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 Saturday, April 24, 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 …
MOJO 2022/23-HENSON
Extra Elite Eighty 16U Ranking: 62
Head Coach: JOSH HENSON
2020 Summer Record: They went 40-11-5 with notable wins over the Gold Coast Hurricanes, Carolina Elite, Williamsburg Starz Gold, EC Bullets, Texas Glory, Atlanta Premier and Atlanta Vipers.
2020 Fall Record: They went 16-4-1 with quality wins over the Tampa Mustangs, GA Impact and Fury 2022.
Top Finishes at Major Events: 3rd place at the 2020 USA Softball JO Cup.
Has your team earned an invite to PGF Nationals or AFCS? They have an invite to the USA Softball JO Cup this summer.
The Returners:
- Saylor McNearney (2022, 3B/UT, a D1 work ethic with a refuse-to-lose attitude)
- Tameka Henson (2023, C/2B, a defensive machine behind the plate, impressive range at 2B and a true love for the game that’s hard to match)
- Kennesaw State-commit Stella Henry (2022, OF, track star speed, which will drive other teams crazy)
- Abbie Reel (2022, 2B/UT, a clutch performer)
- Allison Sparkman (2023, P, the right-hander throws in the low/mid 60s and she’s ready to take her place among the best 2023s in the country)
- Maddy Bacon (2023, OF, one of the strongest 2023 outfielders in the country)
- Middle Tennessee State-commit Lexi Medlock (2022, OF, has a team first outlook and is willing to do whatever it takes to win)
- Jenna Morgan (2022, OF/UT, arguably the best athlete each and every time she steps on the field)
- Brooklyn Gonzalez (2022, 3B/UT, an offensive weapon with a never-give-up attitude)
The Newcomers:
- Alianna Thompson (2023, C/1B, extremely mobile on defense and sneaky strong on offense)
- MaKenzie Henderson (2022, C/1B, a cannon behind the plate and a monster bat at the plate)
- Reece Simpson (2022, P, this right-hander can spin it as well or better than any pitcher in the country and she can control the game with little to no emotion)
- Tella Baird (2024, MIF/UT, a Swiss army knife with a skill set that’s really hard to teach at this age, tremendous range and a super fast release while providing some consistent power at the plate)
What will it take for your team to be successful this season?
“Unity!” Henson said. “As long as this team sticks together and continues to love each other and they continue to keep the ‘We over Me’ attitude, there isn’t anything that can stop this group of young ladies. If we continue to pitch well, hit well and play defense well, there isn’t a team in the country we cannot compete against.”
Can you describe your pitching staff?
“The best way to describe our pitching staff is ‘Methodical and Cerebral.'” Henson said. “Our pitching staff understands the game and they know what it takes to continue to grow. They do a wonderful job of keeping hitters off balance and never giving into the batter regardless of the situation. Allison Sparkman was a major factor for our overall team success in the fall as she led the team in wins while coming through in some very tough spots. She is looking forward to building on that success this summer while solidifying her spot as one of the premier 2023s in the country. Reece Simpson is looking forward to coming in and making an impact Day 1. This young lady is one of the smartest pitchers you will ever watch pitch. She has pitched on some of the biggest stages against some of the best teams in the country and the moment never seems to big for her. At the end of the day, you will hit the pitch both of these young ladies want you to hit thus creating the outcome we want.”
*** Scroll down to read more on the Mojo plus a great tribute to college pitcher by the Dallas Mavericks!
