BHC LPD softball preview

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Lonesome Pine District Softball Preview

Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008 - 12:18 AM


BY Tim Hayes
Sports Reporter

Gate City and Coeburn are no longer in the Lonesome Pine District. However, the LPD still has a softball powerhouse.

Powell Valley should be one of the area's top softball teams this spring, and the Vikings are the district's preseason favorite.

The Vikings won the Region D championship last season, beat John Battle in the Group A state quarterfinals and then lost to eventual state champion William Campbell in the state semifinals.

Coeburn and Gate City left for other districts in Region D due to VHSL realignment, but the LPD is still expected to be competitive.

J.I. Burton, Appalachia and J.J. Kelly are expected to be PV's top challengers within the district.

The following is a look at each of the district's six teams:

POWELL VALLEY

It's no wonder the Vikings are the favorit,e as head coach Paul Clendenon returns eight starters from last year's 22-6 Region D title team.

It all starts in the circle for the Vikings as sophomores Kaylla Holdway (10-2 last season) and Marie Chandler return. The two can also hit, as Holdway hit .450 and Chandler posted a .375 batting average last spring.

Returning in the field are catcher Cassie Sturgill (.400 batting average, three home runs last season), first baseman Tasha Trent (.300), second baseman Mandy Blanton (.275), shortstop Chabrae Roark (.375), third baseman Rachel Thompson (.385) and outfielder Morgan Haines. That is a pretty formidable lineup.

Also seeing time will be Ashley Broyles, Carissa Blanton, Chelsea Wise, Erica Gilliam, Erica Long, Brittany Bishop and Cassie Chadwell.

J.I. BURTON

Burton has experience, a productive batting order and a proven pitcher. That's why the Raiders are expected to give Powell Valley a run for the top spot.

Seven starters return from last season, including junior pitcher Hannah Hampton, first baseman Alex Scott (.313 batting average), second baseman Brittni Wilson, shortstop Maggie Buchanan, third baseman April Hamilton (.442) and outfielders Chelsea Forney and Sheena Tate.

Junior Hannah Stewart is also back and will move from third base to catcher. Meanwhile, Hamilton converts from catcher to third base.

Others expected to contribute for head coach Jon Bright's team are Breanna Stallard, Brandy Hampton, Cassie Godsey and Ra'Shelle Miller. Freshman Chrissy Buchanan should also pitch some innings.

J.J. KELLY

Experience will be a key trait for Kelly, which returns a host of veteran players.

The Indians opened the season with a 15-5 victory over Haysi last Wednesday, as four-year starter Kalen Collins tossed a five-hitter.

Jaydee Brewer is back for Kelly after missing last season with a knee injury and she banged out four doubles in her season debut. Samantha Brummette and Kaely Mullins also shined in the Indians' season-opener.

APPALACHIA

Appalachia enters the season without star pitcher Erin Wilson and three other mainstays. The team also has a new coach in Mark Williams.

However, the Bulldogs do possesses some of the top hitters in the LPD.

Anchoring the lineup will be senior catcher Lauren Howard (.321, two home runs, 18 RBIs, 19 runs), along with shortstop Becca Estridge, outfielder Courtney Barnett and junior third baseman Catherine Rainey (.373, 16 RBIs).

Also contributing in the lineup will be Chelsea Boyd, Teryn Mullins, Erica Boggs, Lindsie Stacy, Breanna Chandler and Elizabeth Barker.

The biggest question mark will be pitching. Estridge and Boggs both saw time in the circle last year, while Boyd should also get some innings.

CLINTWOOD

Clintwood won just three games during a rough last season. The Greenwave are already off to a 2-0 start this spring.

Pitching has carried Clintwood so far, with Courtney Rose and Roxanne Hillman turning in gems in wins over Ervinton and St. Paul.

Catcher Samantha Robinson will be the top hitter for head coach David Vanover's team, while other players to watch are outfielders Katie Scott and Brittany Hall.

With a cast of talented young players and a new softball facility, there is plenty of enthusiasm for the Greenwave entering the season.

POUND

Pound lost six starters ? including pitcher Sarah Bentley ? from last season's 10-14 team. However, the Wildcats due have one of the LPD's top players in senior catcher Brooke Stidham.

Stidham hit .400 last season en route to earning All-LPD honors. Second baseman Sarah Hartsock also returns.

Rounding out the Wildcats' lineup will be first baseman Katie Stallard, third baseman Stephanie Cantrell and outfielders LaKreisha Isaac, Tabby Rose and Samantha Balthis. Carissa Mullins and Samantha Balthis could split time at shortstop, while Stacy Bowman or Cassie Stallard could be the designated hitter.

Candace Shortt, Sarah Hartsock and Caitlin Adams will handle the pitching duties.

"I feel by the end of the year ? if we stay healthy ? we will be competitive in the tournament," Pound coach Randy Shortt said.