Morgan Maize
School:
Leyden.
Class:
Junior.
Position:
Pitcher.
Numbers:
.427 BA, 50 H, 18 HR, 77 RBIs; 23-6, 213 SO, 1.18 ERA.
College:
Undecided.
The scoop:
A West Suburban all-conference player three years in a row, she helped Leyden (27-8) set a program record for wins.
Repeated:
“I told Morgan during her freshman year that she would have a major impact on Illinois high school softball, and she has held up her side of the deal.” — Leyden coach Kurt Schuett.
Lauren Smith
School:
O’Fallon.
Class:
Senior.
Position:
Catcher.
Numbers:
.663, 65 H, 12 2B, 22 HR, 69 RBIs.
College:
Tennessee-Martin.
The scoop:
Set Illinois High School Association single-season and career (54) home run records.
Repeated:
“Lauren Smith is an athlete like no other that I have ever seen or coached. Her heart for the game is one in a million. She plays the game with so much authority that she makes herself a force to be reckoned with, and I am extremely proud of her.” — O’Fallon coach Kate Walsh.
Chelsea Delaney
School:
New Trier.
Class:
Senior.
Position:
First base.
Numbers:
.451, 32 R, 46 H, 47 RBIs, 6 2B, 2 3B, 11 HR (3 grand slams), 1.000 fielding percentage (0 errors in 220 chances).
College:
Kenyon.
The scoop:
Was team MVP and winner of the Ari Chester Memorial Award, named after a former player who was killed in a car accident.
Repeated:
“She was the outstanding offensive player on our team. She is the model of the premier team player, switching from catcher to first base to help us out. She was somebody who led by her actions and other girls looked up to her.” — New Trier coach John Cadwell.
Jordan Wheeler
School:
Farmer City Blue Ridge.
Class:
Junior.
Position:
Second base.
Numbers:
.452, 14 2B, 13 HR, 27 BB, 43 RBIs, 11 SB; 22-5, 234 SO, 1.24 ERA.
College:
Undecided.
The scoop:
Ranked in the top two in her class. Set school home run record this season to boost her career total to 22.
Repeated:
“Jordan’s talents outreach the boundaries of the field, as her work ethic off the field provides her teammates an example to all who wish to become successful in the sport of softball and in the classroom.” — Blue Ridge coach Myron Schroeder.
Taylor Russell
School:
St. Charles North.
Class:
Senior.
Position:
Third base.
Numbers:
.466, 8 HR, 49 RBIs, 14 2B.
College:
Indianapolis.
The scoop:
Tied record for hits (4) and set record for RBIs (5) in a state championship game. Holds school records for home runs and RBIs in a season. Three-year team captain.
Repeated:
“A true leader who played her best in the biggest games. Was dominant at the plate and in the field. Came to work every day and was a coach on the field for us.” — St. Charles North coach Tom Poulin.
Abby Ramirez
School:
Trinity.
Class:
Sophomore.
Position:
Shortstop.
Numbers:
.611, 60 R, 69 H, 11 2B, 6 3B, 9 HR, 33 RBIs, 30 SB.
College:
Undecided.
The scoop:
Slap-hitter from the left side and power-hitter from the right side.
Repeated:
“She is the hardest-working player that I have ever coached. She is driven to be the best and make her team the best.” — Trinity coach Bob Osborne.
Marissa Mersch
School:
Downers Grove South.
Class:
Senior.
Position:
Outfield.
Numbers:
.575, 69 H, 16 2B, 4 3B, 6 HR, 43 RBIs.
College:
Wisconsin.
The scoop:
Was two hits away from tying the state’s all-time career record. Finished with 250 career hits. Led the team in RBIs from the leadoff spot.
Repeated:
“She had an incredible career. Was an impact player since the moment she entered the school from that leadoff position. She really was the heart and soul of our team.” — Downers Grove South coach Ron Havelka.
Ashley Seering
School:
St. Charles North.
Class:
Senior.
Position:
Outfield.
Numbers:
.475, 6 HR, 44 RBIs, 7 3B, 10 2B.
College:
IUPUI.
The scoop:
Tied record for most hits in a state championship game (4).
Repeated:
“Incredible athlete who can play anywhere in the field. Consistently improved each season and developed into a leader this past season.” — St. Charles North coach Tom Poulin.
Kylie Johnson
School:
Kankakee.
Class:
Junior.
Position:
Outfield.
Numbers:
.675, 81 H, 4 HR, 67 R, 38 RBIs, 76 SB, 4 SO.
College:
Undecided.
The scoop:
Has been timed going from home to first in 2.5 seconds and has a career batting average of .592.
Repeated:
“It’s obvious what her speed means to our team with her stolen bases and ability to beat out hits. She is a bunt/slap specialist, but has been able to slap for power and direction.” — Kankakee coach Deb Johnston.
Elizabeth Everingham
School:
St. Joseph-Ogden.
Class:
Junior.
Position:
Utility.
Numbers:
.598, 25 2B, 19 HR, 77 RBIs; 21-6, 247 SO, 27 BB, 1.75 ERA.
College:
Undecided.
The scoop:
Broke school records for doubles and home runs.
Repeated:
“One of the strongest and most talented girls I have ever coached. She can do everything — pitch, hit and play defense. She is laidback, doesn’t say too much and leads by example.” — St. Joseph-Ogden coach Randy Wolken.
