COLUMBUS – Five Licking County softball players recently were recognized among the state’s best.
Licking Valley sophomore Emory Whisner and junior teammate D’Neya Dennis in Division IV, Johnstown senior Addy Zak in Division V and Newark Catholic seniors Joanna Bailey and Veronica Bailey in Division VII were selected as All-Ohio representatives by the Central District coaches.
Whisner, who was named Central District Player of the Year and earned All-Ohio first team honors, has been a two-way standout for the unbeaten Panthers, racking up 155 strikeouts in 107 innings while recording a 0.79 ERA, as well as hitting .616 with 13 HRs and 37 RBIs.
Dennis, a second-team selection, has ignited the Valley lineup from the leadoff spot. The shortstop is hitting .532 and has scored 41 runs.
Zak, a second-team selection, has been a fixture at catcher and near the top of the batting order for the Johnnies throughout her career. She is hitting .516 with 21 extra-base hits, including five home runs, and 32 RBIs.
Joanna Bailey, who was named Central District Player of the Year and received an All-Ohio first team nod, has been a powerful bat in the middle of the NC order. The shortstop is hitting .564 and has driven in 40 runs.
Veronica Bailey, selected to the honorable mention list, has been a strong two-way player for the Green Wave. The pitcher, who has a seven-inning perfect game to her credit this season, has hit .485 at the plate, driving in 30 runs.
Below are the Central District honorees from across Licking County.
Division I
Watkins Memorial
Lakewood
Newark
Division III
Granville
Division IV
Licking Valley
Heath
Division V
Johnstown
Utica
Northridge
Division VII
Newark Catholic
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking County softball players earn all-district, All-Ohio honors
Reporting by Kurt Snyder, Newark Advocate / Newark Advocate
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
