Massey more than just player of the year in my book
Liz Massey may be the Starkville Daily News All-area High School Fast Pitch Softball Player of the Year, but she's more than that to me.
She is family.
The outstanding East Webster pitcher and I share a connection through a grandparent.
Her great grandfather, J.D. Massey, was my step grandfather. He married my grandmother on my mother's side, Rose Bradford Massey, after my grandfather Pete Bradford passed away. He died before I was even born.
Even though J.D. was not a blood relative, we became close with the Massey family. I especially remember those Fourth of July barbecues at their place as a child, which included Liz's grandfather Felix.
With those memories, it didn't hurt my feelings one bit when Liz's coach, John Harris, nominated her as player of the year. For the record, I did not do the nominating. That came straight from Harris in a message to our high school beat writer Robbie Faulk. I did support Harris' decision that Liz was the most deserving of the honor.
There were many Lady Wolverines that could have been selected player of the year, including Class 2A State
Championship Most Valuable Player Peyton Flora, but Harris said East Webster would not have been in a position to win a state title if it had not been for Liz Massey.
I didn't get to see Massey pitch as much as I wanted to during her career, but in the times I did and through the reports of Faulk, it became evident that she was something special in the circle.
Massey had the ability to shut down opposing offenses and gave the Lady Wolverines a chance to score enough runs to pick up victories over the years.
East Webster played well, especially down the stretch of this season, and was able to pick up the ultimate prize this year with the state championship.
The Lady Wolverines outscored defending champion Lake 25-2 to win the trophy. Massey pitched well, but the offense delivered in a big way.
There were many challenges along the way for East Webster, but each one toughened it up and prepared the Lady Wolverines for what was to come in the postseason.
Harris said many times this season that the players at
East Webster “do things the right way,” and that focus was what led to the success the team experienced.
Even though the Lady Wolverines lose some players off that team, they should be in a position to make another run at the title next season by continuing to follow the formula of doing things the right way.