Editor’s Note: Due to an error, part of the list was cut off last week. We are rerunning it in its entirety. We apologize for our error and are happy to set the record straight.
Player of the year
Taylor Duncan, Sr., P/SS, Lake
Why she’s here: Duncan had a monster season for the Lady Hornets, leading them to the Class 2A state championship. At the plate, Duncan led the area with a .516 batting average and a .634 on-base average. Duncan had 48 hits on the year with 13 doubles and 13 home runs. On the mound, Duncan had a 1.063 ERA in 74 innings pitched with 135 strikeouts. Duncan signed to play with Southeastern Louisiana.
Pitchers
Neely Wolverton, Fresh., P, Sebastopol
Why she’s here: Wolverton was a workhorse for the Lady Bobcats this season. Wolverton pitched 126 innings and led the area with 172 strikeouts with a 1.91 ERA. She racked up 12 wins on the season and only gave up 35 earned runs.
Allanee Wheeler, 8th grade, P, Union
Why she’s here: Wheeler emerged as a dominant force for the Lady Yellowjackets this season. Wheeler had a 12-5 record for the Lady Yellowjackets in 105.1 innings pitched. Wheeler had a 1.7333 ERA and struck out 151 batters. At the plate, Wheeler was just as dangerous with a .505 batting average, which was second in the area. Wheeler also had 15 doubles, two home runs and drove in 43 runs.
Shae Jimmie, 7th grade, P, Newton County
Why she’s here: Jimmie emerged as the Lady Cougars go-to pitcher on the mound this season. Jimmie posted a 16-4 record in 106.2 innings pitched and recorded 81 strikeouts.
Catchers
Casey Dube, Jr., C, Newton County
Why she’s here: Dube had a solid year behind the plate for the Lady Cougars this season, handling a young pitching staff. Dube had a .359 batting average and drove in 22 runs this season.
Ashlynn Jenkins, Sr, C, Union
Why she’s here: Jenkins was also saddled with a young pitching staff but shined for the Lady Yellowjackets this season. Jenkins had a .444 batting average and drove in 37 runs with eight doubles and a triple.
Abbie McGee, Soph., C, Lake
Why she’s here: McGee was another cog in the Lady Hornets state championship run this season. McGee had a .419 batting average and a .481 on-base percentage. McGee had 49 hits on the season with 10 doubles and three home runs.
Infield
Lanie Phillips, Sr, 2B, Newton County
Why she’s here: Phillips finished out an outstanding season for the Lady Cougars this past season. The East Central Community College signee led the team with a .453 batting average. She scored 43 runs on the season and had 27 RBIs. On the base paths, Phillips was 25-of-25 in stolen base attempts.
Maeli Ben, Fresh., 3B, Newton County
Why she’s here: Ben also emerged as a standout at the plate for the Lady Cougars this season. Ben was third on the team with a .420 batting average and was second on the team with 29 RBIs.
Kate Gladney, Jr., SS/P, Lake
Why she’s here: Gladney was a do-everything player for the Lady Hornets. On the mound, Gladney led the Lady Hornets in innings pitched with 128 as she had a 2.285 ERA and 94 strikeouts and got both wins in the 2A championship series. At the plate, Gladney had a .434 batting average and a .480 on-base percentage. She ended the season with 49 hits, nine doubles and three home runs.
Brantlee McGee, Freshman, 3B, Lake
Why she’s here: McGee also emerged in the lineup for the Lady Hornets this season and played a solid third base. At the plate, McGee was the Lady Hornets’ third leading hitter with a .431 batting average. McGee had a .475 on-base percentage with 47 hits, six doubles and five triples.
Outfield
Laneisha Palm, Soph., OF, Lake
Why she’s here: Despite not starting to begin the season, Palm emerged as a threat at the bottom of Lake’s lineup. A left-handed slapper, Palm had a .386 batting average with a .444 on-base percentage. She had a two doubles, a triple and a home run with 21 stolen bases. She also has interest from Pearl River and Holmes.
Z Bell, 7th grader, OF, Newton County
Why she’s here: Bell was another youngster in coach Justin Chaney’s lineup this season and emerged as one of their best run producers this season. Bell had a .405 batting average and had 31 RBIs.
Josie Gibbs, Jr., OF, Lake
Why she’s here: Gibbs played a solid right field for the Lady Hornets this season and emerged as a threat at the plate as well. Gibbs hit .396 and had a .421 on-base percentage. She had 42 hits on the season and 10 doubles.
Utility
Lilly Hollingsworth, Jr., SS/P, NCA
Why she’s here: Hollingsworth was the Lady Generals best player this past season, helping the team to the Class AA state tournament. Hollingsworth led the team with a .418 batting average. She was also NCA’s best pitcher with a .3.528 ERA and 61 strikeouts. Hollingsworth is also a standout tennis player, teaming with Belle Hollingsworth to win the Class AA girls No. 1 doubles this past season.
Brelie Phillips, Fresh., SS, Newton County
Why she’s here: Phillips had a solid season for the Lady Cougars while playing shortstop. Phillips had a .424 batting average and had 19 RBIs.
Laurel Breland, Sr., 2B, Lake
Why she’s here: Breland had a down season at the plate but struggled to start the season after having ankle surgery during basketball season. But the Copiah-Lincoln Community College signee had a .333 batting average and a .421 on-base percentage. She ended with 35 hits, seven doubles and one home run.
Honorable mention
Ashlyn Mathis, Sr., Newton County Academy
Belle Hollingsworth, Jr., Newton County Academy
Cayden Alexander, Sr., Newton County Academy
Anna Grace Blount, Sr., Union
