By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Houston finished last season as district champions with an 18-win record. Now seven who led that team to the championship return for their senior year.
“I told them I’m excited for the year to get going, but I’m not excited for it to come to an end,” said head coach Jim Moore of his seniors. “They have had a lot of success and are a pretty special group.”
Pitcher Aliyah Walker is a two-time SCA conference player of the year and will play shortstop when not on the mound. The senior had 14 wins last season and went .500 at the plate as the lead-off hitter. “She did a great job of getting on base and being a tone-setter for the rest of the offense,” said Moore. “I think she’ll have another big year.”
Senior Rhease Manier will return to right field. “She has a powerful bat, a good arm, and is a good athlete,” said Moore. “We look forward to her continuing her success.”
Madi Reed is a senior second baseman who also had a solid junior year and hit .500 at the plate. She had a huge double play to end the game in the district championship game and a great year fielding, as well as three homeruns.
Last year, Katie Chipps (now a senior) broke her hand the night before the first game and missed the year due to injury. “She was a big loss for us last year, but she is healthy and ready to roll,” said Moore. “She does a great job behind the plate and is a vocal leader. She has a pop in her bat, hits in the middle of the order, and has a chance to drive in runs.”
Senior Carly Curtis, centerfielder, had a big junior year in outfield and looks to take control of it again. “She has good speed, can run down balls in the gaps, and when she gets there, she catches it,” said Moore. “Carly has a solid arm and the ability to throw a player out at the plate or third base.” Moore noted Curtis also batted in the .400s as second in the order and was reliable to move Aliyah when she got on base. “She is a tough out due to her speed,” he added.
Maddy Riley, senior, returns to left field. “She improved all year at running down balls and has good speed,” said Moore. “She made big, diving plays. She knows her role and does it well.” Riley is skilled at putting the ball in play as a batter at the end of the lineup, adding pressure to the defense.
Mackenzie Bryan, first base, has a good glove and pop in her bat. “A lot of these seniors are getting college looks, and she is one of them,” said Moore. “I look forward to seeing what she can do this season.”
Isabel Richardson was a big contributor for JV last season and will now compete for spots on varsity. Coach Moore said the senior “does everything right.”
Junior Kelsey Pritchett pitched whenever Aliyah wasn’t on the mound and went 4-0 last year. She also can cover first base and DH. “Kelsey contributes big on the mound and at the plate,” said Moore. “She drives home a lot of runs. Kelsey is another year older and in a junior leadership position, so I’m excited to see how she grows and what she does for us. She can give us more time on the mound to relieve Aliyah and I look for big things out of her.”
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Maddie Holder has been putting in the work in the weight room and working on hitting as well and will push for playing time this season. Anna Gale is a backup catcher who can also play first base. She is capable of putting the ball in play and hitting it hard and driving in runs as well. These two will compete for spots.
Lacey Cavaness, sophomore, is an athlete with speed and a good glove. “If she develops at the plate, she’ll be hard to beat out at third base,” said Coach Moore.
Sophomore Sophia Crites played shortstop last year for JV. She is another strong athlete with a good arm and speed. “Sophia has a chance to compete at the plate and will help us out there,” said Moore. “She also makes good plays in the outfield.”
Classmate Micah Chipps is another athletic and speedy player who can cover infield and outfield. Micah can pinch run and put pressure on the defense.
While Houston is returning many pieces of the puzzle, three graduated key players will be tough to replace. Hannah Dzurick handled big moments as shortstop and was a smart position player. She hit over .500 and had four homeruns on the year. Third baseman Mali Brookshire could make a play on any ball hit to her. She led the team in batting average and had three homeruns, including a three-run homer in the quarterfinal game. Mackenzie Holder took over as catcher when Katie got hurt even though her natural position was at right field. “Without her, we wouldn’t have had the year we had,” said Moore. “She never complained about being back there, and I am proud of how she stepped up.”
The Lady Tigers currently have 23 on their roster. “The theme of the year is that we have a lot of girls who can play, and practice will be very competitive,” said Coach Moore. “Our depth is a strength for sure, but our defense is our biggest strength. We take a lot of pride in our defense. Team speed is also huge for us, and we have girls who have some pop in their bats. Keeping the ball in play is one of our top strengths. “
Coach Moore said he wants the girls to succeed but is looking forward to just watching them compete. “They know they have to earn playing time and a lot of girls can play different positions. I want to see them do their thing, to play hard, and if we do that, we will have a chance to be successful. I’m looking forward to enjoying the ride with them.”
