The 2020 high school softball season gets underway this week for teams in Class 3A. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 3A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.
There are six new softball coaches in 3A this year: Janell Johansen (Richfield), Aubrey Lindsay (South Sevier), Tony Cloward (Grantsville), Josh Pike (Judge Memorial), Judy Balser (Providence Hall) and Melnia Matheson (Juab).
Here are the 3A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 12
1. Grand Red Devils
Head coach: Brook Shumway (7th year)
2019 record: 18-7 (second in Region 15 with a 10-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to North Sanpete in 3A quarterfinals: Eliminated by Grantsville in 3A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
- Chloe Book, OF, Sr.
- Jaci Shumway, P/SS, Jr.
- Jessica Jone, P/3B, Jr.
- Paige Shumway, P/SS/ Soph.
- Lainey Bohannon, 1B/OF, Soph.
- Lexi Carroll, 1B/C, Soph.
Coach comment: “We have pretty much everyone returning from a very successful 2019 team. These girls work very hard and are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead this year.”
2. Carbon Dinos
Head coach: Wade Williams (5th year)
2019 record: 14-13 (tied for second in Region 14 with a 6-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Manti in 3A second round: Eliminated by Grand in 3A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
3. Emery Spartans
Head coach: Shaun Bell
2019 record: 14-14 (fourth in Region 15 with a 5-7 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Juab in 3A first round: Eliminated by Union in 3A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
4. Richfield Wildcats
Head coach: Janell Johansen (1st year)
2019 record: 13-13 (tied for fifth in Region 15 with a 3-9 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Union in 3A first round: Eliminated by Carbon in 3A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
5. San Juan Broncos
Head coach: Craig Swenson (20th year)
2019 record: 9-16 (seventh in Region 15 with a 2-10 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
- Jalynn Swenson, C/SS, Sr.
- Ta’ssi Suesue, IF, Sr.
- Madison Palmer, OF, Sr.
- Delaney Palmer, IF/P, Sr.
- Tianna Sam, OF, Sr.
6. South Sevier Rams
Head coach: Aubrey Lindsay (1st year)
2019 record: 10-15 (tied for fifth in Region 15 with a 3-9 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Grand in 3A second round: Eliminated by Emery in 3A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
- Saige Okerlund, CF, Sr.
- Brookelle Brindley, 3B, Sr.
- Tailor Miller, C, Jr.
- Janessa Gayler, 2B, Jr.
- Aspen Okerlund, SS, Soph.
Coach comment: “This is my first year as head coach and our first year as a coaching staff. These girls have just come off of taking state in the 3A division for basketball and we know they have quite a bit of fight in them. We have had a few unsuccessful years but know these girls are hungry to get some wins under their belt. It is definitely a building year and we have really had to go back to the fundamentals. We have helped them set team and personal goals. We hope to see some tough teams to help us get better and keep learning and growing as a team.
Region 13
1. Grantsville Cowboys
Head coach: Tony Cloward (1st year)
2019 record: 26-6 (first in Region 13 with an 8-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Manti in 3A quarterfinals: Beat Manti in 3A championship
Returning contributors:
- Maddie Peterson, P, Sr.
- Bailey Frischknecht, P, Sr.
- Laura Sandberg, OF, Sr.
- Jaelynn DeLaney, IF/OF, Sr.
- August Cowan, IF/P. Jr.
- Breana Hiatt, C, Jr.
Coach comment: “Grantsville has a new coaching staff that has inherited a lot of returning player from last year’s state championship team, including reigning MVP Maddison Peterson as well as first team All-State selections in Bailey Frischknecht, Laura Sandberg, Breana Hiatt and August Cowan. New coaching staff will have a lot talent to implement their philosophy mixed with old traditions. Players have embraced the changes and will be a force again in 3A.”
