The Paragould Lady Rams have a rich softball tradition as they are looking to get back to the postseason under new head coach Jarrod Bailey( served as assistant last season). Paragould finished last season 11-3 and 8-6 in the tough 5A-East. The Lady Rams tied for fourth in the league, but missed the state tournament on a tiebreaker. With the majority of the lineup returning and strong pitching back, Coach Bailey is looking to lead his squad back to the postseason. Lexis Covington will return to the circle and a power spot in the lineup. Covington has good velocity and is able to locate all pitches while providing power to the lineup, playing third when she isn’ t pitching. Brookelyn Key is getting more consistent from the rubber and gaining velocity, so Key could provide some pitching depth. She also gives great energy at second base and in the lineup. Madison Martin is a gap to gap hitter for average who will play the outfield, and fellow outfielder Kinley Glasgow is a patient hitter who has strong swings from the leadoff spot. Catcher Hadley Luke is a team leader that hits in the heart of the order, while Madison Farmer will play fast in the outfield and hit seventh in the order. A number of newcomers will add to the experienced roster. Super athlete Ava Beasley is fast with a strong arm. She will help defensively and has a strong bat from the left side. Lyliee Chambers will provide more depth to the pitching staff, while Brooke Sanders could work herself into the lineup with her speed. Ava Perkins and Cadince Young will provide some defensive depth to the infield. Coach Bailey likes his team speed, especially on the defensive end, but lists some keys for his team to have a successful season. He believes his team can have a great year if they continue to improve their overall knowledge of the game and situational awareness. If the Lady Rams do the little things right, they could return to where they are accustomed to being. Paragould was so close to reaching the state tournament last season, and NEA Sports predicts they will return with the experience and coaching they have returning.
After finishing 11 – 16 last season, the Paragould Rams are looking to take a step forward in 2026. The regular season concluded on May 6, 2025, but with a strong returning core and improved depth on the mound, Head Coach Jacob Giles believes this year’ s group has the pieces to compete consistently at a high level at Paragould High School. The Rams return several impact bats led by senior shortstop Avery Dearing, who hit. 403 with a. 473 on-base percentage and 19 RBIs last season. A low-strikeout, all-fields hitter, Dearing projects as a topof-the-order catalyst both offensively and on the mound. Behind him, catcher Oliver Earnhardt(. 361 BA,. 462 OBP, 20 RBIs) brings elite plate discipline, striking out just seven times in 91 plate appearances. His ability to control the strike zone makes him another strong candidate near the top of the lineup. ZK Lanej(. 333 BA) returns as a dynamic presence with speed and competitiveness, while Trevin Wallace anchors center field with range and top-of-the-order ability. Foster Winn provides defensive stability at first base along with high-upside power potential. Jacob Huffman adds versatility across the infield and outfield, and senior Wyatt Eckles brings leadership and defensive flexibility. Transfer Isaac Howard is expected to slot into the middle of the order, adding power to an already balanced lineup. Freshman Jake Kingston and Alex Luke will compete for key utility roles, while Khalil Simmons offers plus power as he continues to develop defensively. The Rams’ top four arms headline the team’ s biggest strength. Dearing( low-to-mid 80s, three-pitch command), Howard( low 80s with a sharp curveball), Huffman( advanced off-speed mix), Eckles( three-pitch command and competitiveness), Winn( improved velocity and breaking ball), and Lanej( unique arm slot with heavy arm-side run) give Paragould multiple options to attack opponents. With a solid lineup from one through nine and reliable arms at the top, Paragould’ s biggest question will be finding the right defensive combination. If the Rams solidify their defensive identity, they have the talent to turn close games into wins and make meaningful progress in 2026.
After a 1 – 15 campaign last season, the Newport Lady Greyhounds are entering 2026 with a renewed mindset and youthful energy. Under head coach Keely Mason at Newport High School, the program is focused on building a culture rooted in effort, toughness, and belief. Newport returns several players who gained valuable experience last season. Liliana Ramirez anchors first base and has shown the ability to find ways to reach base while advancing runners. At shortstop, Elyza Rodriguez brings power potential to the lineup and could provide a spark in key moments. Rylin Shelton offers flexibility between third base and the outfield, embracing whatever role benefits the team most. Sophie Haigwood adds versatility and steady energy, capable of contributing at multiple positions, while Eliana Gomez gives the Greyhounds speed on the bases and range in the outfield. The pitching staff will take on a new look this season. Freshman Peyton Stanfill steps in as the projected starting pitcher, bringing high-level experience, a strong work ethic, and the ability to locate her pitches. Her grit and composure will be vital as she takes on a significant workload. Newport’ s future is bright with a talented freshman class ready to contribute immediately. Addison McCullar, the starting catcher, brings a big bat and high upside behind the plate. Outfielder Keleigh Cook adds a strong arm and athleticism, giving the defense additional range and potential. The Lady Greyhounds will lean on energy and aggressiveness. Solid defense will be essential to support their young pitcher, and offensively, they must generate runs through timely hitting and productive outs. While pitching depth and overall experience remain areas of growth, game reps and live at-bats will accelerate development. If Newport continues to embrace its culture of confidence and defined roles, this young group has the opportunity to make meaningful progress throughout the 2026 season.