Charlotte-area softball preview: Top players, teams to watch this season
The Observer’s preview of spring sports teams and athletes continues today with softball.
Charlotte Observer Softball Teams to Watch
Alexander Central: The reigning 3A state runners-up are loaded with talent once again with four all-state performers back, including senior pitcher Faith Carrigan (Lenoir Rhyne commit), classmate Chesney Stikeleather and sophomores Ava Chapman and Kirstyn Herman. The Cougars will have a new challenge in the postseason as they move up to class 4A.
Cannon School: The NCISAA 4A state runner-up are eager to prove they can get back in championship contention and have the pieces led by all-state performers in senior pitcher/third baseman Sidney Rose (St. Bonaventure commit, .479, four home runs last year) and junior Brie Briddle (.471, 29 RBI last year).
Charlotte Christian: The Knights return their entire team from a squad that won the NCISAA 4A state championship last year. This year, Charlotte Christian will look to seniors Wynne Gore (N.C. State commit, all-state 17-2 with 167 strikeouts last year), M.C. Eaton (University of Virginia commit, all-state, .590 with 10 home runs last year) and freshman Anna Hinde (all-state, .589 with eight home runs), to lead them to another state championship run.
South Caldwell: The Spartans feature one of the state top pitchers in junior Kadie Becker (Charlotte 49ers’ commit), who was 10-2 with 88 strikeouts in 74 innings of work. Becker had a 1.42 earned-run average last year, while also hitting .488 with nine home runs and 25 RBI. Becker will have a lot of help from senior Kenley Jackson and juniors Kaylee Anderson and Chloe Phillips also back in the lineup for a consistent 4A state contender.
West Stanly: The Colts were 20-0 last year on their way to their second straight 2A state championship. This year, West Stanly will have to reload a bit, but will look to senior Ashlyn Hughes and junior Carmen McRae to help be a legitimate threat to go for a three-peat.
Charlotte Observer Softball Players to Watch
Jenna Borkey, Hough: The Presbyterian University commit is a four-year starter is a career .433 hitter with 30 stolen bases and 40 RBI in a Hough uniform.
Kaylan Brown, Mountain Island Charter: The Raptors’ senior third baseman (.644, nine triples, 27 RBI) part of a potent, Mountain Island Charter offense with classmate, Camden Gerland (.644, seven doubles, 27 RBI) that took them all the way to the 1A state semifinals last season.
Emma Campbell, South Stanly: The senior first baseman (.436, three home runs last year) is part of a solid core, including juniors Alexis Harward and Kassie Swink and sophomore Mary Hinson who are back in the lineup from a team that was 1A state runner-up last season.
Emma Clarke, West Rowan: The Falcons’ sophomore first baseman impressed as a freshman hitting .432 with five home runs, 16 RBI.
Betsy Eatmon, East Lincoln: The UNC Greensboro commit and all-state catcher also excels at the plate, hitting .527 with six home runs, 30 RBI to power the Mustangs. Senior Taliyah Thomas (USC Upstate commit) hit .550 with five home runs, 33 stolen bases.
Kaylin Garlick, Hickory Grove: The two-time all-state selection hit .432 with four home runs to lead a potent Hickory Grove lineup with junior Cameron Fisher (.407, 21 RBI) and sophomore Kalyn Taylor (.436, 22 RBI).
Ellie Goins, Mooresville: The N.C. State signee back to power Blue Devils after hitting .524 with seven home runs and 29 RBI as a junior.
Gracie Hollingsworth, Union Academy: The University of Evansville commit and all-state pick is a key player at the plate. Last yeare, she hit .538 with four home runs, and on the mound she had 140 strikeouts with a 2.29 ERA (PAC 7, 1A conference pitcher of the year).
Grace McKee, Ardrey Kell: The USC Upstate commit and all-state junior centerfielder has hit .476 with five doubles, a home run, 14 RBI and 22 runs in the last two seasons.
Linda Moore, Lake Norman: The Lander University signee, an all-state senior, is a four-year starter. Overall, Moore is 24-6 with a school-record 208 strikeouts in her Wildcats’ career, and she also hits over .500 at the plate.
Jillian Thomas, Piedmont: The Wingate University signee, an all-state pitcher, is back to lead a Piedmont team (15-1 last year). Last year, Thomas was 13-1 with 162 strikeouts and five shutouts in 87 innings of work, while also hitting .458 as a junior.
Katriel Williams, Marvin Ridge: The North Carolina A&T signee, an all-state centerfielder, hit .500 last season with 26 stolen bases. She’s part of a powerful lineup with classmate Mauri Murray (Elon University signee, five home runs last year) and sophomore Anna McGowan (.523, three homes runs, also pitches).
Interesting Notes
Ahead of the Class: Metrolina Christian (13-6, NCISAA 4A semifinalist last year) features two players who aren’t in high school yet -- all-state 8th grade shortstop Alaina Griffin and second baseman Reagan Loving, who is new to the school.
School Record: Charlotte Christian tied a school record with 17 wins last year on their way to a NCISAA 4A state championship.
Winning Tradition: West Stanly is 76-4 over the past four seasons, winning the last two, 2A state championships.
This story was originally published February 25, 2022 at 6:00 AM.