2. Morgan Trojans
Head coach: Billy Peterson
2019 record: 15-11 (second in Region 13 with a 5-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to South Sevier in 3A first round: Eliminated by Juab in 3A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
3. Summit Academy Bears
Head coach: Kristen Kinikini (2nd year)
2019 record: 6-17 (third in Region 13 with a 4-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to North Sanpete in 3A first round: Eliminated by Richfield in 3A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
4. South Summit Wildcats
Head coach: Cody Bowen (14th year)
2019 record: 11-14 (fourth in Region 13 with a 3-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Carbon in 3A first round: Eliminated by American Leadership in 3A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
- Indie Jones, P/SS, Soph.
- Preslee Christensen, P/IF, Jr.
- Bailee Crnich, 2B, Sr.
- Sadie Eiting, P/IF, Jr.
- Averie Snyder, IF, Soph.
Coach comment: “South Summit will have a young but athletic and competitive team. With just two seniors, many sophomores and juniors will make big contributions. Top hitter and sophomore Indie Jones, will provide a good bat in the middle of the lineup and move-in Preslee Christensen will add depth to the pitching staff.”
5. Providence Hall Patriots
Head coach: Judy Balser (1st year)
2019 record: 0-16 (sixth in Region 14 with a 0-10 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Grantsville in 3A first round: Eliminated by Emery in 3A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
6. Judge Memorial Bulldogs
Head coach: Josh Pike (1st year)
2019 record: 0-14 (fifth in Region 13 with a 0-8 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Additional info not provided
Region 14
1. Manti Templars
Head coach: Susan Hatch (14th year)
2019 record: 26-7 (first in Region 15 with an 11-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Grantsville in 3A championship: Eliminated by Grantsville in 3A championship
Returning contributors:
- Brynlee Golding, OF, Sr.
- Danielle Hatch, 2B, Sr.
- Katie Larsen, 3B/C, Jr.
- Kassidy Alder, CF, Jr.
Coach comment: “Being that Manti graduated five seniors, who played a vital role in last year’s season, leadership from this year’s upperclassmen is needed to help the team perform at the level that is needed to be a top five team this year. ”
2. North Sanpete Hawks
Head coach: Landon Bailey (3rd year)
2019 record: 20-10 (third in Region 15 with an 8-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Manti in 3A semifinals: Eliminated by Grantsville in 3A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
- Nakiah Taylor, P/IF, Sr.
- Addelyn Brotherson, IF, Sr.
- Sara Oldroyd, OF, Sr.
- Emma Bailey, IF, Sr.
- Daryan Long, C, Sr.
- Graciee Christiansen, P/IF, Jr.
Coach comment: “Just like everyone, we are excited for another season of softball. Like most years, 3A has some very strong teams that will make it extremely competitive. We have a very talented group of players returning this year and we hope with some hard work and a little luck we can make a deep run in the state tournament.”
3. Juab Wasps
Head coach: Melnia Matheson (1st year)
2019 record: 13-10 (tied for second in Region 14 with a 6-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Grantsville in 3A second round: Eliminated by Carbon in 3A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
4. Union Cougars
Head coach: Evah Taylor (5th year)
2019 record: 23-8 (first in Region 14 with a 10-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to North Sanpete in 3A second round: Eliminated by Grantsville in 3A one-loss bracket
Returning Contributors:
- Lepeka Lutui, OF, Sr.
- Breckin Lamb, OF, Sr.
- Malorie Bostick, C, Jr.
- Addisen Martin, P, Jr.
Coach comment: “We have a young team with a lot of athletic ability and work ethic. I believe we will continue the success of Union as the players grow and develop.”
5. Delta Rabbits
Head coach: Marcie Taylor (3rd year)
2019 record: 6-13 (tied for fourth in Region 14 with a 3-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Grand in 3A first round: Eliminated by Morgan in 3A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
6. American Leadership Eagles
Head coach: Corey Edwards (3rd year)
2019 record: 11-10 (tied for fourth in Region 14 with a 3-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Manti in 3A first round: Eliminated by Union in 3A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided