It’s the middle of the week and we’re excited to profile top high school teams in California, many of whom will make our FAB 50 preseason list coming out in two days!  We also profile an Ohio player who’ll cross state lines to play in the Big Ten and have some recruiting notes including one club program that just got its 63^rd player currently in the program committed!

 

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FAB 50 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW: CALIFORNIA TEAMS

California is loaded with talent this year and you’ll see a lot of the Golden State teams ranked high in the FAB 50.

Here are the final 2013 FAB 50 Calif. teams with their national ranking and win-loss records along with notes on where they stand heading into the 2014 season.

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2. Santiago (Corona, Calif.) 30-5
The Sharks lose pitcher Erica Romero, who won all 30 games, to graduation but having finished No. 1 in the state two of the last three years can’t be easily discounted.

3. James Logan (Union City, Calif.) 26-1
The one-loss team lost RaeAnn Garza, who went 21-1 and batted .412 with 23 RBIs and aso lost about five other key contributors to graduation so it will be tough to duplicate losing only two games the last two years.

9. Vintage (Napa, Calif.) 34-1
The Crushers have a lot of young talent and will be the favorite to win the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section again.

10. Norco (Norco, Calif.) 27-8
Led by All-State junior Abby Lockman, younger sister of former Gatorade Player of the Year, Emily, who shined at Nebraska last season.  Abby hit .420 with 30 RBI and eight homers.

11. Pacifica (Garden Grove, Calif.) 26-6
Perhaps not as deep as last year, but, wow, what talent for the perennial powerhouse. The Mariners may have as much D1 talent as any high school int he nation.  The pitching staff alone is college quality with Kaylee Carlson (North Carolina) and Kaley Winegarner (Stanford), who is recovering from a knee injury, leading the way.

 17. Yorba Linda (Yorba Linda, Calif.) 24-4
Return standout pitcher Paige von Sprecken (Univ. of San Diego) returns for the Mustangs, who beat Amador  Valley last year when they were ranked No. 1.  Their only losses were to Santiago and Pacifia.

19. Chino (Chino, Calif.) 26-2
The Cowgirls return junior pitcher Miranda Viramontes (Utah) who tossed five no-hitters to lead Chino to its second straight CIFSS Division II title last season.

24. San Benito (Hollister, Calif.) 25-3
The Balers won the Central Coast Section D1 championship last year and have some good talent in the program including Callee Heen, a sophomore catcher/shortstop who has committed to Hawaii-Manoa.s

25. Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo, Calif.) 26-2
With super sophomore Alyssa Palomino (Arizona) and her record-setting 18 homers leading the way, the Diablos were No. 1 in Orange County and No. 1 in California until they were knocked out of the CIF Southern Section Division II playoffs in an upset. Pitcher Taylor McQuillin (Arizona) is the workhorse in the circle and don’t be surprised if the Diablos make the top 10 to start off the year.

35. California (San Ramon, Calif.) 21-5
The Grizzlies return pitcher Lindsey Chalmers (Cal Poly) who pitched well all last season.  California will have to get past Logan, who beat then in the North Coast Section D1 semis last year, to advance to the finals this year.

36. Amador Valley (Pleasanton, Calif.) 22-3
The Dons are led by one of the top senior pitchers in the nation in UCLA-bound Johanna Grauer whose season was cut short in 2013 when she injured an ankle in a gopher whole while warming up.  If she’s healthy, AV can compete with anyone and will be one of the top teams in the nation.

44. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) 27-1
In Calif. softball, it’s one-and-done and the Monarchs were a victim to an early playoff loss but have solid talent returning including junior pitcher Desiree Severance (Drexel).

46. Marina (Huntington Beach, Calif.) 25-4
Marina is led by the No. 3 senior in the nation in Tera Blanco, who she went 25-4 in the circle with a 0.70 ERA and 229 strikeouts in 190 innings while hitting .420 with a .550 on-base percentage

49. Esperanza (Anaheim, Calif.) 24-4
The senior-laden Aztecs also have a highly-touted pitcher in Haley Copeland (South Carolina) and are led offensively by ASU commit Brynley Steele, a third baseman/catcher.

Others to Watch:

Lakewood (Lakewood, Calif.) 24-6
Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 23-5

 

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: DON’T FORGET

In the e-mail box this morning was a note from a fan of a team in Kansas (not using his name as I didn’t clear it with him) who presents his case that there’s a team to watch in the Wheat State…

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Hi Brentt,

Hey I was looking at your FAB 50 high school list and wanted to tell you about Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita, Kansas.

They are going after their fourth straight 5A state title this year and have four Division I signees/verbals on the team including:

• Brittany Finney 2015 (Oklahoma)
• Lauren Buchanan 2015 (Colorado State)
• Jessie Haffner 2014 (Oklahoma State)
• Hunter Hogan 2014 (Wichita State)
• Morgan Balderas 2014 (Highland Community College)

I just wanted to make you aware of their past success on the field and that they are sending kids to good programs.

