By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Following McKenzie Morris’ fabulous freshman season for Thayer a year ago, the Lady Bobcats feel very good about their chances of upping their program’s streak of consecutive winning seasons to four.
Thayer was 17-5 last season, winning nine straight games before losing to Ava in the Class 2 District 4 championship game.
Morris’ debut season saw her post seven shutouts, a 2.04 ERA and collect 153 strikeouts. She was the South Central Association Player of The Year.
Not content, Morris’ work ethic is such that she has no off-season. She’s fresh from attending camps and showcases throughout the winter.
Thayer coach Denny Young is confident Morris’ sophomore season will top her freshman season.
“We look for even bigger things from her this year,” Young said. “She is constantly working to improve both as a pitcher and hitter.”
With Morris in the center circle, the Lady Bobcats figure to be exceptionally strong up the middle. They also welcome back returning starters in center fielder Kadyn Hiles and catcher Brett Tharp.
“We have tons of experience in those positions,” Young said. “Leadership from those girls will be important, but I have no doubt they can do that.”
Hiles was Thayer’s catcher two years ago, but moved to center last year to clear the way for Tharp to establish herself behind the plate. With both of them in the Lady Bobcats’ lineup last season, Hiles was an All-SCA Second-Team selection and Tharp received All-SCA honorable mention recognition.
“As far as what I look for from Hilles, the sky is the limit,” Young said. “She is a great athlete who can do great things defensively and offensively for us. I really dread for her to graduate.
“We also look for big things out of (Harp) again,” he added.
Thayer’s infield will try to make up for the loss to graduation of four-year starting shortstop Ashlee Jackson. The new leader of the infielders likely will be Savannah Jackson. She received All-SCA honorable mention recognition last season.
“Savannah has started at second base the last two seasons, but is capable of playing anywhere on the infield,” Young said. “I’m excited to see the competition for the infield because we have several girls who can fill those roles easily. Hattie Haynes, Crystal Edwards, Rylee Jo Sorrel, Brilee Ball all have experience in the infield, so it should be fun.”
Returning alongside Hiles in the outfield is Hattie Haynes, who split time between third base and the outfield last season. She received All-SCA honorable mention recognition a year ago.
“Competition will be high for starting spots in the outfield,” Young said. “We have several girls such as Rylee Jo Sorrel, Rylie Orf and Rorie Risner who have experience in the outfield, as well as incoming freshmen.”
Bailey Louge is a newcomer who will look to find a spot in Thayer’s lineup.
“I’m anxious to see what she can do,” Young said. “She is a great athlete with great speed and potential.”
As for Thayer’s offense, the Lady Bobcats averaged 12.1 runs a game in their 17 wins last season, but only 3.0 runs in their five losses.
“We have to be able to improve at the plate this year and with our consistency,” Young said.
Thayer will return to the Cabool Classic as defending champions. Another highlight of the Lady Bobcats’ schedule will be multiple matchups against Ava. Last year, Thayer lost two of three games to the Lady Bears.
Overall, Young is excited about his team’s possibilities to continue to win.
“If we can stay healthy and continue improving, I think we will have a chance to build on the last couple years,” he said. “This is a special group and a lot of fun to coach.”
