Abbie Deeds pitching, Khamil Martin hitting and Kota Copley fielding might be enough of a softball team to win without the other six players in the lineup.
Those three players took top honors in the Ohio Valley Conference. Coal Groveòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Deeds was named player of the year, Irontonòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Martin player of the year and South Pointòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Copley the leagueòòò½ÊÓƵ™s top defender.
Deed, a senior, went 18-5 with a 1.35 earned run average to lead the Hornets to their second consecutive OVC title. In 140 innings, she allowed 73 hits, struck out 287 and walked 40. Deeds, who threw back-to-back perfect games against Fairland and Chesapeake, has signed with Shawnee State University.
Martin, a junior shortstop, hit 11 home runs, drove in 25 runs and batted .492 with three doubles and four triples. She slugged 1.169 and reached base at a .653 clip. Martin stole 13 bases.
Copley, a freshman fielded.940 at multiple positions, using her speed to get to ball that would have been hits against lesser defenders.
Coal Groveòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Aaron Rice was named coach of the year for the fourth time, the second at Coal Grove after twice taking the honor at Chesapeake. Rice coached the Hornets to an 18-5 record and the district finals.
Players making the All-OVC first team were Deeds, Rylee Black, Mia Haynes, Izzy Kitts and Kendall Taylor from Coal Grove; Martin, Aubrey Ferguson and Ava Bihl from Ironton; Kota Copley, Adyson Copley and Saratina Jackson from South Point; Isabelle Melvin and Charlee Long from Rock Hill; Caitlyn Galloway and Katie Ankrom from Portsmouth; Chloe Bennett and Ava Angel from Gallia Academy; Katie DeHart from Fairland; and K.J. Collins from Chesapeake.
Honorable-mention selections were, Braelie Hitchcock and Kasey Vanderhoof from Coal Grove; Layla Townsend and Braegan Thomas from Ironton; Kaylee Stidham and Joey Kidd from South Point; Alaina Wilds and Savannah Kidd from Rock Hill; Madison Brown and Karlee Galloway from Portsmouth; Reagan Skidmore and Maggie Davis from Gallia Academy; Ally Shepherd and Maggie Davis from Fairland; and Jaeden Anderson and Haylee Legrand from Chesapeake.
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