It’s been a decade since McKeel head softball coach Jimmy Applewhite has taken the helm and gone through the fire with all kinds of teams. But he’s never been past the regional tournament until now.
Applewhite’s best finish as a coach has been a regional runner-up finish in 2021 and the last time the program made it to state was in 2009 — a year that was a part of a decade of dominance that was led by then-head coach Larry Harvey. But now with a team full of youth, McKeel (17-5) is well on its way to face Coral Springs Charter (21-4) — the No. 12 team in all of Florida — 10 a.m Thursday at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood.
“They been putting the pressure on … in the end both in practice and in the games,” Applewhite said. “The biggest difference between this team and last year is the mentality. They did not fold. They stayed out there and played for each other. They stayed resilient. They were able to pull that off. … (They) have really made me look good man.”
McKeel has made Applewhite look good despite a tough schedule which was handled by a team with just one senior and four juniors.
One of those juniors who has been stepping into a leadership role is pitcher Chloe Lanier, who last year suffered a torn labrum. This is the first year, though, that she has been completely healthy. Still, Lanier has been able to muster up some confidence and play really well with her 1.87 ERA as well as a .379 batting average, 25 hits and 12 RBIs.
Then there is catcher Madyson Marion who controls the game. She leads the team in batting average with a .396 with 21 hits and 14 RBIs.
Adding on to the experience group is senior second baseman Mackayla Jackson, who has played sparingly this year due to team rules, Applewhite said. Still, she keeps the team together thanks to her leadership, which is really lead by example given her circumstances.
“Getting back in rhythm has meant being extra intentional outside of scheduled practice hours, whether that’s throwing, taking ground balls, or hitting off the tee at home,” Jackson said. “Staying consistent is key to getting back in the game. Contributing to my team means taking on a leadership role when our coaches aren’t present and maintaining a high level of energy at all times. Physically, that’s being productive at bat or making an out in the field.”
On the youth side there is freshman Camryn Scobey — the sister of former all-county McKeel golfer and baseball player — who has been executing clutch hit after clutch hit, boosting her average to .365, 23 hits and 19 RBIs.
A prime of example of her coming through was last game in the regional finals against Academy of the Holy Names.
But first, Lanier hit a single before stealing second. Then, Marion hit a single, which sent Lanier to third and, that led to Marion stealing second and on the throw to second Lanier scored. Finally, Scobey hit a hard ground ball to right center and Marion scored from second, which gave the 2-1 lead in the bottom of sixth.
Helping in this game and throughout the year is freshman centerfielder Lizzy Allen, who is the general in the outfield, leading by example. She is consistently making over-the-shoulder catches and other tough catches in the outfield — clutch plays.
“That part of the leadership has been absolutely amazing. … It’s been fun to see how they step up and take that role,” Applewhite said.
But now it’s time to take this kind of play into state against a top-15 team in the nation.
“They’ve been competing all year. I told them yesterday,’ Ladies, leave it all out on the field. Give your team the best version of you. All we need is the best version of you, and anything’s possible.’ I’ll put this team right here against anybody,” Applewhite said.
Anything is possible. But this wouldn’t be an upset if McKeel was able to go out and beat Coral Springs Charter, as the local program was able to beat Bartow — the No. 3 team in all of Florida— on Feb. 20 by a score of 2-1.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: McKeel softball’s youth, vets step up ahead of state appearance
Reporting by Robert Magobet, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
