By Chris Parker
Halfway has a new head coach in Jody Sharp this season. He was an assistant in the program for the past two seasons.
Sharp takes over a program that has been one of the most consistent in the Polk County League over the past decade with 10 consecutive seasons at or above .500.
Last season, Halfway won 22 games. Seven starters return from that team.
The sophomore trio of Madi Doke, Raeghan Timmerman and Ashlyn McCarthy will handle the pitching duties. Doke and Timmerman were second-team all-conference selections last season.
Josie Choate (sophomore), McKenzie Grindstaff (junior) and Ashlyn Spear (freshman) were all listed at catcher by Sharp. Grindstaff was named first-team all-conference as a sophomore.
The infield will feature Gabriella Radford (senior) and Grindstaff at first base and McCarthy and Spear at second base. On the left side of the infield, Timmerman and Doke will hold down shortstop with Jada Breshears (senior) and Choate at third base. Breshears was a second-team all-conference selection last season.
In the outfield look for Rea Spear (senior), Ashley Johnson (sophomore), Sophia Dehart (sophomore), Justina Hartley (freshman) and Abilene Anderson (freshman).
Bresehars, Rea Spear and Radford will be team leaders according to Sharp.
“Jada Breshears brings experience and the desire to win. Rea Spear will push herself and the team to get better every practice. Gabriella Radford brings determination and heart to our team,” Sharp said.
Halfway opens the season Aug. 30-31 at its home tournament.
“(I expect) for the team to push each other to improve every inning,” Sharp said. “If so, they will be able to accomplish the goals they’ve set.”
