ALL-COUNTY SOFTBALL: Mundy’s Mill sweeps postseason awards after record-breaking season By Luke Strickland lstrickland@news-daily.com
JONESBORO — The Clayton News is pleased to announce its 2016 All-County Softball Team.
Player of the Year: Asli Strozier, Mundy’s Mill
Strozier was in the middle of many important moments for the Lady Tigers this season. She led the county with a .686 batting average, while scoring 44 runs and stealing 48 bases. Even more remarkably, Strozier struck out just two times all season.
The talented junior hit safely in all but two games this season and had two or more hits in 12 games. Strozier’s best game came in the Class AAAAAA state playoffs against Glynn Academy on Oct. 13. She went 4-for-4 and scored two runs in the contest.
Pitcher of the Year: Tracy Mosley, Mundy’s Mill
The biggest reason for Mundy’s Mill’s success this season was Mosley’s performance in the circle.
The junior right-hander went 16-1 this season. She recorded a 0.49 ERA, 183 strikeouts and just eight walks in 86 innings pitched. Mosley struck out 63 percent of the batters she faced. She was also dynamic offensively, hitting .627 with 32 runs scored.
Mosley recorded 10 or more strikeouts eight different times this season, including 16 against Stephenson in the Region 4-AAAAAA championship game on Oct. 5. Even in a first round loss to Glynn Academy in Game 1 of the opening round of the Class AAAAAA state tournament, Mosley fanned 12 batters.
Coach of the Year: Shaka Owens, Mundy’s Mill
Owens oversaw one of the best seasons in county history this year. The Lady Tigers finished the regular season with a perfect 21-0 record, winning both the Clayton County and Region 4-AAAAAA championships.
Mundy’s Mill didn’t just win every game during the regular season — they dominated. The Lady Tigers gave up just six runs in 21 games, and reached double-digit run totals in 14 of those contests.
All-County Team
Aliyah Murphy, Mundy’s Mill
Murphy did a little of everything for the Lady Tigers this season. She hit .556 with 26 runs scores, 33 stolen bases and five triples. She also posted a 1.94 ERA and struck out 40 hitter in 18 innings in the circle.
Ariel Carrington, Mundy’s Mill
Carrington hit .481 for the Lady Tigers. She was a menace on the bases, stealing 51 bases and scoring 46 runs.
Alexis Hall, Mundy’s Mill
Hall was an underrated piece for the Lady Tigers this season. She recorded a .419 batting average.
Natalia Mendoza, Mundy’s Mill
Mendoza hit .397 and scored 29 runs this season. She was also a solid defender at third base.
Jenelle Cockerham, Lovejoy
Cockerham was Lovejoy’s best all-around player this season. She led the team with a .480 batting average, while also driving in 27 runs. The right-hander also led the team with 67.2 innings pitched, recording 109 strikeouts and a 3.10 ERA.
Alexis McLemore, Lovejoy
McLemore was a dangerous hitter for the Lady Wildcats this season. She posted a .389 batting average and led Lovejoy with 31 RBIs. She also hit four home runs, stole 48 bases and scored 31 runs.
Yakeri Lamar, Lovejoy
Lamar hit six triples and two home runs for the Lady Wildcats this season. She also hit .382, scored 29 runs and stole 24 bases.
Maiya Frazier, Jonesboro
Frazier helped the Lady Cardinals reach the Class AAAAAA state playoffs this season. She led Jonesboro in most offensive categories.
Nia Smith, Jonesboro
Smith pitched virtually every inning for a Jonesboro squad that made the playoffs. She was also one of the team’s top hitters.
K’Yanna Wimbish, Morrow
Wimbish was a bright spot for the Lady Mustangs this season. The talented freshman hit .455 and recorded 26 runs, 19 RBIs and home run.
Seymone Dargan, Morrow
Dargan was one of Morrow’s best players, hitting .346 with 23 RBIs and 15 runs scored.
Valencia Belt, Forest Park
Daysi Guardado, Forest Park
Both Belt and Guardado led the Lady Panthers to a winning record this season.
Deasia Parson, Riverdale
Parson hit nearly .400 for Riverdale this season.
