Deer Creek School seniors Montana Haley and Mary Grace Hobart were once younger players on the Warrior softball team. Now that they are in their last year at Deer Creek School they say they want to do whatever they can to help their still developing teammates be successful.
Haley, a catcher, and Hobart, a first baseman, were once again out on their home field giving advice and encouragement Tuesday during Deer Creek’s 8-5 victory over Sharkey Issaquena.
On a team that starts a seventh grader, two eighth graders, a ninth grader and three sophomores, Haley and Hobart’s leadership has been instrumental to the success of the Lady Warriors.
“We love helping them get better because we were once where they are now,” Haley said. “We know that they are out there doing their best and that is all we can ask of any of us.”
During Deer Creek’s victory Tuesday, many of the younger players shined. Eighth grade starting pitcher Josie Azlin, for example, pitched six strong innings for the Lady Warriors. With the game still on the line Azlin pitched out of a sixth-inning jam to keep Deer Creek up by two runs.
After Azlin had to be taken out of the game with an injured arm after being hit by a pitch, seventh grader Kenzlee Wooley picked up the save by throwing a scoreless seventh inning, striking out two batters in the frame. Azlin’s injury will likely keep her out of action for the next week, Deer Creek coach Rob Ballinger said.
Lady Warrior youngsters have also been doing well at the plate. Players like Caylee Franks, Allie Bre Taylor, Ashlee Sluder, Hailey Gilbert and Mary Katelyn Whatley have each contributed to the nine victories Deer Creek has won so far this season.
The eclectic age range of his players has actually been a blessing, Coach Ballinger said.
“I believe we mesh better now than when they were all the same age,” Coach Ballinger said. “These girls really get along well with each other.”
Coach Ballinger said his team also gets great parental support which helps him a lot.
“Our goal is to make it to North State,” he said.
