Messenger file photo by Chris McCarthy
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor
Several area softball players were recently named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s 2021 All-State softball first team.
Making the first team were Etowah sophomore pitcher Sydney Simpson and Etowah junior shortstop Abbi Martin in Class 4A and Southside junior Macey Herren in Class 6A.
Martin and Simpson were key components to the Lady Blue Devils’ 35-11 record and third place finish at the 4A state tournament. Etowah went 3-2 to exit one game short of the championship game.
In 181.2 innings, Simpson (pictured above) struck out 359 batters while allowing only 72 hits, 23 earned runs and 63 walks. She posted a 0.88 earned run average while going 23-6-1. . She helped her causes by batting .341 with 43 hits and 32 RBI.
Martin had 62 hits (including 12 doubles, eight triples and four home runs), 57 RBI, 50 runs, 18 walks and only three strikeouts while batting .488 with a .539 on-base percentage. S
Herren powered the Panther lineup with 56 hits (including 13 home runs), 52 RBI and 41 runs.
She finished with a .406 batting average and a .484 on-base percentage. Herren helped Southside win the Etowah County Tournament championship and finish fourth at the Class 6A East Central Regional Tournament.
Six local players were selected to the honorable mention team, including Sardis’ Adelyn Ellis and Harlee Vincent in 5A, Etowah’s Hally Bennett in 4A, Glencoe’s Abi Bunt and Hailey Hanners in 3A and West End’s Payton Canady in 2A.
A senior catcher, Bennett batted .378 with 48 hits (including six homes runs), 55 runs, 36 RBI and an on-base percentage of .467. A freshman catcher, Bunt collected 44 hits (including eight home runs), 28 RBI and 38 runs with only six strikeouts. She batted .484 with an on-base percentage of .583. A sophomore outfielder, Hanners end up with 39 hits (including seven home runs), 35 RBI and 24 runs. She struck out just six times while batting .455 with an on-base percentage of .455. A junior rightfielder, Canady batted .486 with 35 hits, 37 runs and 21 RBI. She was 24 for 25 in steal attempts and did not strikeout. She had an on-base percentage of .549.
2021 ASWA All-State softball
Class 7A
First team
Pitcher
Alea Johnson, Jr., Fairhope
Annabelle Widra, Sr., Spain Park
Hannah Pitts, Sr., Auburn
Emmah Rolfe, Jr., Bob Jones
Catcher
Aubrie Lisenby, Sr., Bob Jones
Infield
Kenleigh Cahalan, So., Hewitt-Trussville
Jenna Lord, Sr., Hewitt-Trussville
Lydia Coleman, Sr., Spain Park
Natalie Turner, Sr., Dothan
Outfield
Kristen White, Jr., Central-Phenix City
Bella Wiggins, Sr., Fairhope
Anyce Harvey, Sr., Hewitt-Trussville
Designated Hitter
Katie Schuler, Fr., Huntsville
Zahria Jones, Sr., Sparkman
Utility
Collier Peaden, Sr., Dothan
Crystal Maze, Sr., Hewitt-Trussville
Second team
Pitcher
Megan Shurtz, Sr., Bob Jones
Nicole Turner, Sr., Dothan
Sara Phillips, Fr., Hewitt-Trussville
Brookelyn Cannon, Sr., Hoover
Catcher
Campbell Hecklinksi, Jr., Hoover
Infield
Bella Cabral, So., Fairhope
Ryley Harrison, So., Fairhope
Kenley Hilleary, Jr., Austin
Emily Mizelle, So., Baker
Outfield
Charlotte Herron, Fr., Bob Jones
Dawn Autry, Sr., Oak Mountain
Jenna Williams, Jr., Thompson
Designated Hitter
Bria Allen, Fr., Central-Phenix City
Ella Pate, Jr., Thompson
Utility
Jayden Sawyer, So., Theodore
Mariami Hubbard, Fr., Huntsville
Honorable mention
Pitcher
Katie Bracken, Jr., Austin
Eleanor DeBlock, Jr., Thompson
Catcher
Harmoney Strong, Jr., Theodore
Gwynnie Hornibrook, Sr., Vestavia Hills
Infield
Cassie Reasner, So., Sparkman
Bella Myers, Fr., Huntsville
Outfield
Georgia Lessman, So., Enterprise
Madelyn Eiland, Sr., Mary Montgomery
Designated Hitter
Jasmine Crain-Walker, Sr., Tuscaloosa County
Laney Williams, Fr., Thompson
Utility
Riley Tyree, Jr., Hewitt-Trussville
Elaina Collins, Jr., Albertville
Player of the Year
Annabelle Widra, Spain Park
Pitcher of the Year
Alea Johnson, Fairhope
Hitter of the Year
Kenleigh Cahalan, Hewitt-Trussville
Coach of the Year
Taylor Burt, Hewitt-Trussville
Class 6A
First team
Pitcher
Emily Simon, Jr., Athens
McKenzie Newcomb, Sr., Hazel Green
Camryn Bailey, Jr., Helena
Ainsley Lambert, Sr., Spanish Fort
Catcher
Sarah Beth Brake, Sr., Gardendale
Infield
Marlie Giles, Jr., Chilton County
Karsi Lentz, Jr., Hartselle
Ellie Derrick, Sr., Oxford
Morgan Stiles, Fr., Athens
Outfield
Larissa Preuitt, Jr., Hartselle
Takya Garrett, Sr., Oxford
Mckenzie Brown, Sr., Springville
Designated Hitter
Macey Herren, Jr., Southside
Brianna Copeland, Sr., Pelham
Utility
Chalea Clemmons, So., Cullman
Hannah Buffington, Sr., Fort Payne
Second team
Pitcher
Reagan Cornelius, Sr., Springville
Alivia Wilken, Sr., Buckhorn
Madison Murphy, Jr., Decatur
Matti Morrow, Sr., Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa
Catcher
Jada Henderson, Sr., Hartselle
Infield
Blakelyn Austin, Fr., Muscle Shoals
Kaitlyn Smithey, Sr., Buckhorn
Ashlynn Campbell, So., Wetumpka
Makalyn Kyser, Jr., Springville
Outfield
Lexie Bennett, Jr., Scottsboro
Caroline Cartron, Jr., Hazel Green
Mya Holt, Fr., Wetumpka
Designated Hitter
Evi Edwards, Jr., Pell City
Tatum Bartlett, Sr., Springville
Utility
Tyler Erwin, Sr., Chelsea
Tia Titi, Fr., Oxford
Honorable mention
Pitcher
Katie Simon, Jr., Athens
McKay Yountz, So., Opelika
Catcher
Anna Carder, Jr., Athens
Macey Pierce, 8th grade, Chilton County
Infield
Kaelyn Jones, Fr., Hartselle
Alyssa Hastings, So., Buckhorn
Outfield
Jakaria Byrd, Sr., Homewood
Brooke Nash, Sr., Mortimer Jordan
Designated Hitter
Carleigh Bowden, Sr., Saraland
Linzie Wilson, Jr., Muscle Shoals
Utility
Sophia Gant, Fr., Gardendale
Raegan Wall, Fr., Hazel Green
Player of the Year
McKenzie Newcomb, Hazel Green
Pitcher of the Year
Ainsley Lambert, Spanish Fort
Hitter of the Year
Sarah Beth Brake, Gardendale
Coach of the Year
Shawn Maze, Mortimer Jordan
Class 5A
First team
Pitcher
Rylee Gattis, Jr., Alexandria
Rycca Hinton, Sr., Faith Academy
Ella Singletary, So., Ardmore
Katelin Booker, Sr., Satsuma
Catcher
Lexi Love, Sr., Tallassee
Infield
Gabby Stagner, Sr., Faith Academy
Lindsey Smith, Sr., Hayden
Kinsey Smith, Sr., Lincoln
Ashley Phillips, Jr., Alexandria
Outfield
Jaden Goodwin, Sr., Corner
Chloe Baynes, Jr., Tallassee
Sydnee Reaves, Jr., Central-Clay County
Designated Hitter
Mackenzie Cain, Jr., Charles Henderson
Paci Clark, So., Shelby County
Utility
Carlie Wilkins, Jr., West Point
Macey Ogle, Jr., John Carroll
Second team
Pitcher
Olivia Cummings, So., Corner
Ashton Moorer, Fr., Demopolis
Bronwyn Borden, So., Brewer
Aubrey Allen, Jr., Elmore County
Catcher
Raegan Clem, Sr., Ardmore
Infield
Becca Benton, Jr., Hayden
Ashlynn Stewart, Sr., Satsuma
Honor Slayback, Sr., Rehobeth
Gabbie York, So., Brewbaker Tech
Outfield
Bo Riley, Jr., Ardmore
Romona McLeod, Sr., Brewbaker Tech
Madison Stewart, Jr., Charles Henderson
Designated Hitter
Emily Moncus, So., Lincoln
Rylie Grisham, Sr., East Limestone
Utility
Kyndall Bailey, Sr., Ramsay
Miah Simmons, So., Hayden
Honorable mention
Pitcher
Maggie Mitchell, Sr., Marbury
Taniyah Brown, So., Brewbaker Tech
Catcher
Charlotte Phillips, Jr., John Carroll
Madilyn Sheffield, Sr., Satsuma
Infield
Belle Haynes, Jr., Tallassee
Adelyn Ellis, Sr., Sardis
Outfield
Harlee Vincent, Sr., Sardis
Mallory Ogle, Fr., John Carroll
Designated Hitter
Carmen Terry, Sr., Moody
Kensley Wesley, Jr., Shelby County
Utility
Brooklyn Henderson, Sr., Central-Clay
Kadie Grace Cooper, Sr., UMS-Wright
Player of the Year
Rylee Gattis, Alexandria
Pitcher of the Year
Rylee Gattis, Alexandria
Hitter of the Year
Lindsey Smith, Hayden
Coach of the Year
B.J. Darawich, Satsuma
Class 4A
First team
Pitcher
Hannah Price, Jr., Rogers
Jayci Boozer, Jr., Cleburne County
Sydney Simpson, So., Etowah
Hadley Burnette, Sr., North Jackson
Catcher
Gracie Suggs, Jr., Dale County
Infield
Mya Clark, So., Madison Academy
Jenna Madison, Fr., Curry
Alanna Aiken, Sr., Montgomery Catholic
Abbi Martin, Jr., Etowah
Outfield
Haley Ingram, Sr., Alabama Christian
Kylee Trotter, Jr., Curry
Chloe Chisenall, Sr., North Jackson
Designated Hitter
Ellie Partrick, Fr., Brooks
Peyton Hill, So., North Jackson
Utility
Becca Leigh Chadwick, So., Northside
Callie Richardson, 8th grade, White Plains
Second team
Pitcher
Alana Loyd, Sr., Cherokee County
Abby Lindsey, Fr., West Morgan
Caitlin Russell, Jr., LAMP
Paityn Holder, Sr., Madison County
Catcher
Reagan Walter, Sr., Priceville
Infield
Mackenzie Meadows, Jr., Madison Academy
Linley Tubbs, Jr., Curry
Abigail Garrison, Sr., Priceville
Makaley Boswell, So., Geneva
Outfield
Hannah Miles, Jr., American Christian
Kinley Pate, Jr., Northside
Alayna Key, Jr., Curry
Designated Hitter
Hailie Moody, Sr., Haleyville
Rose Costanza, Sr., Alabama Christian
Utility
Taylor Clegg, Sr., Gordo
Allie Tryon, Jr., Montevallo
Honorable mention
Pitcher
Alena Howse, Fr., Curry
Savannah Money, So., Ashford
Catcher
Lily Stone, Jr., Northside
Hally Bennett, Sr., Etowah
Infield
Lily Ponder, Sr., White Plains
Blair Darby, So., Munford
Outfield
Karly Jones, Sr., Rogers
Ja’Khia Htuchins, Jr., North Jackson
Designated Hitter
Emily Ahonen, Jr., Rogers
Lexi Dobbins, Jr., Hamilton
Utility
Karley Hill, So., Wilson
Shelby Allen, Sr., Dale County
Player of the Year
Jayci Boozer, Cleburne County
Pitcher of the Year
Hannah Price, Rogers
Hitter of the Year
Mya Clark, Madison Academy
Coach of the Year
Kevin Thompson, North Jackson
Class 3A
First team
Pitcher
Lily Boswell, So., Plainview
Leah Patterson, Sr., Pleasant Valley
Landyn McAnnally, Sr., Prattville Christian
Blayne Godfrey, Fr., Danville
Catcher
Sarah Williams, So., Prattville Christian
Infield
Elaine Puckett, Sr., Plainview
Tessa Word, Jr., Plainview
Jalia Lassiter, Jr., Flomaton
Jaysoni Beachum, So., Houston Academy
Outfield
Alyssa Harwell, Jr., Elkmont
Edy Gavin, So., Mobile Christian
Jersee Carter, Jr., Prattville Christian
Designated Hitter
Ashton White, Jr., Wicksburg
Alexis Milanowski, Jr., Houston Academy
Utility
Savannah Smith, Fr., Piedmont
Brilee Miller, Sr., Elkmont
Second team
Pitcher
Tori Taylor, So., Mobile Christian
Braya Hodges, Fr., Opp
Kennath Beth Lacy, 8th grade, Winfield
Katie Morris, Jr., Beulah
Catcher
Ansleigh Smith, Fr., Houston Academy
Infield
Grace Epperson, Sr., Piedmont
Caroline Brannon, Sr., Collinsville
Brandy Phillips, So., Beulah
Bailey Harris, Sr., Pleasant Valley
Outfield
Macy Baxter, Sr., Mobile Christian
Riley Sweeney, Sr., Prattville Christian
Halle Brown, Sr., Plainview
Designated Hitter
Madyson Cromer, Fr., Pleasant Valley
Sophia Wills, So., Collinsville
Utility
Zoe Veres, Sr., Dadeville
Mattie Havas, Sr., Houston Academy
Honorable mention
Pitcher
Cieara Baker, Fr., Slocomb
Catcher
Reese Franklin, Sr, Piedmont
Abi Bunt, Fr., Glencoe
Infield
Isabella Studdard, Jr., Reeltown
Anna Kate Crumpton, Sr., Winfield
Outfield
Hailey Hanners, So., Glencoe
Amaya Womack, Fr., Opp
Designated Hitter
Karlee Kimbrough, Sr., Colbert Heights
Linda Hill, Sr., Trinity
Utility
Kenadie Lee, Sr., Sylvania
Kennedy Burnette, So., Childersburg
Player of the Year
Tessa Word, Plainview
Pitcher of the Year
Landyn McAnnally, Prattville Christian
Hitter of the Year
Jaysoni Beachum, Houston Academy
Coach the of Year
Stan Pepper, Beulah
Class 2A
First team
Pitcher
Morgan Ferguson, Sr., G.W. Long
Riley Vaughn, Jr., Mars Hill Bible
Kennedy Barron, Sr., Pisgah
Bailie Hall, r., Sumiton Christian
Catcher
Marisa West, Jr., Leroy
Infield
Talee Sims, Fr., Randolph County
Kristin Wilson, Jr., Isabella
Teagan Revette, 7th grade, Orange Beach
Sydnee Fitzgerald, Sr., Falkville
Outfield
Jessie Baughan, Sr., Sumiton Christia
Molly Heard, Jr., Pisgah
Lila Kate Jr., Wheeler, Pisgah
Designated hitter
Mary Smith, Sr., Lexington
Jadyn Foster, So., Sand Rock
Utility
