PREP SOFTBALL NOTEBOOK

Staff Writer junruh@oklahoman.com

Shawnee turnaround could lead to hosting regionals

Losing 26 games last season was actually beneficial.

That’s how Shawnee softball coach David Rolette views 2016. The Wolves went 3-26. A young team grew up, though.

That’s why with six freshmen in the starting lineup Shawnee has a chance to earn a spot to host a Class 5A regional tournament over the next week.

“It’s a combination of a lot of things,” Rolette said. “Obviously, the freshmen are really talented. But the girls we played with last year were probably not ready for varsity, but our numbers were so low we needed them. it was baptism by fire and they were thrown out there.”

Shawnee (17-8) is in second place in District 5A-3 with key games Thursday against Claremore, Saturday at district favorite Pryor and Monday against Coweta. Wins mean Shawnee hosts its first regional tournament since 2011.

“We’ve still got some work to do, but our fate is in our own hands,” Rolette said.

A big reason why is the emergence of freshman Tatum Sparks, the younger sister of former Shawnee baseball star and current Oklahoma State player Tanner Sparks. Tatum committed to OSU her eighth-grade year.

“She was recruited as a catcher,” Rolette said. “She is dynamite behind the plate, but we’ve got a senior catcher and she really, really helps us at shortstop.”

Rolette said catcher Tiara Blackshire and third baseman Kristin Haddox have also been huge.

No. 1 Dale cruising behind Manning

Reading the numbers out loud brought them to life.

Dale coach Andy Powell was looking at the statistics — .422 batting average, 44 RBIs, six home runs, 14 doubles and 19 walks.

“I say she’s not having too good of a year,” Powell said, his voice trailing off. “That’s not too shabby. I forget how good she is.”

He’s talking about junior Delanie Manning, a powerful hitter for Class 2A No. 1 Dale, which rolled through the district tournament Tuesday with two routs.

Manning has been excellent in the circle. Powell felt as if her offensive numbers were down from last season. They’re not and Dale looks tough to beat.

“She’s been trusting other people in the lineup and we’ve been swinging it better,” Powell said.

Powell also said Mikayla Rutland has been huge as the lead-off hitter. She leads the team with 45 hits and 37 runs scored.