The Bay Yellowjackets made a late season run all the way to the 2A state quarterfinals last year . After losing their top two pitchers , including all-state selection Duck Fletcher , and the core of their lineup to graduation , this year ’ s version of the Jackets will have to have some guys step up into newer , bigger roles . Superintendent Luke Lovins will take over coaching duties this season as the Jackets will see their fourth head coaching change in four seasons . He will look to some returners who helped in their state tournament run which includes the entire outfield . Drew Long , Kaden Hartley , Seth Spencer , and Jacob Willard all got starts in the outfield last season . Cayden Richardson returns at third base and looks to provide offense in the heart of the lineup . Richardson has breakout potential behind the plate and on the mound . Will Ashlock also returns across the diamond at first base . Ashlock has worked on being more selective at the plate for the upcoming season . Reed Crocker returns at shortstop for his senior year and has worked to improve hitting the ball to both sides of the field . Crocker will be the heart of the team . He really developed at the shortstop position last year but will need to step his game up at the plate . On the mound , Richardson had some quality innings last year and has improved his control . Hartley also looks to build off some solid appearances last season which included a strong pitching performance last season against Palestine Wheatley that propelled them to the regional tournament finals . Crocker and sophomore Jaden Dacus will also provide some depth to the pitching staff . Sophomore Cade Spencer contributed to last year ’ s state tournament run . His bat really began to find the ball late in the season , and he could end up batting near the top of the order . Will Cossey will has experience but will be tasked with catching at least early in the season after Fletcher and Landon Therrell did all the catching duty over the previous two years . Seniors Hayden Scott and Cooper Gipson return after a few years away from the diamond , along with Justin Brannen who looks to make an immediate impact . Coach Lovins will need guys to step up into bigger roles this season . “ These guys have spent lots of time this offseason working on being selective at the plate and moving runners ,” he said . “ Pitching and timely hitting is always the key to success in baseball . It will be important for the pitching staff to establish themselves early in the season and for the defense to make plays behind them . Limiting the number of walks and pounding the strike zone will be important .” Look for the Bay Yellowjackets to battle for a regional berth this season in hopes of making another postseason run .
The Bay Lady Yellowjackets will rely on pitching and strong defense to improve on last season ’ s record . Coach Derrick Stroh has five core returners along with a long list of new , talented faces to complete the turnaround . Madison Sutter leads the returning group . Sutter will spend a lot of time in the circle for the Lady Jackets , along with playing third base and catching some . Mercedes Willwerth will do most of the catching and play some outfield , while Mackenzie Walsh will be at first base . Savannah Oldman will show her range at shortstop , while Madison Lawrence is a utility player that can play most anywhere . Several new faces will hope to contribute immediately . Andi Lowery and Anna Rolland could see some innings in the circle . Lowery could also play shortstop , while Rolland could be at third base or in the outfield . Lattie Larkin could also be in the outfield along with Baylie Walsh and Gracie Gilmer . Larkin and Gilmer could also see time at second base . Morgan Sparks could land at first or third base , while Raegan McMasters and Hadleigh Boozer are utility players that will fill in where needed . Addy Tyler will help Willwerth behind the plate with catching duties . Coach Stroh will rely on basic softball principles in hopes of seeing improvement . “ Strong pitching and playing solid defense will be crucial to our success ,” he said . “ On the offensive side of the ball we need to be able to put the ball in play and take advantage when we have runners in scoring position .” Look for a better season for the Bay Lady Yellowjackets .