Gracie Ashley, Sr., Sumiton Christian
Bradyn Mitchell, So., Hatton
Second team
Pitcher
Hannah Payne, Sr., Locust Fork
Lila Blackburn, Sr., Red Bay
Abbey Steward, Jr., Spring Garden
Justine Henderson, 8th grade, Orange Beach
Catcher
Ava Hodo, 7th grade, Orange Beach
Infield
Neely Welsh, Jr., Spring Garden
Brantlee Wortham, Fr., Randolph County
Katelyn St. Clair, Fr., Sand Rock
Madeline Flammia, 8th grade, Pisgah
Outfield
Maggie Hester, Sr., Sand Rock
Avery Steward, 8th grade, Spring Garden
Ally Whitehead, Fr., G.W. Long
Designated hitter
Maddie McCrary, 8th grade, Sumiton Christian
Anna Kate Voce, Sr., Cold Springs
Utility
Kameryn Scales, Sr., Falkville
Laura Leigh Jr., Wheeler, Sulligent
Honorable mention
Pitcher
Makinely Turner, Fr., Thorsby
Maddy Walker, Sr., Vincent
Catcher
Makenna Long, Jr., G.W. Long
Catcher
Emma Kate Wright, So., Mars Hill Bible
Infield
Daigle Wilson, 8th grade Orange Beach
Savannah Neely, Sr., Locust Fork
Kayley Weaver, Sr., Leroy
Outfield
Sydney Vann, So., Lamar County
Payton Canady, Jr., West End
Designated hitter
Anna Grace Jr., Luker, Addison
Campbell So., Newell, Leroy
Utility
Lindsey Burnett, Jr., Thorsby
Ella Grace Hood, So., Sand Rock
Player of the Year
Kennedy Barron, Pisgah
Pitcher of the Year
Morgan Ferguson, G.W. Long
Hitter of the Year
Jessie Baughan, Sumiton Christian
Coach of the Year
Shane Alexander, Orange Beach
Class 1A
First team
Pitcher
Kaylee Navarre, So., Brantley
Ashley Maddox, Jr., Appalachian
Emma Dempsey, Sr., Belgreen
Olivia Treece, Fr., Skyline
Catcher
Campbell Grace Adams, So., Ragland
Infield
Kayden Dunn, Jr., Brantley
Nealy McManus, Jr., South Lamar
Jordan Henderson, Sr., Appalachian
Reagan Tisdale, Sr., Millry
Outfield
Addison Campbell, So., Ragland
Samantha Day-Jones, Jr., Ragland
Jennah Glass, Sr., Sweet Water
Designated hitter
Ainsley Watts, So., Brantley
Emily Hubbard, Sr., Decatur Heritage
Utility
Madalyn Scott, Sr., Covenant Christian
Alyssa Faircloth, So., Holy Spirit Catholic
Second team
Pitcher
Lana Atkins, Jr., South Lamar
Megan Roe, Jr., Sweet Water
Cana Vining, So., Athens Bible
Kyla Edmonson, Jr., Berry
Catcher
Jayla Ross, Fr., Skyline
Infield
Aidan Bellomy, Sr., Skyline
Mattie Payne, So., Cedar Bluff
Campbell So., Hawthorne, Brantley
Taylor Woodard, Sr., Appalachian
Outfield
Elaina Russell, Jr., Holy Spirit
Dacey Allen, Jr., Skyline
Elleigh Layton, Sr., Brantley, Sr.
Designated hitter
Sheonte’ Barginere, Sr., Brantley
Caitlyn Gant, Sr., Millry
Utility
Kiley Duncan, So., South Lamar
Ava Whitmire, Sr. Lindsay Lane
Honorable mention
Catcher
Claire Laubenthal, Jr., Holy Spirit Catholic
Allie Taylor, Sr., Berry, Sr.
Infield
Elizabeth Cross, So., Red Level
Erin Culp, Jr., Marion County
Outfield
Kyleigh Hollinger, Jr., South Lamar
Kelsey Wilson, Sr., Belgreen
Player of the Year
Kayden Dunn, Brantley
Pitcher of the Year
Kaylee Navarre, Brantley
Hitter of the Year
Kayden Dunn, Brantley
Coach of the Year
Slade Bellomy, Skyline