Lady Leopards return key players, lack depth in cirlce

The Malvern Lady Leopards hope to improve off last year’s 19-9 record. Malvern did not make the state tournament, losing to Crossett 7-5 in eight innings in the first round of the regional tournament. Malvern’s top returning player is junior shortstop Abby Leming. “She hit 4 home runs last year with a .478 batting average,” Malvern coach Darryl Baker said. Malvern’s best pitcher is sophomore Hannah Hunter, who was 3-0 last year as the team’s backup pitcher. “She has gotten stronger and better on the mound,” Baker said. “She hit .375 as a freshman.” Sophomore Kim Summerville returns at third base. “She has a chance to be one of the best players to come out of Malvern,” Baker said. “She has the strongest arm on the team and is the best power hitter.” She hit .350 a year ago. Senior Paige Jones returns as the designated player. She hit .300 in 2017. “She will be counted on for leadership, and she always has a great attitude,” Baker said. Senior Chapre Sanders moves from left field to center. “She’s got a good glove and a strong arm,” Baker said. She hit .368 last season. Junior Kealie Barber returns as the right fielder. “She will be counted on for speed, and she has gotten better every year in the program,” Baker said. “I’m looking for her to have a breakout year.” Junior Kichelle Caradine will be counted upon this year. “She has the potential to be an outstanding hitter with power and average,” Baker said. “Hopefully, she will carry on the tradition of her sister Keyonna and cousin Octavia. “[Kichelle] will be battling for first base and left field.” Baker said sophomore Brandon Thomas is recovering from an ACL tear last year and will play either second base or right field. Sophomore Alexis Taylor will be playing first or designated player. “She will be counted on for a good bat and playing a good first base,” Baker said. Baker said his team’s strength is having five good returning players. Weaknesses include not a lot of depth or speed. “Pitching is also a weakness,” Baker said. “We’ve got a good No. 1 with Hannah Hunter. She just does not have a lot of experience in high school. We have no proven No. 2.” Baker said Leming, Barber and Summerville are working for that position. Baker said Leming has been offered a scholarship at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and that Summerville has some interests from schools. “Hannah Hunter has the ability to play college softball,” Baker said. The 4A-7 Conference is loaded, with Bauxite and Nashville being the top two teams, Baker said.