Few teams in Oklahoma high school softball are as hot right now as Tahlequah, which finds itself sporting a 20-1 record and No. 2 ranking in Class 5A.
Sure, Union (in 6A), Blanchard (in 4A) and Washington (in 3A) are hot in their own classes, but Tahlequah is storming through 5A competition right now, including two crucial District 5A-3 wins over Skiatook and Pryor this week.
As is always the case in fastpitch softball, if you have a good pitcher, you're sitting pretty. With that being the case, Tahlequah is loving life right now.
THS' pitcher Britney Johnson is 14-1 with an earned run average around one. And even at the 5A level — which includes other stellar pitching products, Haley Young (Pryor), Lindsey Dewberry (McAlester), Katie Kelley (Coweta) and Jessi Walker (Grove) — that's impressive.
Johnson's one lone slip-up — allowing six runs against Skiatook — was an example of how THS has become a complete team this season, despite losing three key seniors (Ashley Boswell, Jessie Patrick, Erica Sampson) from last year's state-tournament team. It seems when Tahlequah doesn't score many runs, Johnson is sharp and shuts down the opponent. And when Johnson doesn't have her A-game, her offense bails her out.
Even without Sampson's pop in the middle of the lineup this year, several players have stepped up to fill the void. Jenna Reed (center field), Randee O'Donnell (shortstop), Whittney Whittmore (third base) and Kaitlenn Rippetoe (first base) have up to task for Tahlequah on offense.
And even though Tahlequah is hot right now, there are still plenty of pitfalls ahead on the schedule. Next week Tahlequah plays at McAlester before entering in the Coweta tournament. And further down the road, THS plays road games at Skiatook, Pryor and Grove.
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