Hannah-Pamplico softball will contend in Lower State

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Pamplico – With several quality teams in the Lower State, it is difficult to pick a favorite to win the Class A Lower State softball title.

However, one of the teams that should be in the hunt this May is the Raiders of Hannah-Pamplico. The Raiders have been one of the top contenders for the last several years, winning the Class A state championship in 2023. The last three seasons have produced at least 20 wins.

While the early record of 5-7 overall and 3-2 in region play is not optimal, it is clear that if this team gets hot at the right time, another deep run is a possibility.

Coach Amber Knight has a handful of veteran players who have been a part of the recent success but the Raiders have yet to get clicking on all cylinders.

Nonetheless, several players are putting up solid numbers through April 7. One is junior catcher Meredith Stone, who was hitting .692 with three homeruns and 19 RBI through the first 12 games.

Senior outfielder Payten Poston was hitting .481 with 13 runs scored while junior outfielder Savannah Owens was hitting .370 with 10 RBI. Junior infielder Chloe Cooper was hitting .343 with 12 runs batted in.

Inside the circle, pitcher Kadence Poston, a junior, has been quite effective. Through 52 innings, Poston fanned 82 hitters while posting a 1.06 earned run average. Opponents are hitting just .150 against the Class A all-state candidate.

The only other senior on the roster this spring is Jadan Lee, a catcher and third baseman who has been a productive hitter in past seasons but has been limited to just five games early.

Two juniors are outfielder/second baseman Khloe Jones and first baseman Madison Newton. Sophomores include outfielder Logan Owens and outfielder/infielder Allie Nettles.

Rounding out this year’s roster are freshman infielder London Lee and seventh-graders Khloe Avant, Kaylie Avant and Ava Johnson.

The baseball team also looks to make the Class A playoffs. As of April 7, the Raiders were 4-7 overall and 2-3 in region play.

The top two pitchers this spring are Payton Farmer and Mason Smith.

Sophomore Jonah Poston is on the shelf early but should be a good hurler when healthy, Boone Johnson and Jackson Fitch also are expected to see time on the mound in various roles and situations.

Johnson is one of three returning starters on the infield at first base. Sophomore Kolby Hyman is back at second base while junior Davis Kimbrough is a steady glove at shortstop.

At third base is Ty Daves, who missed last season but was a starter two seasons ago.

New behind the plate this spring is sophomore Dewey Kimbrough, who looks to be a solid receiver.

Due to a football injury to centerfielder Jamarcus Williams, the Raiders have only one returning starter with senior Wade Poston back in left. Fitch will replace Williams and Daniel Chandler, the designated hitter last season, is working in right.