SEEKING ANOTHER TITLE … Despite the loss of some key players, the Hilltop Lady Cadets have their sights set on an eighth consecutive BBC championship.
By: Nate Calvin
There will be new coaches and plenty of young players in the BBC this season, but one thing remains the same, Hilltop will be the team everyone is chasing.
The Cadets are seeking their eight consecutive league championship under coach Tom Schaper.
Ten letterwinners are back for Hilltop led by pitcher Kodi Brenner as the Cadets despite losing some offense to graduation, still expect to be able to put runs on the board.
Teams are listed in order of their finish in the 2019 league standings. Stats and records shown below are from the 2019 season.
1.Hilltop (18-8, 11-1 in BBC; Lost to Edon 9-8 in Division IV Sectional Final)
Head Coach: Tom Schaper-9th Season
KEY LOSSES: From 2020-Maddie Schaper (P/3B) .391 avg, 34 hits, 24 RBIs, 10 doubles, 37 runs, .495 OBP; Katelynn Smith (OF) .421, 32 hits, 18 RBIs, 4 doubles, 33 runs, 24 stolen bases; From 2019-Haley Stephens (SS/3B) .446, 40 runs, 41 hits, 32 RBIs 12 doubles, 2 HRs; Ashlyn Figy (OF) .254, 2 doubles, 14 RBIs
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kodi Brenner (P/SS), Sara Barnum (1B/OF), Hannah Riley (OF), Alex Horton (UTL), Lana Baker (P/1B/SS), Americus Maddox (C), Lenna Baker (C/UTL), Kacy Connolly (OF/C), Holly Jermeay (OF)
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Arleigh VanArsdalen (OF)
SEASON OUTLOOK: While the Lady Cadets return a relatively young group this season, they also return plenty of offensive firepower.
With 322 runs scored in 26 games and an impressive .401 team batting average in 2019, Hilltop should be able to put runs on the board.
“As experience grows and defense continues to improve throughout the season, we should be able to field another competitive squad in 2021,” commented veteran coach Tom Schaper.
After graduating just four-letter winners over the last two seasons, Hilltop have ten returning letterwinners vying for a share of varsity playing time this season.
Veteran pitcher Kodi Brenner (senior) will continue to be the mainstays in the pitching circle for Hilltop this season. Junior Lana Baker will see innings as well this year according to Schaper.
“While we return ten letter winners to our BBC Championship squad from 2019 season, we’re still fairly young and are liable to experience growing pains as the girls continue to grow into their roles on the team”, Schaper continued.
“Additionally, junior Alex Horton is returning to action after recovering from a knee injury she suffered during basketball in 2020.”
“As long as we continue to learn from our mistakes and keep a positive attitude in the process, we should be able to remain in contention for an eighth straight league title.”
While Schaper expects his Cadets to content for another BBC title, he views North Central and Montpelier as presenting the biggest challenges in the league for Hilltop.
2. Edon (12-7, 9-2 in BBC; Lost to Ayersville 6-1 in Division IV District Semifinal)
Head Coach: Paula Fry-1st Season
KEY LOSSES: Claire Radabaugh, Alea Brandt, Zoe Maier, Alex Jacoby
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Paige Briner (CF), Carlie Kiess (3B/SS), Ashley Kaylor (OF/3B, Allison Kaylor (1B)
SEASON OUTLOOK: After a lost season last year, it’s a fresh start for the Lady Bombers. Edon has four returning lettermen that have provided the underclassmen with guidance and high expectations for this season said first-year coach Paula Fry.
“They lead by example and all have a passion for the game. There is an excitement around the program and a new foundation that is being created and positive driven experience for the players that will carry over after the season”, added Fry.
Edon will be a very young team as they lack experience in pitching and certain positions in the field said Fry when speaking of some of their weaknesses entering the season.
