By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
MSHSAA announced on Monday, Mar. 16 that they would not be cancelling spring sports due to the Coronavirus. There will be delays to the start of the season and you can read the full MSHSAA release on spring sports by clicking here. Many area schools have called off classes and extracurricular activities through at least Apr. 3 and will reassess at that time. We will continue to post our spring previews. Please note that this preview was written before delays for the spring season were announced.
One word can summarize Skyline’s goal for the 2020 season.
Finish.
The Lady Tigers lost in their district title game the past two years.
Having the proper mindset will be key, said coach Shawna Bybee.
“Our biggest goal, and what we are hungriest for, is winning a district championship,” she said. “Each practice and game needs to be in preparation for the postseason. I’m eager to see how focused we are throughout the season.”
Skyline brings back a wealth of talent and varsity experience despite a young roster.
Kenzie Carver (utility/outfield) and Brooklyn Whitney (outfield) are Skyline’s only two seniors.
Carver moved from outfield to third base last season after an injury took out Skyline’s previous starter at the position. Carver should return to a starting outfield spot full time this season, Bybee said.
Whitney had nice contributions during Skyline’s district tournament run.
“Kenzie played a lot of roles for us,” Bybee said. “Her bat should pick up from last season now that she’s playing outfield full time. We look for Brooklyn to continue to grow and improve throughout the season.”
CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWS
The junior class is deep and talented.
Ella Dougherty returns at catcher after an all-state season. She led Skyline’s young pitching staff.
“She’s consistent and a good leader,” Bybee said. “She has a really good head on her shoulders and keeps our pitchers calm in stressful situations.
Keelie Holmes (shortstop) and Angelina Curtis (second base) return as third-year starters at their positions. Both made the Mid-Lakes All-Conference Team in 2019.
“Keelie’s our vocal leader,” Bybee said. “Angelina’s very athletic and leads the team as well. These two are a great duo up the middle. They really understand each year.”
Jazlynn Gillespie (1B/OF) and Bayleigh Hunziger (OF) played key roles in limited action last year.
“Jazz has a good arm defensively and helped us out in the infield last year,” Bybee said. “Her role may change a little this year, but we won’t know until the season starts.
“Bayleigh was great in her role as a courtesy runner. It was a big role for our team. She’s a hard worker and a great teammate.”
Lizzy Dillon (OF) and Leah King (OF) round out the junior class. Dillon had never played a sport in her life until last year; King is back after playing as a freshman.
“Lizzy really improved all last year. The best part was that her teammates were excited about all her achievements throughout the season,” Bybee said. “Leah’s very quick and a hard worker.”
Skyline welcomes back three sophomores who made major contributions as freshmen.
Lilly Whitten (P/UTL) had a fantastic start before her season ended prematurely with a shoulder injury.
“She’s worked really hard during her recovery to get back fully healthy for this spring,” Bybee said. “She’s a great athlete who does everything 100 percent.”
Jadyn Foster (P/UTL) became Skyline’s full-time pitcher after Whitten’s injury.
“She went through a learning curve for a few games but after that did a really great job as a freshman pitcher,” Bybee said. “She’ll continue to grow physically and mentally.”
Jorden Hodges (OF/DH) brings a powerful bat to the Skyline lineup.
“She hit a lot of doubles last year,” Bybee said. “She’s very strong and competed in big games against good pitchers.”
Skyline finished 21-7 overall last season, its best record since moving to spring ball in 2015. The Lady Tigers began the season on an eight-game winning streak.
Three of Skyline’s seven losses came against eventual state champion Lincoln.
Skyline graduated a pair of outfielders Kenzie Hash and Dora Foust. Both started multiple games for the Lady Tigers.
Skyline’s freshmen class includes Grace Edge, Kalli Eidson, Lexie Curtis, Emily Edwards and Abigail Hammer. Edge could be an immediate contributor, Bybee said.
“Grace is very strong, athletic and knows a lot about the game,” Bybee said.
“I tell my girls, ‘You have to stay hungry for the whole season,’” Bybee said. “To preach it is one thing, to do it is another. I want my girls to stay focus, love the game and show their fans they love the game.”
