It’s hard to tell just how well Northeast Georgia area softball teams did in 2020. With COVID-19 issues running rampant and a revamped Georgia High School Association format to the playoffs, only two teams -- Buford in Class 6A and Commerce in Class A Public -- advanced to Columbus (just the Final 4 instead of the usual Elite 8).
Just 11 teams overall even made the playoffs, but the area did produce four region champs -- Buford in Region 8-6A, Flowery Branch in 8-4A, Banks County in 8-2A, and Commerce in 8-A Public.
While uncertainty is still in the air on just how the 2021 season will be conducted by the GHSA as far as COVID, teams around the area and state are gearing up for what they hope is a return to well-established norms, and success. Teams opened official practice on Monday with opening day set for Thursday, though most teams will not begin until the weekend.
Perhaps the biggest change in the area, and one of the biggest in the state, was long-time Buford coach Tony Wolfe stepping down after guiding the program to 10 state titles in 14 years. Wolfe is also the school's Athletic Director, a position he has had for the past four years.
Taking over is long-time Lady Wolves’ assistant Trent Adams, who was instrumental in helping Wolfe build them into a statewide power.
“It’s exciting to be in this position,” Adams said. “It’s a great program. It was an honor to be asked to do this. Our goal is to try and keep the tradition going and uphold our standards as a program.”
The Lady Wolves finished 32-8 in 2020 and advanced to Columbus for the 15th straight season. But for the first time in that span, they failed to win a game in the finals tournament.
However, they were a young squad overall and several of the key pieces are back, including the dynamic Pickens twins Madison and Mackenzie, who are only sophomores. They also return their No. 1 pitcher in Olivia Duncan, now a junior.
Junior Emma Castorri (3B), senior Taylor Malvin (2B), and sophomore Tayve Borders (OF) return in the field. Sophomore Emma Grace Williams also will see time in the circle.
Despite the subtle changes at the top, expectations will once again be high for the Lady Wolves. They open their season on Aug. 13 against Peachtree Ridge in the Rumble at the Ridge tournament.
“We’re still a young team,” Adams said. “Last year, we did not finish the way we wanted to but a lot of those girls are back with that needed experience of getting there. I think the chemistry with this group is outstanding and I think they have a chance to be very, very good.
“Even though we’ve been to Columbus 15 years in a row, it’s tough to get there. You have to have talent, stay healthy, and get some lucky breaks along the way. We always love going to Columbus and that’s our goal again.”
For Commerce, which finished 23-13 and as state runner-up in Class A Public after playing one of the toughest schedules in the state, fifth-year coach Melissa Mullis is hoping they can take that one final step. The Lady Tigers open on Saturday against Union County in a tournament in Blairsville.
“These girls faced a lot of adversity last year off the field and just had an amazing year in spite of all that,” Mullis said. “But I also think that brought us closer together as a team. It was a lot of fun to watch that group handle all the things thrown at them and have success.”
The Lady Tigers return their top two pitchers in senior Carson Hobbs and sophomore Graci West, who started the championship game last year against Gordon Lee.
West, along with senior Lexi Darnell, who may also see time in the circle, offer a pair of versatile utility players. Senior Anna Taylor (INF/OF) and juniors Page Vickery (2B) and Hailey Harpis (catcher) all return in the field. Senior Kylee Taylor, who will miss the beginning of the season with an injury, also returns.
Mullis has built the Lady Tigers into a perennial playoff team that has improved each season. They finished third in Class A Public in 2019 before falling just short in the championshhip game last season.
“When I got here the goal was to build a culture where we expect to win. I don’t see that changing this year,” she said. “Every team is different and this particular group has not been tested yet. We put together a very difficult schedule to help us get better. If they work hard and improve, I think this group could be very special.”
For the Branch girls, coach Blake Cagle lost five seniors from last year’s group that went 19-5 and undefeated (18-0) in a tough Region 8-4A. But they do return a pair of talented pitchers in juniors Nikki Harris, the 2020 Region 8-4A Pitcher of the Year and a second-team Class 4A All-State selection, and Alyssa Wagner, who saw significant action last year.
Harris and Wagner will alternate at first base when not in the circle.
“Nikki was outstanding last year and Alyssa has made a lot of improvement coming into this season and we feel very, very good about having two pitchers that are pretty equal that we can use,” Cagle said. “That will be a key factor for us.”
Branch also returns senior Ciera Poole, who was mainly a utility player in 2020 and will take over at second base, and senior Savannah Rutledge will take over at third base. The key battle will be at shortstop between senior Avery Thomas and Zoe Johnson-Hadaway.
Thomas played outfield and Johnson-Hadaway was the main catcher in 2020. If Johnson-Hadaway wins the job, look for Makaela Davis to assume the duties behind the plate. If Thomas wins the job, Davis will serve as a main utility player and see action in the outfield.
Cagle expects the 2021 campaign to be another tough dogfight with five teams -- East Hall, the Lady Falcons, Jefferson, Madison County, North Oconee -- all capable of making the playoffs and battling for the region title.
“The region will probably be tougher than it was last year. But our expectations are the same: we want to win the region and get into the playoffs and hopefully get to Columbus,” Cagle said.
A trip to Columbus and the Elite 8 is the only accomplishment left for the Lady Falcons, who have been consistent winners over the years. They open the season on Monday on the road at Mountain View. Their home-opener is set for Aug. 14 against Forsyth Central.
“We’ve had some good teams but just haven’t been able to get over that hump,” Cagle said about a trip to Columbus. “I think we have a chance again this year but we just need to have everyone doing their jobs. If we can do that, we definitely have a shot.”
As for the rest of the Northeast Georgia area teams in 2020, Jefferson advanced to the second round in Class 4A. It was a rough go for everyone else.
Habersham Central in Class 6A, Lumpkin County, White County and North Hall in Class 3A, and Rabun County and Union County all were knocked out in the first round in 2020.
All are expected to challenge for playoff spots in 2021 and could be ready to build on those playoff runs from a year ago.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2021/8/1025801/softball-area-teams-ready-to-get-back-in-the-circle-in-2021