Get on board with Extra Inning Softball’s regular feature, The Last Inning!
We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.
To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at info@extrainningsoftball.com and also los.extrainningsoftball@gmail.com.
Here’s our TLI for Friday, April 16, 2021 …
*****
EXTRA ELITE EIGHTY 16U SPOTLIGHT
The Extra Elite Eighty 16U Club Rankings were recently released and TLI will be taking a look at the teams that made the top 80 for the next few weeks.
Today the spotlight is on …
FINESSE-KISH
Extra Elite Eighty 16U Ranking: 77
Head Coach: MIKE KISH
2020 Fall Record: They went 30-12-1 with notable wins over Tennessee Mojo Blue 2022, Beverly Bandits Demarini-Richards, Finesse-Dreher/Lesko, Fury Platinum, Delaware Cobras and Midwest Speed and they qualified for Tier 1 to the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series this summer.
The Returners:
- Grand Valley State-commit Jenna Ballard (2022, OF/1B, a consistent power hitter with high defensive IQ)
- Kayla Giroux (2022, SS/UT, a fierce competitor great range and high softball IQ)
- Madison Hool (2022, 2B/OF, a golden glove with smooth hands, leaves it all on the field and a clutch hitter)
- Ferris State-commit Riley Kish (2022, OF, a consistent player)
- Kendall Spivey (2022, 3B, an explosive bat and the ability to make game-saving plays)
The Newcomers:
- Kate Westmiller (2022, 2B/OF, a hard-working athlete that has shown big improvements from an already solid performer. Great contact with the bat and just makes it happen at the plate. Defensively solid in the infield and willing to do what the team needs when they need it)
- Morgan Sizemore (2023, 1B/P, leads the team in every hitting category, huge bat with consistent power and the ability to win a game with one swing)
- Payton Ross (2022, OF, good speed, good power and strong arm)
- Sydney Long (2023, P, dominant on the mound, her competitiveness is contagious and can take over a game)
- Ashley Jo Hardesty (2023, C/3B, a well-rounded player with flashes of power at the plate)
- Marissa Mazoway (2022, DP/1B, consistent power at the plate)
- Halie Furkas (2023, C/3B, a strong arm and powerful bat)
- Maraina Smith, 2022, P, not committed, good speed and spin
What will it take for your team to be successful this season? “Continue to play with a chip on our shoulder,” Kish explained. “We have a lot to prove and in order to prove it we will rely on each other and take care of the team first.”
Can you describe your pitching staff? “When Sydney Long is on the mound, our team believes we will win,” Kish said. “She brings a dominating demeanor with her and it is contagious, the girls step it up a notch. Maraina brings a different spin and is a great complement to Sydney. We expect with Maraina’s offseason training, her velocity and control will be on point come summer time. Morgan is the youngster of the group, but the ceiling is high. Morgan has great control and can mix speeds with the best of them. The sleeper of the group is Kayla Giroux. Kayla was our top pitcher the last few seasons and can be used in key situations throughout the summer.”
Can you describe your team’s offense and what some of the strengths are? “Kate Westmiller seems to always find a way on and then we have few big bats like Kendall Spivey, Morgan Sizemore and Kayla Giroux that can move people around,” Kish said. “We have a strong hitting team and when we put a couple together that get hot at the same time, it can be exciting to watch. The name of the game comes down to timely hits and Madison Hool has won more games for me than anyone else. We added a few nice bats in the lineup this year with Payton Ross and Marissa Mazoway.”
Can you describe your team’s defense and what some of the strengths are? “COMMUNICATION and CARE!” Kish answered. “Our girls play for each other, that’s their way. Unselfishness and effort are the focus, they each want to be the reason the others succeed. Trust, they trust each other and that allows them to focus on doing their job.”
Do you have an interesting factoid about your team? “We have the BEST bench cheers and bench beats around!!!” Kish said.
*** Scroll down to read about Jackie Robinson Day, player signings/commits, our “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” Warrior of the Week and the best dancing dog you’ll see this month!
