Members of Bogue Chitto’s outstanding softball program were honored Monday night during an awards banquet at the Hilltop Grill. Both slowpitch and fastpitch teams were recognized for their achievements during the 2012-13 school year.

     Bogue Chitto head coach Scott Leggett and his wife, assistant coach Denise; presided at the gathering. Former Bogue Chitto principal Bill McGehee provided the invocation, blessing the food.

     “I want to welcome each of you to our softball banquet,” said Coach Scott Leggett. “I’m proud of each and every one of you. You have given us a lot of wins and success.”

     Leggett recognized his three seniors: Rheagan Welch, Adrienne Wallace and Kerri McGehee. They have been a part of four state championships: two in slowpitch and two in fastpitch. They’ve helped win seven district championships.

     The slowpitch team finished 17-8 last season and advanced to the playoffs. It was the ninth straight year for Leggett’s team to make the playoffs.

     He recognized Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star team selections, Wallace and McGehee. Wallace compiled BC’s highest batting average (.519) and McGehee pitched all 25 games, totaling 168 innings. She was presented the Pitching Award.

     Mattie Avants received the Gold Glove Award, posting a .947 fielding percentage. Christian Black earned the Slugger’s Award with an .852 slugging percentage, accounting for 40 RBIs.

     Colby Kirkland received the Down & Dirty Hustle Award. She batted .375 and had 22 RBIs.

     Welch was presented with the Lady Bobcat Award. She batted .375 and had 22 RBIs. Welch and Wallace have signed softball scholarships with Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

     Mallory Allen received the Outfield Award and Alana Nettles received the Infield Award. Marshonikique Blackwell received the Coaches Award and Earlneishia Dillon was named Most Improved.

 Fastpitch Honors

     In fastpitch, the Lady Cats posted a 21-10 record, advancing to the South State 1A championship series. They lost 1-0 and 3-1 decisions to Nanih Waiya, the eventual state champion.

     “We had a very successful season and I’m proud of the effort you girls gave,” said Leggett. Avants and Alexis Givens, both rising seniors, were MAC Fastpitch All-Star Game participants. Givens, who is playing on a select team in a Florida tournament, received the Golden Glove Award for .990 fielding percentage.

     Avants claimed the Highest Batting Average Award with a .417 mark, including 18 RBIs.

     Wallace earned the Slugger’s Award. She batted .376, drove in 21 runs and fashioned a .529 slugging percentage.

      Welch earned the Pitching Award. She had a 1.05 ERA. She posted a 12-5 record and notched 110 strikeouts.

     Black batted .338 and received the Lady Bobcat Award.

     The Down & Dirty Hustle Award went to Daley Roberts. Allen received the Outfield Award and Alana Nettles the Infield Award. The Coaches Award went to McGehee. Kirkland was recognized as Most Improved.

     “We want to thank all of you parents for supporting us and allowing your children to play softball for us,” said Leggett. “We appreciate you. Thank you for your support. We want to thank (principal) Mickey Myers for his support.”

     Denise Leggett echoed her husband’s feelings. “We have some of the best parents around. We have enjoyed having your girls on the team. We wish our three seniors all the best in the future. We hope we influenced you in the right way.”

     Bogue Chitto begins slowpitch practice Aug. 5.