Look for a reunion at Lagoon Park
Commentary by Charles Prince
The North Jefferson News
It’s sometimes better to trust a gut feeling than trust your friends. Last spring, with the state playoffs for softball and baseball approaching, I was on the phone with Brandon Shields, the former sports editor of The Cullman Times. The conversation turned to softball and I explained to Brandon how good the sport was in the North Jefferson area, telling him I was sure at least two of my AHSAA teams would make it to Montgomery for the state softball tourney.
Brandon was skeptical and told me I shouldn’t be too sure about any of my teams getting to the state tourney, because anything can happen once the postseason gets under way.
Well, it turned out my gut feeling was right. Two local clubs, Corner and Mortimer Jordan reached the state tournament.
This season, my gut is telling me something completely different. I have a hunch that four local clubs will be playing at Lagoon Park for a state title come May.
First, Mortimer Jordan proved their worth by beating 6A power Hueytown, once in the county tournament. They’ve got most of their third place finishing team from last year back, along with three new players—Blair Johnson, Alyssa Linn and Danae Hayes—who have stepped in and played liked veterans.
Then there’s Gardendale. The Lady Rockets don’t have a dominant pitcher, but their defense is solid and their hitting is picking up the pace over this time last year. They were ranked No. 2 in Class 5A last week, but will likely slip after winning only one game at the county tournament, but don’t count Gardendale out of the state 5A tournament. After missing out on trip to Montgomery in 2007, I’m expecting them to get there this May.
In 4A, Corner looks strong again. Senior Elizabeth Allred is back to led the pitching staff and the Lady Yellow Jackets have all their key hitters from the last two clubs to reach state. I’m expecting a third-straight trip to Lagoon for Corner.
A fourth area school, I’m expecting to make it to Lagoon, is the Fultondale Lady Wildcats.
New head coach David Reed has inherited some good players off last year’s club that reached the sub-state playoffs. Last year’s core group is being reinforced by several players new to the varsity.
Freshman Shelbi Smith threw a no-hitter in her first varsity game. After three starts, she has allowed only three earned runs this spring. Camden Marrs has also shown well in the pitching circle. Smith, Marrs and experienced hurlers Cadi “Boo” Oliver and Britani Howell, give Reed four quality pitchers to choose from. The club has shown flashes of being a good hitting team as well. I think they have enough pieces in place to reach Montgomery.
I’m expecting a North Jefferson reunion in Lagoon Park this May, with four local schools competing for their respective state titles.