Johnsonville softball looking to peak at end
Johnsonville softball looking to peak at end
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Johnsonville – Sports is not so much about how you start but more about how you finish. Teams can slug along for most of the season, get hot at the end, and win a championship.
The goal of every coach is for their team to be peaking when the games matter most. Johnsonville softball coach Walter Clark is no different.
As of April 13, the Flashes were 6-8 overall but seemingly playing better each time out, according to Clark.
“We’re doing pretty good, competing very well,” the coach said. “Sometimes its hard to gauge because of how good our region is. We literally could finish anywhere from second to sixth. Any of the six teams can beat another team on a given night. That’s a good thing because I think this region prepares you for the playoffs. We see good pitching every night and the teams are so well-coached.
“We were in a different region last year and made the final four bracket of the Lower State. The other three teams were from this region and now we’re in it as well.”
The region consists of Latta, Hannah-Pamplico, Lake View, Carver’s Bay and Green Sea Floyds. The Flashes have a win over Hannah-Pamplico and lost to region leader Latta by a run.
After some experimenting, Clark feels he has settled on a lineup and that has helped the team perform better. He says defensive improvement has been a key as well.
“Playing better defense has been a key of late,” the coach said.
Junior Natalee Taylor is back as the team’s No. 1 pitcher and Clark says she has been more consistent this season. Senior Blair Coker is behind the plate and is a two-time all-state selection for Class A. Coker is one of the offensive leaders as well. She delivered a walk-off grand slam in a win over Green Sea Floyds earlier this season.
Sophomore Mallory Prosser is playing first base and junior Allison Eaddy plays second base.
Eighth-grader Claire Cook is playing shortstop and hitting leadoff while sophomore Payton Wall plays third base and has provided home run power this spring.
The team’s other senior, Sadie Stone, starts in right field. She is joined by junior Brianna Lawrimore in center and junior Charley Tippett in left. Junior CJ Smith also has seen action in the outfield.
“Our goal is to just keep improving and staying consistent,” Clark said. “We have a competitive group of girls and we just want to be peaking at the right time. I think this team can play with any team in the Lower State.”
The baseball team also has sights set on a strong finish and extended playoff run. Second-year head coach Carson Carroll feels the Flashes are in a good place.
“I think this team has gelled a little better. We have great leadership and it’s a competitive group. I really believe these guys enjoy each other and they are working hard for the same thing. Having talent is important but I don’t think you can underestimate chemistry.”
The Flashes were 10-4 overall and 7-2 in region 6-A play as of April 13. The Flashes are in the mix for a region title but teams like Latta and Lake View have proven to be strong as well.
Senior Landyn Cribb and sophomore Jackson Eaddy have been among the top hitters in the state early on. Eaddy hit .655with 14 RBI early while Cribb is at .654 with seven RBIs.
Sophomore Larkin Powell is hitting .464 and senior Cole Dennis is hitting .444 with nine RBIs. Junior Caden Jackson is hitting .346 with 10 RBIs and sophomore Gavin Marlowe is hitting .386 and is the No. 1 starter on the mound.
