After back-to-back runner up finishes and a seven-year gap since their last 52nd District Tournament title, the Harlan County Lady Bears are hungry for a return to the top, and coach Shelby Burton likes their chances with a roster featuring a mixture of experience and youth.
“We’re still really young with a lot of freshmen,” said Shelby Burton, who enters her fifth season as coach. “Our younger kids are a big part of this team. They will make mistakes, but I have lot of faith in this group because they truly love the game.”
One of the biggest reasons for the Lady Bears’ optimism is the return of junior left-hander Alexis Adams in the circle after posting a 2.80 earned run average last year with 193 strikeouts in 107 2/3 innings. She finished with a 7-10 record with one save.
“We threw her to the wolves as a freshman. She has grown up so much since May of last year, and I think we’ll see a big difference in her this year,” Burton said. “She takes no days off, and she will see the payoff. Lexi is the leader of this team. She will also provide the biggest bat in our lineup. I think this will be her best year yet.”
The Lady Bears also received a big boost with the addition of freshman shortstop Jordyn Smith, who hit..314 last season at Harlan with 27 hits, 20 RBI and 31 runs scored. She was also the Lady Dragons’ top pitcher with a 17-9 record, a 3.65 earned run average and 146 strikeouts in 147 2/3 innings. She will see some action in the circle this year, but Burton is counting on her to stabilize the HC defense at short.
“Jordyn brings a lot of experience. Her work in the field is probably the best I’ve seen in five years,” Burton said. “She will add a lot of depth to our lineup. She can play.”
Kendall Brock, a junior, is expected to move from right field to second base. Brock hit .200 last season with 14 hits and 11 RBI.
“Kendall has been here since seventh grade, and I can honestly say she is our most improved player,” Burton said. “She has worked in the offseason, and she has more confidence.”
Bella Miniard, a freshman who saw action in three varsity games last year, will take over for Halanah Shepherd at first base.
“Bella is very versatile,” Burton said. “She’s a solid player who is a pretty good hitter. She will bring a lot of energy to the team.”
Raegan Landa, a freshman who came on strong late last season with a pair of home runs, including a blast against Pineville ace Rachel Howard for the only run in a 2-1 loss in the 13th Region Tournament, is the starter at third base.
“She got some experience last year in the postseason. What I love most about her is she has no fear at third base,” Burton said. “She carries herself like she’s played there four years. She has one of the best arms on the team and is very composed.”
After four years with Jade Burton behind the plate, freshman Jaylin Robinson takes over after seeing some varsity action in last year’s postseason.
“Jaylin is a very well-rounded catcher. She is adjusting to the difference middle school and high school base runners but I have no worries that over the next four years that she can handle it,” Burton said. “She has to learn to control the team like Jade did. She has it in her.”
Aly Sherman, a junior center fielder who hit .295 last season with 28 hits, 13 RBI and 10 stolen bases, will again play a key role in the HC offense at the top of the order.
“Aly is one of the most athletic kids on the team,” Burton said. “She makes center field look easy. It feels good to know there won’t be many balls she can’t get to. She is an extremely good base runner with some power from the left side. She will start us off good at the leadoff spot.”
Maddie Fields, a freshman who starred on the middle school team as a pitcher, will take over in left field.
“Maddie brings a lot of speed,” Burton said. “She can track a fly ball as well as anyone we have, and she will also bring some speed to our lineup. She is one of our top three base runners.”
Carmen Thomas, a sophomore who hit .320 last year in 17 games, will play a bigger role this season as the starting right fielder.
“She started some in center last year and gave us some good innings. She is working really hard and has improved her hitting,” Burton said. “I think she will take on a bigger role this year.”
Miniard will also see action in the outfield with freshman Paisley Hendrickson and Sariah Pace working in at designated hitter on occasion. Sherman and Fields will also see action in the circle, along with Adams and Smith.
Improved hitting in the clutch and better base running are listed as keys to the Lady Bears’ success this spring.
“We have more speed, so I hope we can be more aggressive. If we can keep a good attitude and continue improving, this team could be where we want to be in May,” Burton said,
Burton expects another wide-open race in the 52nd District. Defending champ Harlan was hit hard by graduation but will feature some talented younger players in key roles. Bell County and Middlesboro are also capable of making a run at the district title as each team brings back several key players from last season.
“We’re all right there battling it out. All the teams seem even. We just have to worry about us,” Burton said. “As long as they stay focused, I think we’ll have a good finish this year and can make a nice run.”