3. Montpelier (8-14, 8-4 in BBC; Lost to Evergreen 6-1 in Division III Sectional Semifinal)
Head Coach: Andy Robinson-1st Season
KEY LOSSES: Haley Rose (P), Sarah Higbie (P), Courtney Pease (OF), Keiylee Bentley (C), Tory Steffes (OF), Kenzie Nemire (OF), Kennedy Caudill (2B)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jessi Bumb (SS), Emily Fritsch (CF/2B), Cadey Hilliard (P/OF)
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Alyssa Custer (C), Kaycee Humbargar (OF), Bianca Phongphiou (3B/P)
SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Locos promise to be a young but talented team for new coach Andy Robinson.
They will be inexperienced on both offense and defense and despite low numbers Robinson said they have strong leadership from the veterans they do have and have a strong competitive mindset.
“We have an expectation to be competitive not only in our own league but also in the surrounding area.”
“We have a solid group of older girls that can help build up the program, and younger girls who are willing to work to get better to get us where we want to be”, explained Robinson.
4. North Central (8-9, 6-5 in BBC; Lost to Edgerton 19-5 in Division IV Sectional Final)
Head Coach: Joe Fidler-8th Season
KEY LOSSES: From 2019-Macie Willson (C)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kendee Hollstein (3B) .373 avg, Jazmine Hendricks (2B/3B) .150, Makayla Meyers (P/1B) .395, Alexia Miller .313
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Kendall Sutton (P/SS), Isabelle Burnett (P/SS), Makinzy King (1B), Emma Fidler (C/OF), Kailysa Hickman (IF), Macie Gendron (UTL), Kaytee Tomblin (UTL), Darbi Stewart (P)
SEASON OUTLOOK: North Central has strong numbers this season as they have enough to field a JV team.
Coach Joe Fidler hopes the younger kids will push the returners for positions stating the Eagles have decent depth at every position, including pitching.
“We will be young without a lot of varsity experience”, said Fidler. “We will work on improving every day and competing in every game. We should be competitive in the league!”
5. Stryker (5-13, 5-7 in BBC; Lost to Edon 17-6 in Division IV Sectional Semifinal)
Head Coach: Amanda Chrisman-1st Season
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Caitlyn Lyons, Ariane Dangler, Marissa Meyers, Haylee Fulk, Abbie Meyer, Gabby Ramon
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Sage Wollace, Adysen Andres, Emma Fulk, Taylore Rethmel, Karah Gerescher
SEASON OUTLOOK: Stryker coach Amanda Chrisman in one of four first-year coaches in the BBC heading into the 2021 season.
“This season we look forward to developing into a competitive softball team by focusing on fundamentals and working together as a team”, said Chrisman when giving the season outlook for the Panthers.”
“We will look to our freshman class to fill key positions on the field and have leadership from Caitlyn Lyons, one of two seniors, on the mound.”
“We have been working hard this pre-season and look forward to competing this season!
6. Pettisville (2-15, 1-11 in BBC; Lost to Holgate 10-0 in Division IV Sectional Semifinal)
Head Coach: Lexie King-4th Season
KEY LOSSES: Mackenzie Morgan, Heather Sauder, Libby Cerda
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors-Kaylee Grimm, Kenzi Rivera, Elise Hartzler; Juniors-Mya Meck, Angie Rosillo
SEASON OUTLOOK: Pettisville will put a young squad on the field this year for fourth year coach Lexie King as they to improve on 2019’s 2-15 record.
“Though we have a solid young core, our numbers aren’t where they need to be yet to allow for unexpected injuries or sickness that may happen throughout the course of a season”, commented King when previewing the upcoming season.
“We have a really fun group of girls who work hard and have great attitudes.”
7. Fayette (1-16,1-11 in BBC; Lost to Ayersville 20-0 in Division IV Sectional Semifinal)
Head Coach: Lauren Yoder-1st Season
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Alexus McClain, Aslinn Meeker
SEASON OUTLOOK: Fayette will feature six returning letterwinners this season led by senior Kyla Berg who was Honorable Mention All-BBC last year.
New coach Lauren Yoder says her Lady Eagles will be strong on the infield but will have plenty of newcomers who have shown an interest in playing for the first time.
“I’m excited to work with this group of young ladies who have a passion for playing the game. We are more than ready to get back on the field this season and show our improvement from past seasons.”
Nate can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com