Nelson, Smith, Thornton in All-Star action Saturday
Three Lincoln County softball players will represent their schools as they suit up once again for the 15th annual MAC All-Star girls’ fast-pitch softball games.
Terrah Nelson of Bogue Chitto and McKenzie Smith and Abigail Thornton of Loyd Star will play in games June 4 at Community Bank Park on the Jones Junior College campus, which is located at 900 South Court St. in Ellisville.
Class 1A/2A/3A and Class 4A/5A/6A will play two games in the evening.
Game 1 for Class 1A/2A/3A will start at 10 a.m. Game 1 of Class 4A/5A/6A will immediately follow the first series.
There will be a full squad introduction of all fast-pitch All-Star players for all classes after the second Game 1, at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Game 2 of Class 1A/2A/3A begins at 2 p.m., followed by Game 2 of Class 4A/5A/6A.
The Class 1A/2A/3A North squad will be coached by Janna LaBarreare of Pine Grove with assistant coach Rebecca Sloan. The South 1A/2A/3A team will be guided by Ryan Hodges of Gulfport along with his two assistant coaches, Joseph White of Taylorsville and Bruce Thornton of Biloxi.
Representing Lincoln County in the South All-Stars for Class 1A/2A/3A:
Terrah Nelson, Bogue Chitto, batted .388 in her junior year for the Lady Bobcats with 36 RBIs, six doubles and four triples.
On defense, Nelson posted a .924 fielding percentage as the Lady Bobcats’ shortstop.
Bogue Chitto coach Scott Leggett said, “Nelson has been a key part of our success here at Bogue Chitto. She is an outstanding young lady on and off the field. Nelson has been our shortstop the last three seasons. This is a great honor for her and I know she will represent Bogue Chitto well in the All-Star game.”
Makenzie Smith, Loyd Star, is the Lady Hornets’ ace in the circle. Smith posted a 17-5 record with a 1.07 ERA. Black led the team in strikeouts with 144 and walked only 24 batters in 137 innings pitched. Defensively, she had a .977 fielding percentage.
At the plate, Smith had a .153 batting average on the season with 12 RBIs and three doubles.
“Makenzie’s tenacity to learn has helped her become one of the best pitchers in the state,” said Loyd Star coach Jan Delaughter. “Both Smith and Thornton are very coachable and team leaders. They will be great assets on the All-Star team.”
Abigail Thornton, Loyd Star, provided leadership as a shortstop and at the plate for the Lady Hornets.
Offensively, she batted .256 on the season with six doubles, one triple and one homerun and had 16 RBIs.
Defensively, Thornton finished with a .935 fielding percentage.
Delaughter is proud of Thornton’s accomplishments. “Abigail is a great defensive player,” she said. “The defensive plays she made this season reflect her hard work and determination.”