Here are the 10 Topeka-area high school softball players to watch this season
TOPEKA — Another softball season has arrived.
Last year provided championships and state tournament runs that were amazing to follow, and area teams are hoping for even better results this spring. Each team will rely on many players to provide wins, but here are a few to watch entering this spring's campaign.
Ava Delgado, Hayden
The senior was named to the All-Centennial League first team a season ago. Delgado led the Wildcats in at-bats and hit .397 from the plate, third-best on the team. Delgado scored 16 runs for the Wildcats, too.
Kinsey Perine, Rossville
The junior was a crucial piece to the Bulldawgs’ state-winning team last spring. Perine was named to the Class 3A All-State first team for her production and she's committed to play softball at Emporia State next year.
Emma Mitchell, Rossville
The senior was also named to the Class 3A All-State first team last season. Mitchell was another important part in Rossville championship run that culminated in a record of 20-4.
Karlyn Bowman, Shawnee Heights
The Washburn commit secured a spot on the All-United Kansas Conference’s second team last season. Bowman serves as the Thunderbirds’ utility player and was a key member of a team that finished third in the Class 5A State Tournament.
High School Baseball: Here are 10 of the top Topeka-area players to watch this season
Grace Proctor, Shawnee Heights
The pitcher and first baseman was one of the top players for Shawnee Heights’ state tournament run last year. She was named to the Class 5A All-State second team and second team All-United Kansas Conference awards list.
Kaelyn O’Rourke, Seaman
The junior will be one of the star pitchers in the area and for the Vikings this season. O’Rourke was named to the first team of the All-United Kansas Conference awards list last spring.
Avery Wende, Silver Lake
The senior pitcher finished with a 1.44 ERA as she went 11-2 in 13 starts for Silver Lake. Wende, who is committed to Washburn, helped Silver Lake to a 19-3 record.
High school baseball: Outlooks for every Topeka-area team this spring
Hailey Shaeffer, Topeka High
The senior featured as a starting pitcher and at second base for last season. Shaeffer will be asked to provide some offense and a strong defensive presence for a team that reached the regional title game.
Aniyah, Foster, Topeka West
The senior played in important moments at third base last season. The Kansas Wesleyan commit will be a focal point for Topeka West as it looks to improve an 8-13 campaign.
Reagan Chapman, Washburn Rural
The sophomore provided a huge lift in last year’s state tournament run to a runner-up finish. Chapman was named to the Class 6A All-State first team. The shortstop hit .365 with 30 RBIs and eight home runs.
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: 10 Topeka-area softball high school players to watch this season
