Glencoe, Ohatchee, Piedmont, Mars Hill, Madison Academy, Whitesburg Christian, Colbert County, Lauderdale County, Rogers.
Class 2A
2024 state champion Wicksburg (Now 3A)
Runner-up: Thorsby
Other state tournament teams: Hatton, Pleasant Valley, Horsehoe Bend, Sumiton Christian, Zion Chapel, Pisgah
Southeastern
Outlook: Southeastern is an intriguing team, capable of making a playoff push in Class 2A. Led by a couple college-bound seniors in Emellie Hamilton and Bella Kelley, first-year head coach Wes Ratliff believes the team’s energy and enthusiasm will carry them to new heights this spring.
College bound: P Emellie Hamilton (Calhoun CC) and 3B Bella Kelley (Motlow State).
Returning all-state players: Emellie Hamilton and Bella Kelley.
Coach Wes Ratliff said: “On paper, we will look like a young team with freshmen and sophomores starting at key positions. But those same players have been varsity starters or contributors since seventh and eighth grade.”
Sumiton Christian
Outlook: Sumiton Christian is always a contender as long as Jessica Aderholt is in the dugout. The Eagles have four solid seniors to lead the way, with a bunch of young players expected to step up and be key contributors as things get going this year.
Seniors: Maddie McCrary (Montevallo), Ali Kelly (Bevill State), Bailey Phillips and Calli Corley.
Returning all-state players: Maddie McCrary and Ali Kelly.
Coach Jessica Aderholt said: “We alway want to be better than before and we will strive for that.”
Tuscaloosa Academy
Outlook: Tuscaloosa Academy will be one of the youngest teams you can find, with seven starters being sophomores or younger. After not winning a game in 2022, this program has continued to push forward and grow over the last two seasons.
Players to watch: P/SS Lily Lucas, P/UTL Anna Claire Johnson and IF Lillian Johnson.
Coach Colt Youngblood said: “We expect to contend for our area and reaching regionals is our goal.”
Decatur Heritage
Outlook: Experience is beginning to pay dividends for Decatur Heritage, with the program looking to put it all together this year. Marissa Adams, Savannah Sims and Allie Tidwell were among the players to have big seasons a year ago and all three are back and looking for more.
College bound: Savannah Sims (Huntingdon) and Bri Tyson (Covenant).
Coach Lance Adams said: “Barring injuries this year, we have high hopes for this season, being led by our four seniors.”
Falkville
Outlook: State-champion head coach Christy Ferguson is returning home to lead the Falkville program and is eager to build something special there. She anticipates four freshmen potentially starting this season and is ready to watch this team grow and mature. Senior P/3B Hope McClanahan is a player to watch.
Coach Christy Ferguson said: “Oxford is always the goal. Our team will be competitive, disciplined and fun to watch play in 2A.”
Other returning all-state players: Sydney Boothe, Zion Chapel; Madeline Flammia, Pisgah; Chasity Garrison, Winston County; Emma Sipsy, Sand Rock; Brynlee Alford, Horseshoe Bend; Campbell Barron, Pisgah; Anna Claire Free, G.W. Long; Ella Wheeler, Sulligent Briley Caperton, Pisgah; Lynley Butts, Lamar County; Kynlee Taylor, Sulligent; Lily Henry, Pleasant Valley; Piper Anderson, Pisgah; Laney Saucer, J.U. Blacksher; Ally Zorn, Samson; Ella Waites, Woodland; Kaylee Hodge, Zion Chapel; Braylee King, West End; Beth Dixon, Ariton; Marissa Adams, Decatur Heritage.
Other teams to watch: G.W. Long, Zion Chapel, Horseshoe Bend, Southeastern, Lamar County, Sulligent, West End, Pleasant Valley, Sand Rock, Pisgah.
Class 1A
2024 state champion Skyline
Runner-up: Leroy
Other state tournament teams: Brantley, Waterloo, Verbena, Hackleburg, Maplesville, Spring Garden
Returning all-state players: Kaylee Guy, Leroy; Lilli Sumblin, Kinston; Avery Steward, Spring Garden; Sadie Primm, Billingsley; Alex Grimes, Brantley; Braylynn Pope, Hackleburg; Kaylee Carter, Athens Bible; Saylor Cooper, Hackleburg; Addie Pollard, Waterloo; Georgiana Kavich, Waterloo; Mollie Kayte Smith, Maplesville; Addyson Butler, Athens Bible; Helena Ingram, Spring Garden; Eva Gates, Skyline; Beverly Alexander, Ragland; Hannah Howard, Leroy; Tishona Young, Sweet Water; Claire Cooper, Waterloo; Maggie Jarrett, Spring Garden; Bella Harper, Lynn; Brynne Kelley, Kinston; Sarah Allen, Waterloo; Payten Herron, Hackleburg; Addie Word, Spring Garden; Ana Caldwell, Elba; Kamri Tittle, Lynn; Camdyn Norris, Kinston; Laine Steward, Hackleburg; Makinley Traylor, Ider.
Teams to watch: Skyline, Leroy, Brantley, Waterloo, Verbena, Hackleburg, Maplesville, Spring Garden, Kinston, Pleasant Home, Billingsley, Woodland, Holy Spirit, Ider, Athens Bible, Cherokee.
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