Lady Panthers toy with ever changing lineup
After suffering the most losses in the eight years coach Heidi Cox has been at Benton High School, this year could be even more in doubt, with only two senior starters returning in 2018. “We are going to be young in the experience section,” Cox said. “We have some kids who are coming in, and we may run a different lineup every game. “It is ample opportunity for us, if someone is not having a successful game, to rotate some people in and see what they can do.” Cox said this has been the lowest turnout for softball in her tenure, with only 16 kids on the team. “We have had some kids who have decided to go other routes,” she said. “It is going to take every one to step up. “We are going to need everybody to do a little bit of something to be successful.” The Lady Panthers finished 21-13 last year and third in the conference. They lost to Sheridan in the semifinals of the state tournament. Among those returning this year are senior pitcher and utility player Rylea Brimhall and senior catcher Madi Mehlin.
“We will use Rylea at third, shortstop and second,” Cox said. “She will mainly play shortstop or third, if she is not on the mound. “She will be our ace.” Last year, Brimhall made four appearances on the mound, finishing with a 2-1 record with a 2.76 ERA with 11 strikeouts and 5 walks. “She has very good speed and mixes her pitches very well,” Cox said. “She is not going to strike everyone out, but she is going to put us in the position where we can play defense and play it well behind her. “She is going to give us every chance on the mound to be successful.” Mehlin batted .233 last year with 7 RBIs and a run scored. She had a fielding percentage of .887 with 7 errors. “They are two seniors who have been in the lineup for four years,” Cox said. “They earned it. They are two stellar athletes. “They are the two hardest workers that I have ever been around.” Cox said that even as freshmen, Brimhall and Mehlin always set the tone for the players around them. “They are two of the best competitors we have ever had,” she said. “They are going to lead quite a bit this year, too. “A lot of the girls look up to them and respect them. They will have their hands filled.” Also on the mound this year will be freshman Tuesday Melton and sophomore Kinley Turbyfill. “We may work Kinley in at second base as well,” Cox said. “Those kids who are hitting — we will find them a spot on the field.” Sophomore third baseman Cayla Clayton was named Rookie of the Year last year by her team. She batted .286 with 5 RBIs and 7 runs scored. “She played an enormous amount of time last year,” Cox said. “She was our four-hole hitter, and this year, she may be moved up. “She was definitely a big player.” Cox said she is excited about the team’s outfield this season. “We should be able to control the outfield,” she said. “We have quite a bit of speed, so that’s fun and exciting.” Junior Mackenzie Ainsworth will play left, and junior Cortney Wilcox will play center field. Ainsworth played in four games last year, tallying 2 hits with 2 runs and an RBI. “They are two slappers who I am excited to see in the lineup as well,” Cox said. “They give us a lot of speed.” Junior Hannah Scruggs will play right field. “Our chemistry is good; we have a good time together,” Cox said. “We are there to help each other. “It is pretty amazing. We push each other to get better every day.” Junior Hallie Braley will be moved around this year as well. Cox said Braley could play infield or outfield. “She is hitting the ball and making contact and has found her way into the lineup,” Cox said. “She and Ainsworth found their way into the lineup last year.” Junior Skylynn Irving will be used as a designated hitter this year. “I’m looking for us to finish games and compete until the end,” Cox said. “Whatever the score may be, I want us to fight and have every chance until the last out.”