By Charles Prince

The North Jefferson News



FULTONDALE — New Fultondale head softball coach David Reed isn’t shy about telling anyone who will listen, he thinks the Lady Wildcats have a bright future.

“These girls got to the first round of sub-state last year and I’m expecting us to get to at least the second round this year and perhaps beyond,” Reed said. “There’s enough talent here that if we get a few things fall into place, this club could reach the state tournament this May.”

Reed, who brings a 120-38 career record after four seasons as the Oak Grove softball coach, has a young squad to work with—Chelsey McCombs is the club’s only senior.

Reed has a solid foundation to build on, as three members of The North Jefferson News All-North Jefferson softball team return this year—eighth grader Cadi “Boo” Oliver in the pitching circle and in the infield, and juniors Haley Hill at catcher and Britani Howell in the pitching circle and in the middle infield.

Oliver hit .475, scored 1.5 runs per game, won nine games in the pitching circle and struck out 103 batters in 99 innings of work.

Hill hit .355, scored 23 runs and drove in 24 more, besides providing solid defensive play behind the plate. Howell hit .372 with eight doubles, 26 RBIs and 28 runs scored.

This season, Oliver and Howell share pitching duties with freshmen Shelbi Smith, Camden Mars and Kelsey Hubbard.

“We’ve got five good pitchers,” Reed said. “I’m expecting us to have a strong pitching staff with all five getting a chance to throw.”

Hill will be joined behind the plate by eighth grader Riane Estes.

“We’ll be strong behind the plate,” Reed said. “When one of those two isn’t catching, they can help us with their bat.”

Last season, the Lady Wildcats finished second to Ohatchee in the sectional tournament and were forced to travel for the first round of the sub-state playoffs, but Reed thinks things could turn out different this year.

“We’ve got a chance to win the sectional tournament,” he said. “These girls played well last year and now they’re a year older and better.”