NO-HITTER … Hilltop senior Lana Baker winds up to deliver a pitch during her no-hitter last year at Fayette. (FILE PHOTO)
By: Nate Calvin
Hilltop will be in search of their ninth straight BBC title this year as they look to fill the void left by the graduation of a tremendous senior class.
The Cadets, who went 28-4 on the year, will bring back seven letterwinners from last year’s regional runner-up team.
North Central, Edon, and Stryker all return key players along with last season’s BBC runner-up Montpelier as they all look to knock Hilltop of the top rung of the conference.
As with baseball, the BBC schedule will have a new look this season with the addition of the Holgate Tigers.
In the past, teams faced each other twice with both games counting toward the league standings.
This season, while some teams will still play each other twice, just one contest will count in the league meaning instead of 12 BBC games, there will be just seven this year.
Below are the team-by-team previews for this season in order of last season’s league standings.
1. Hilltop (28-4, 12-0 BBC; Lost to New Riegel 8-3 in Division IV regional final)
HEAD COACH: Tom Schaper-9th Season
PLAYERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Kodi Brenner-P/SS (Hitting-.571 BA, 56 Hits, 70 RBIs, 14-2B, 74 R, 12 HRs; Pitching- 1.94 ERA, 136 Ks, 14-3); Sara Barnum-1B/OF (.414 BA, 48 Hits, 53 RBIs, 14-2B); Hannah Riley-3B (.450 BA, 50 Hits, 27 RBIs, 60 R, 26 SB); Americus Maddox-C (.370 BA, 17 Hits, 18 RBIs); Arleigh Van Arsdalen-OF (.292 BA, 23 R); Alex Horton-2B (.386 BA, 34 Hits, 28 RBIs; Out this this season due to injury)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors-Holly Jermeay-OF (.495 BA, 49 Hits, 25 RBIs, 60 R, 30 SB), Lana Baker-P/SS (Hitting-.550 BA, 55 Hits, 44 RBIs, 13-2B, 49 R. 5 HRs; Pitching-1.45 ERA, 14-0, 108 Ks, 77 IP); Leanna Baker-C/Utility (.383 BA, 23 Hits, 26 RBIs, 21 R); Kacy Connolly-OF/C (.351 BA, 33 Hits, 31 RBIs, 11-2B, 37 R); Jozlyn Jones-2B (.222 BA, 5 RBIs, 8 R); Ericka Dennison-DP/1B (.314 BA); Sophomore-Joscelyn Layman-P/Utility (.250 BA)
NEWCOMERS: Juniors-Matayvia Van Zile (1B/OF, Abby Austin-3B; Sophomores-Shealyn Martin (Utility); Freshman-Giada Rising (P)
STRENGTHS: Experience in key positions, pitching
WEAKNESSES: Filling holes left by graduation
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We return experience in key positions from our 28-4 team a year ago.”
“While we might not have quite as much offensive firepower as we had last season, we should still be able to consistently put runs on the scoreboard.”
“I will be hard-pressed to find replacements for my talented 2021 seniors, which included two-time BBC Player of the Year, Kodi Brenner.”
“With seven returning letter winners, however, we should be able to field another competitive squad in 2022.”
“Veteran pitcher Lana Baker (senior) returns after an impressive year in the circle last season.”
“Sophomore Joscelyn Layman and freshman Giada Rising will also see innings for us this year.”
While we return seven letter winners to our BBC Championship squad from 2021 season, we’re still looking to fill several holes left vacant by graduation.”
“Additionally, senior Alex Horton was sidelined for the second time in four years due to knee injuries she suffered during basketball in 2020 and 2022.”
“As long as we can find suitable replacements, learn from our mistakes, and maintain a positive attitude along the way, we should be able to remain in contention for a ninth-straight league title.”
“Because we are returning a solid core group of seniors this year as well as some solid new talent, I feel as though we’re among the favorites to win the league.
”I expect North Central and Montpelier to present our biggest challenges this season. I feel that both should field competitive squads again this year.”
2. Montpelier (8-15, 8-4 BBC; Lost to Archbold 13-5 in Division III sectional semifinal)
HEAD COACH: Andy Robinson-2nd Season
PLAYERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Jessi Bumb-SS (.386 BA, 24 RBIs, 24 R), Emily Fritsch-OF (.378 BA, 28 R, 16 RBIs, 24 SB), Ashley Caudill (.409 BA, 20 RBIs), Amy Prekop (.293 BA), Kyndra Abrams (.300 BA)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors-Cadey Hillard-C/OF (Hitting-.358 BA, 14 RBIs, 35 R, 26 SB; Pitching-61 Ks, 113 IP, 8-1, 6.00 ERA), Alyssa Custer-C (.441 BA, 30 Hits, 21 RBIs); Junior-Kaycee Humbarger-INF (.295 BA, 22 R, 14 RBIs, 14 SB); Sophomore-Addison Dick (.295 BA, 17 R, 11 RBIs), Bianca Phongphiou-P/INF (.500 BA)
NEWCOMERS: Seniors-Riley Rockey (INF/OF), Mikayla Hornung (INF); Freshmen-Kelsie Bumb (INF), Jada Uribes (INF), Lyla Mahan (OF/C), Madelyn Hopper (P)
STRENGTHS: Pitching
WEAKNESSES: Inexperience
SEASON OUTLOOK: “Once we gain some experience, I expect that we can compete with anybody that is on our schedule.”
“Our pitching will allow us to stay in more games this season while our offense looks to put up more runs than last year.”
“We will compete as one of the smallest schools in a tough Division III sectional but will be gunning to win our first sectional since 2015. We’re really excited for the program going forward.”
