Quick Hits

The hit squad These players can smack the ball around the softball field: Cierra Hughes, Midwest City - She hit over .400 last year with little protection in the lineup from her teammates. She can carry the offensive load. Audra Chambless, Tuttle - The second baseman will have to add leadership to her strong hitting because the defending 4A state champions will start five sophomores this year. McKenzie Clemmons, Piedmont - She plays second base and third base. Wherever she plays, she shines on defense. She's even better on offense, where she hits the ball with power. Brittany Watson, Bethel - She is the leader and offensive catalyst for the Wildcats. Jennifer Broyles, Blanchard - The first baseman is the offensive standout on a team that many coaches fear to face this year. All over the field These players are versatile, being able to do a lot of things on the field: Tiffany Sanchez, Putnam City - She roams the outfield and provides strong defense. Then can come in and shutdown the opponents offense with her pitching. Ashley Brokeshoulder, Shawnee - She hits with power, drives in runs and can shut down the opponents with her pitching prowess. One of the best all-around players in the state. Katie Jirak, Piedmont - It's hard to get the ball past this leftfielder, who is one of the quickest players in the state. That speed also helps her get on base a lot. Amy Madden, Yukon - She is possibly the best catcher in the state, certainly in the Oklahoma City area. She can hit and guide the pitching staff. Amanda Alston, Deer Creek - She's been known to hit homeruns out of stadiums. And the four-year starter has the experience to shut down opponents with her power pitching. You can't touch this These pitchers give batters fits with their strong pitching: Sierra Bronkey, Edmond Santa Fe - Her pitching will be a key to keep the Wolves this season after losing a lot of talent from a year ago. The junior has the ability to shut down hitters. Chelsea Jones, El Reno - She is quickly becoming one of the best players in the state. She already is in 5A, where she shuts down opponents' offenses. Ali Manship, Harrah - Teams in 4A will now have to deal with the power and elusiveness of Manship's pitches. Kalynn Schrock, Choctaw - Not many coaches can remember the three year starter's name, but opponents wish they wouldn't have to face this little lefty. Top duos These duos team up to give their teams a dominant one-two punch: Julie Brunk and Amy Cregor, Mustang - When you have strong pitching then you always have a chance. Mustang has possibly the most dominant pitching duo in the state in Brunk and Cregor. Taylor Smith and Neesha Sorrell, Newcastle - Smith provides the power in the lineup and steady play at shortstop. Sorrels is quickly becoming a formidable pitcher. Katie Lynn and Drew Wright, Moore - The two seniors provide experience and leadership. Lynn is a power pitcher who has pitched the Lions to two 6A state championships in the past three years. Wright, a third baseman seems to always come through with the big hits. Kaci Quintero and Breyonna Phillips, Westmoore - Quintero is the best all around player in the state. She does everything well -- hit, pitch, steal bases and play defense. Phillips is a steady presence on defense at second base and comes up with strong hitting. Kelby Roberson and Caitlyn Marcum, Washington - Roberson is one of the best shortstops in the state with her strong defense and timely hitting. Marcum controls the pitching staff and can provide a strong bat as well. Teams to beat These are the top teams in the area: Moore - The defending Class 6A state champions have a clutch hitting, experienced team with a standout pitcher in Katie Lynn. Westmoore - The Jaguars have a lot of talent returning from a team that made their first 6A state championship fast-pitch appearance in school history last year. That experience, and the all around talents of Kaci Quintero, give Westmoore a good team. El Reno - The Indians have a strong offensive attack and the standout play of Chelsea Jones, who is quickly becoming one of the best players in 5A. Choctaw - The team almost seems to get forgotten about a lot despite making the state tournament a year ago. But the strong pitching and eight returning starters will make teams take notice in 6A. Newcastle - The strong pitching tradition for the Racers continue this season, which gives them a strong shot at winning the 4A state championship. Teams to watch Don't be surprised to see these teams battle for a state championship: Harrah - The Panthers drop down to 4A this year and quickly becomes one of the teams to beat with their strong pitching. Mustang - The Broncos have a balanced and experienced offensive lineup while having the luxury of throwing two standout pitchers as well. Watch for t his team in 6A. Piedmont - This team is fundamentally sound, which helps a lot because it plays in a lot of low scoring games. The Wildcats usually win a lot of those as well in 4A. Washington - The Warriors almost always have a talented team. This year is no different. They are still adjusting to moving up to 3A, but have a strong offense. Edmond Santa Fe - The Wolves lost two players who are playing at Division I colleges this year, but they have two strong pitchers to carry the load. Bethel - The Wildcats should be better offensively after fielding a young team a year ago. That extra experience should help the strong pitching staff win some more games in the move up to 4A this year. Dates to Remember Oct. 9-11 - Class 4A-B state championships at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium Oct. 16-18 - Class 5A and 6A state championships at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium