Trending

Fall 2017 Preview: Camdenton Softball

By Matt Turer – mturer@ky3.com
@Matt Turer

Camdenton had the season I expected in 2016 after returning pretty much everyone from a 21-win team in 2015. The Lakers went out and won 25 games and took their district championship over Willard before falling, 7-3, to state runner-up Blue Springs South in a tough-luck sectionals draw.

I had the Lakers at the top of the Ozarks Sports Zone power rankings all season, and, even now, I think that’s where they belonged. If not for getting Blue Springs South so early, this team probably would’ve had a deep run.

The Lakers don’t return as many starters this season as they did last year, and they lose high-end talent in Kristyn Carpenter (OC MVP), Kelly Uthe (OC Pitcher of the Year) and Kylee Compton—but they should still be the favorites in the Ozark Conference, and it starts with Haile Farris.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF THE FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS

Farris went 8-1 as a freshman with a 1.67 ERA and 0.86 WHIP, striking out 76 in 54.2 innings with a fastball that already touches the mid-60s. She should be Camdenton’s unquestioned No. 1 this year after splitting time with Uthe and Compton in 2016. Farris brings it at the plate as well. She hit .412 with a 1.081 OPS in 2016, showing some power with two home runs while scoring 29 runs and driving in 26.

Camdenton’s top offensive threat is junior outfielder Shelby Webster. Webster’s 53 RBIs last year were Top 10 all-time in state history. She knocked four homers and 12 doubles and scored 36 runs. Junior catcher Fayth Rakes (.481 AVG./1.119 OPS) is back too after a great sophomore year. Other returning starters are senior outfielder Jillian Selander (.338 AVG./25 R/3 3B) and junior outfielder Emma Uthe (.284 AVG./2 HR/30 R/25 RBI).

The Lakers open their season in the Sullivan Tournament this weekend. Their home opener is scheduled for Aug. 24 against Glendale. Two intriguing early games include a visit to Hillcrest on Aug. 22 and a home game with West Plains on Aug. 29. The Zizzers should challenge Camdenton for a conference title after the Lakers handed them their only conference loss in 2016.