While the roster remains young by grade level, the readiness of this year’s slowpitch softball team at Muskogee is ready to make their opponents take notice.
With all but two players returning to the spring roster, head coach Mark Dicus is all smiles when assessing the opportunities ahead for his squad.
“We’ve got parity and talent, young but definitely more athletic at every position,” said the Roughers’ head coach. “These kids have put in the hard work, and you combine that with the experience we have on our roster, I expect to see it pay dividends.”
A specific example of the Roughers talent-plus abilities is the play of junior outfielder Jaliyah Simmons.
“She can play any position, but her speed in the gaps solidifies our defense in left centerfield,” Dicus said with emphasis. “Jaliyah can and will go yard anytime she steps to the plate. She’s the total package player.”
Slowpitch softball also demands a solid defensive performance, especially up the middle, and the Roughers have the pieces in place.
“Jaye Barnoski (SS) and Shay Grissom (2B) are game changers in our middle infield, and with Kambri Johnson in right center, the middle defense is an advantage this year,” said Dicus, who is completing his second season at the helm of the Roughers’ softball program.
Dicus likes the Roughers ability to defend the corners with the quick reactions of newcomer Gabi Davis and Peyton Jackson guarding the lines, and the Muskogee skipper also has options on the bump at pitcher.
“The key is having that person who can throw strikes and stay composed under pressure,” explained Dicus. “Makenzy Robbins, along with Shay and Peyton, who also saw time in the circle during fastpitch, can do that and will anchor the pitching duties.”
Behind the plate, Muskogee will get a boost from the bats of Lariah Stewart and Robbins at catcher, and the only senior on this spring’s lineup card, Feather Johnson, will again play a key role, according to Dicus.
“She’s a four-year starter in both fast and slowpitch softball. Feather definitely carries a big stick for our ability to score runs at the plate,” Dicus said.
Also adding to the excitement of Dicus to get the season underway is the play of Reagan Rodriguez in the outfield, along with the impact from other players, including Shelby Morris, Madison Phillips and freshmen Trinity Brewer, Lyrix Farrow and Zarrya Gordon.
“Top to bottom, I like our lineup. We can hit, run and play defense,” said Dicus. “Cross your fingers that we can stay healthy. I believe we can achieve big things this year because these kids have put in the extra work. They’ve done everything we’ve asked them to do to make the most of their talents.”
