South Georgia - In The Game High School Sports Magazine

The 2008 season was successful as the Lady Indians advanced to the state tournaments for the seventh straight year and finished the season with a winning record of 19-10.  The Lady Indians have played in the state fast pitch tournaments each season since ICHS developed a fast pitch program.

The ladies set a goal each year to make the final tournament held in Columbus. Only the best eight softball teams in each classification play for the state title.  The 2003 team made that state tournament in the seven years of fast pitch.  The Lady Indians are in the East half of Region 2-A; we play the entire season to place us in the region tournament.     

In the 2008 season, we finished second to Bacon County, which was a very tough team that did go on to the Final Eight in Columbus.  They are strong again this year with their entire team returning. 

We are at the halfway point of our season, and have played all teams in our region.  Our only loss has been to Bacon County.  They won 3-2; our two errors gave them two unearned runs.  We play all teams again the second half to be seated for the region tournament.

This season, the Indians’ defense has improved greatly from last year and our defense is probably our strong suit.  The girls have been getting timely hits and our three pitchers are pitching well.

The Lady Indians are led by five experienced seniors.  Jena Fussell starts at third base and is our number three hitter in the lineup.  She has anchored third down, but plays shortstop if needed.  Kelsey Graham  sta-

rts in left field and has done a great job out there; she has really improved her defense and hitting.  Kelsey bats in the ninth hole, like a second lead-off, with her good speed.  Christy Mixon plays right field and has made some big plays in taking away some hits by throwing them out at first.  Her bat is hot right now and she has been bringing runners home in the middle of the order. Deven Russell can play outfield and second base.  She has been hitting with confidence and has made great improvements like the hit vs. Echols County.  Jana Smith, our catcher, has done a great job behind the plate receiving the pitches and controlling the game.  She struggled with her bat at the beginning of the season, but it has come around and she is gaining confidence by getting some big hits.

The junior class is made up of four players. Pitcher Brittany Allen has already pitched a one-hitter.  She also plays second or third when she’s not on the mound.  Her bat has been stronger this year and she has had some big game-winning hits for us. Chrissie Martin plays right field.  She has improved defensively and in the batter’s box.  Savanna Wright anchors down centerfield; many times she looks like the fifth infielder since she plays in so often.  She dares the hitters to hit it over her head and has only been burned one time this year.  She bats second in the lineup, hitting with confidence, and has done a great job moving runners up.  Kaylee Wynn has burning speed and is our lead-off lady.  She can play anywhere in the infield and probably has the softest hands on the team. 

There are six sophomores on the team.  Jessica Cook, another of our young pitchers, has already thrown a no-hitter vs Echols County.  She had a perfect game for four innings before walking a batter.  When not pitching, Jessica plays short, and she has a lot of power in her swing.  Chasity Golden has done a great job catching and is probably the most improved player on the team this year. She has been hitting great and also had some game-winning hits for us.  Lauren Mobley is also a pitcher, and has pitched some big games for us like defeating Brunswick in the Baconton tournament to put us in first place. She has improved her hitting and can play third if needed.  Kenslee Moore is another runner with burning speed; she runs in all games either for the catcher or pitcher and has recorded several stolen bases.  She also plays outfield at either position and has a very strong arm.  Gabi Parker plays outfield and has a great attitude on and off the field.  With her determination and hard work she improves each year.  Jakiedra Pruitt, our first baseman, has really done an outstanding job for us offensively and defensively.  She bats number four and has put many extra-base hits in the book.  Jakiedra leads the team with triples.

I am very pleased with our freshman class.  Maegan Aldridge pitches for JV and continues to improve each outing.  Casey Anderson can play any position and has great speed, but is out for the season with Mononucleosis.  Leigh Fuller is our regular shortstop on JV.  She has a strong arm and can play outfield if needed.  Leigh has really been hitting the ball as well.  Kady Lankford plays first base and outfield for the JV, and is improving each outing. Hallie Lotts joined our program this year and is our first on the JV.  She is our only team member who bats left-handed.

The Lady Indians look strong going into the second half of the season and moving into the region tournament.  We probably have the deepest bullpen that we have ever had. With a well-balanced bench and proven hitters throughout the lineup, I feel the Lady Indians look to be a major player in the region and hopefully in the state tournament. •