Palm Beach County softball preview: Which local hitters are primed for big seasons?

With the high school softball season getting underway, The Palm Beach Post takes a look at some of the top hitters across local rosters.

Between preseason favorites and final four contenders, Palm Beach County's softball squads prepare for another season on the diamond.

Palm Beach County baseball preview: Which local hitters are primed for big seasons?

Here are 10 local hitters who are primed for promising seasons.

Sophia Camacho, Senior, Spanish River

The Sharks shined brightest on the biggest stage, and Sophia Camacho played a big part in that, posting 21 runs on 26 hits -- with five doubles -- to pair with her sparkling .413 batting average.

Despite graduating some key senior talent, Camacho returns to the Sharks for her senior season with eyes on repeating as Class 7A state champions after last year's 17-8-1 record.

Savanna Latone, Junior, Park Vista

Savanna Latone was a consistent threat at the plate for last year's 19-6-1 Cobras, who would go on to compete in the regional semifinal.

The now-junior batted .361/.438/.377 last season in a campaign that saw her tally 10 runs and 14 RBIs on 22 hits. A defensive stalwart, she turned a team-high seven double plays and accounted for 138 putouts against just four errors all season.

Kelsie Riggan, Senior, Wellington

Sporting a team-high OPS of 1.241, Kelsie Riggan was a powerhouse for Wellington, tallying 24 runs on 23 hits for a Wolverines team that went to the state semifinals.

Riggan's six doubles, four home-runs, 24 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases rounded out a very successful campaign. Entering her senior season she'll be asked to fill a big role once again after the team graduated several very prominent senior stars.

Grace Rawn, Senior Seminole Ridge

Grace Rawn tallied a whopping six home-runs for the Hawks last year, good enough for No. 14 in Class 6A. But power wasn't the only advantage Rawn lent Seminole Ridge. Three of her 28 hits went for triples, and her 31 putouts and 37 assists provide evidence of a string defensive season as well.

If Seminole Ridge is to build on a 12-10-2 finish and regional tournament berth from last year, Rawn can be expected to play a large role in that success.

Angeline Mergen, Sophomore, Park Vista

The younger of the two Mergen sisters, Angeline certainly didn't look like a freshman in the batter's box during the 2023 season, posting .412/.457/.505 marks and tallying a team-high 34 runs on 35 hits. She placed second on the team in both RBIs and stolen bases as well.

Though she debuted in the circle as well and will look to build on a 3.45 ERA, Mergen is certain to avoid a sophomore slump when she has a bat in her hand, looking to help the Cobras get back to another deep playoff run.

Reagan Towns, Junior, Palm Beach Gardens

Though Gardens finished with just a 10-13 record, the success the Gators had often flowed through Reagan Towns, who batted .435, tallying 23 runs on 30 hits.

Her eight doubles showcased her power, while Towns proved she was a multi-faceted talent with a team-leading 12 stolen bases. Though Boone ended the Gators' playoff run, Towns did everything she could, providing a 4-for-4 performance with a run scored.

Nicole Mergen, Senior, Park Vista

The elder Mergen sister had yet another dominant season in 2023. A statement player on both offense and defense for Park Vista, she helped the Cobras to a regionals berth as one of the top players in the state, not just the county.

Across all classifications, Mergen placed third in home-runs with 16 and sixth in RBIs with 48, serving as an engine for her squad. As Park Vista eyes another playoff run, Mergen's .517 average, 38 hits -- nine doubles -- and sparkling performance on the mound from last season will be welcomed back with open arms.

Gracyn Needle, Freshman, King's Academy

The only freshman to make our truncated list of top players, Gracyn Needle was an absolute powerhouse for King's Academy last season. Batting to the tune of a .622 average, Needle crossed home plate 32 times to pair with 28 hits.

Her offensive statistics were further highlighted by seven doubles, six triples, three home runs and two grand slams. Her 54 RBIs led all softball players in the state of Florida.

Bella Ruggiero, Senior, Oxbridge Academy

Not many make it to the Final Four, but Oxbridge did last year, charged by Ruggiero's dominant junior season. She comes off a campaign in which she batted .458/.590/.881, tallying 28 runs on 27 hits powering the Thunderwolves with 31 RBIs and three home-runs.

Oxbridge graduated four senior starters after last year's trip to the state championship, so if they are to eye another deep playoff run, an encore performance from Ruggiero may be just what the doctor ordered.

Kaylee Riles, Junior, Wellington

Sporting a .407 batting average last year, Kaylee Riles helped lead Wellington to a 20-3-1 record and a state semifinal appearance with 10 runs on 24 hits in the campaign.

Her nine doubles paced the team and she added a pair of home-runs as well. With the Wolverines graduating players like Jordan White, Kaitlyn Campbell, and Kylie McCann, Riles will be asked to fill a big role in 2024.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County softball preview: Hitters to know for 2024