3. North Central (13-13, 7-5 BBC; Lost to Hilltop 19-2 in Division IV district semifinal)
HEAD COACH: Joe Fidler-9th Season
PLAYERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Kendee Hollstein (3B), Makayla Meyers (1B)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Riley Brown-.143 BA, Isabelle Burnett-.316 BA, Emma Fidler-.357 BA, Macie Gendron-.303 BA, Kailysa Hickman-.200 BA, Makinzy King- .477 BA, Kendall Sutton-.358 BA, Darbi Stewart-.267 BA
NEWCOMERS: Amara Wright, Lily Martin, Lilly McMillen, Ashlynn Martin
STRENGTHS: Athletic, experience, overall depth
WEAKNESSES: Tough schedule
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We have a very athletic group of kids coming back with experience from last year.”
“We made it to districts last year so they have some tournament experience and some taste of success.”
“If we stay hungry (and I think they will) then we will have a great 2022 season.”
“We will have a JV schedule for the second year in a row so that will ensure that all kids are gaining some experience and competing throughout the season.”
“We are looking to improve each day and be in the running for a league title and a tournament run come the end of the season.
T4. Pettisville (7-10, 5-7 BBC; Lost to Miller City 5-2 in Division IV sectional semifinal)
HEAD COACH: Lexie King-5th Season
PLAYERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Kenzi Rivera, Elise Hartzler, Kaylee Grimm
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors-Mya Meck, Angie Rosillo; Juniors-Alli King, Liz Rochefort; Sophomores-Ella Richer, Morgan Blosser
STRENGTHS: Work ethic, attitudes
WEAKNESSES: Low numbers
T4. Stryker (6-12, 5-7 BBC; Lost to North Central 16-4 in Division IV sectional semifinal)
HEAD COACH: Amanda Fritch-2nd Season
PLAYERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Caitlyn Lyons-P
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors-Haylee Fulk (P/OF), Marissa Myers (3B); Juniors-Abbie Meyer (2B/OF), Gabby Ramon (1B), Sage Woolace (SS); Sophomores-Adysen Andres (OF), Olivia Clingaman (2B), Brooke Collins (OF), Emma Fulk (C/OF), Laura Leupp (C/OF), Taylore Rethmel (P/C)
STRENGTHS: Returning letterwinners
WEAKNESSES: Inexperienced behind the plate
SEASON OUTLOOK: “Our goal this year is to be more competitive and get more wins in the BBC.”
“We have been working hard the past few months on hitting in hopes that this year we will be more successful at the plate.”
“The girls have what it takes to be a competitive team, we will just have to continue working hard to get there.”
T4. Edon (6-13, 5-7 BBC; Lost to Antwerp 15-4 in Division IV sectional semifinal)
HEAD COACH: Paula Fry-2nd Season
PLAYERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Paige Briner (CF)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors-Ashley Kaylor (INF), Carlie Kiess ((INF/OF), Allison Kaylor (INF); Juniors-Meghan Dick (P/OF), Mackenzie Spangler (P/OF), Emma Hickman (C), Emma Howard (OF); Sophomores-Grace Reitzel (INF), Ana Owens (OF), Jaycea Craven (INF)
NEWCOMERS: Marley Moyer-P, Allyson Derck OF, Mana Fukasawa-Exchange Student, Natalie Wofford-P, Zoe Guillemette-OF, Mena Ferreira Martinez-Exchange student
STRENGTHS: Returning experience, strong freshman class
WEAKNESSES: Young pitching
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We are looking to compete and find success in the BBC.”
7. Fayette (0-17, 0-12 BBC; Lost to Hilltop 25-1 in Division IV sectional semifinal)
HEAD COACH: Lauren Yoder-2nd Season
PLAYERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Kyla Berg (.395 BA, .425 OBP)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors-Emma Leininger, Jada Reinking, Leah Carnicom, Aslinn Meeker, Alicyn Brown; Sophomores- Emersyn Sinks, Baylee Willis, Alexus McClain, Jaden Collver
NEWCOMERS: Senior exchange student-Keitlyn Sepp; Sophomores-Jocelyn Morgan, Kenadie Ramay
Freshmen-Aysha Shade, Zoie Brown, Sophea Eller
STRENGTHS: Strong senior class, large group of underclassmen, pitching experience
WEAKNESSES: Inexperience due to large number of unerclassmen
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We have a great group of girls this year. I look forward to being competitive in our league this season, as well seeing large improvement from last season to this season.”
NEW LEAGUE MEMBER: Holgate (1-15, 0-7 GMC; Lost to Hilltop 22-0 in Division IV sectional final)
HEAD COACH: Ric-Howe-3rd Season
PLAYERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Lexi Kurtz-P, Bria Tijerina-INF/OF
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Senior-Therese Taylor-P/SS, Briannia Grime-3B/2B; Juniors-Paisley Wilhelm-P/SS; Sophomores-Madison Downing-CF, Kailie Hagerman-3B/2B, Lilly Kirkland-2B, Rachel Greenlaw-RF, Aubrey Pennington-P/1B, Graye Hagerman-RF
NEWCOMERS: Junior-Olivia Blaker-C/1B; Freshmen-Markee Wilhelm-C/P/INF, Madison Young-C/INF, Isabelle Blaker-P/SS/OF, Hannah East-P/INF/OF, Mya Tijerina (OF)
STRENGTHS: Good numbers, returning experience
WEAKNESSES: pitching experience
SEASON OUTLOOK: “Having only one girl with varsity pitching experience and I’m hoping our young pitchers can throw strikes.”
“How our young freshmen and sophomores perform will determine what kind of season we have.”
Nate can be reached at sports@thevillagereporter.com