Defending state champions hope to return to Bogle Park
The Sheridan Lady Yellowjackets will have a big target on their backs after winning their second-straight 6A state championship last year. “Our athletes know we have a target on our back,” Sheridan head coach Tamara Strawn said. “We are the team to beat. Our goal this year to be the best defensive team in the state, an offensive threat and to be conference champs, to be grateful every day, to be accountable and to win state again.” Sheridan returns eight starters from last year’s 31-4 season, including five seniors. “We balance hard work and fun,” Strawn said. “We talk about being grateful and giving the best of ourselves each practice. “I know I speak for everyone when I say we credit our success to God.” Strawn said it is “truly an honor to be a part of these young ladies’ lives every day.” “We talk about it every day, how our program works, how we use each other’s strengths to strengthen our own weaknesses, and to give the best of yourself every day with no looking back,” Strawn said. “We can build confidence in everything we do. “We work on our mental side of the game with every fundamental skill and drill. Along with our mental side, we are working on base-running every day this year. “A new goal we have this year is to be more aggressive on bases.” Senior Maggie Hicks, who has committed to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, returns after batting .436 last year with 11 home runs, 14 stolen bases, 24 RBIs and 37 runs scored. “She is the top recruit in the state by far,” Strawn said. “She is fearless and lethal. She has the quickest hands, quickest feet … quickest everything. “When you think she should only have a single, she will show up on third base. She makes plays look easy that most athletes can’t make. “She has a heart of gold and will do whatever it takes to assist her team in being successful.” Alongside Hicks at midfield is returning senior Kylee Williamson, who batted .305 last year with 2 home runs, 19 runs scored and 14 RBIs. “She has the greatest eye at the plate and
always has a smile,” Strawn said. “She is a winner for sure. She and Maggie make a dynamic duo.” Strawn said senior Nicole Tompkins has one of the best arms in the state. “She throws anyone out at any time,” the coach said. “She hustles to make every play and has really improved her swing.” Tompkins finished 2017 with a batting average of .230 with 1 home run, 14 runs scored and 8 RBIs. “Kendal Ellison and Carley Strawn are our catchers,” Tamara Strawn said. “They are such a great team. They both work so hard behind the plate. “It is great to see them encourage each other behind the plate. Kendall works so hard and doesn’t let balls get past her. She is one of our leaders this year. “Our team admires her, and she is so positive. Her bat has really come alive, and it has boosted her into a bigger and stronger athlete.” Tamara said Carley, who batted .476 last year in 21 plate appearances, has “a great arm.” “She is super smooth behind the plate,” the coach said. “She has a powerful bat, as well, and sees the ball well.” Senior Sarah Moore batted .302 with 1 home run, 16 runs scored and 13 RBIs. “She will put the ball in play every at bat,” Strawn said. “She works on her hitting all the time, and it shows. She is great on bases.” The biggest drop-off for Sheridan this season may be on the mound, but Strawn is confident in a couple of underclassmen’s ability to step up. “Kassi Martin has a variety of pitches and can bring some heat,” Strawn said. “Her sister, Regan, was our leader and a big pitcher for us the past two years. “Savannah Carrigan is a sophomore who we feel will do great things. She may be small, but her pitches are big. She has some wicked spin on her ball.” Strawn said left-hander Kaitlyn Howard “brings a variety of pitches.” “She has a great bat as well,” Strawn said. “She is quick, and we are looking forward to seeing what she brings to our team.” Sheridan continues to schedule tough opponents in an effort to make a return trip to Bogle Park in Fayetteville. On the team’s schedule this year includes 7A defending state champs Bentonville, Rogers, 4A state champs Pottsville and 2A state champs Rison. “We are focused on becoming stronger and smarter as a team every day,” Strawn said.