 

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PLAYER PROFILE: DESTINY WEBER

Grad Year: 2016
Positions: third base/catcher
High School: Keystone (LaGrange, Ohio)
GPA: 4.0 GPA
Club: Ohio Outlaws
Honors: All-Ohio, 1^st Team All-County, 1^st Team All-District, 1^st Team All-Conference, two time Best Player In USSSA Fastpitch, Ohio High School Athletic Association Archie Griffin Athlete Award, Young Author’s Award, Great Lakes Scholar Award
College: Penn State

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StudentSportsSoftball.com: Tell us about your background in looking into universities and what helped you do your homework in finding a good fit for you?
Destiny Weber: I made a master list of universities when I was in eighth grade.  Once unofficial visits started rolling in, my list changed based on what schools were interested in me.  When it came to finding the right fit for me, it just came down to my own feelings and me knowing what I want.  I talked to some older teammates of mine who are going into college next year and I also talked to some girls and their families who have finished their college career.  I got some ideas and information from them about what all I need to think about.  Even then, it comes down to personal interests.

 

SSS.com: Having gone through the recruiting process and successfully got your commitment, what’s the No. 1 piece of advice you’d give girls coming up through the process?
DW: The No. 1 piece of advice I would give to girls is to be patient and confident no matter what happens. Everything will work out in the end.

 

SSS.com: How did the Penn State coaches find you and then how long until they offered?
DW: The Penn State coaches found me at Banditfest, the OnDeck softball camp in Chicago.  The coaches offered shortly after.

 

SSS.com: When did you decide to commit and what were the deciding factors that helped you pick PSU?
DW: I decided to commit to Penn State University on my unofficial visit.  There were multiple things that I fell in love with at Penn State.  On the softball side, I really like and believe in the entire softball coaching staff.  The goals that are set are elite, training is top-notch, and the facilities are amazing.

Academically, Penn State is a prestigious university with a beautiful campus.  One big factor for me was that Penn State allows me to have the opportunity to have the best of both worlds: play elite softball while receiving an elite education.

 

SSS.com: How did you tell the coaches, in person, on the phone, on an unofficial visit?
DW: I told the coaches in person on my unofficial visit.

 

SSS.com: Did you do anything to celebrate the exciting news?
DW: To celebrate, I bought some Penn State gear, went out for dinner, and ate ice cream at Penn State’s “Berkey Creamery” with my family.

 

SSS.com: How far away from home will you be?  Was distance a factor in your decision at all?
DW: It is about 4 ½ hours away from home.  Distance wasn’t a factor in making my decision.  I would be fine staying close to home and I would be fine going far away from home.  When I was making my decision, I knew either way my parents and brothers will still love and support me the best they can.

 

SSS.com:  Evaluate yourself—what are the tools and skills you have that make you a Big Ten player?
DW: I have a lot of strength in both my upper and lower body.  I can hit the ball for power to all fields while laying down a bunt if needed.  I have very good glove work, a strong arm, and I am very good at sliding when running the bases.  I display vocal leadership skills, a determined work ethic, and I am able to adjust to what my coaches are saying.

 

SSS.com: On the field, what’s been a top memory or two for you in your softball career?
DW: One of my top memories was in the summer of 2013.  I was playing in the Colorado Independence Day Tournament for the Georgia Southern Force (Palmer) against the Tennessee Fury 97 team.  The game was tied, two outs, and I was up to bat.  I hit a walk off home run the first pitch of my at-bat to win the game.

Quick Hitters

 

What do you want to major in?
As of right now, I want to major in Biology.

You’ll always find me smiling when:
… I’m at the softball field.

Do you have any superstitions or rituals when it comes to softball?
My left cleat has to be tied first and my headband needs to be pulled down closer to my forehead before I put my helmet on (it’s my signal for myself to get mentally focused and to start preparing myself mentally for my at-bat).

Favorite way to relax:
Listening to music.

Least favorite chore:
Cleaning the bathroom (I have three younger brothers).

What makes you proud to say you’re from Ohio?
I’m proud to say I’m from Ohio because of its history with being a part of the Underground Railroad and that the Wright brothers are from Dayton, Ohio.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
At 25 years old, I see myself a proud graduate of Penn State and I will be a successful student in my third year of medical school.  I see myself living in an apartment while doing some internship and giving some hitting/fielding lessons.

What type of bat do you use (and do you like it)?
Ever since I was 11 I have used a DeMarini, I love them that much!  I’m thankful that my Outlaws’ team is sponsored by DeMarini, so I got the new CF6 when I joined the team and that is what I am currently swinging with.

What makes you laugh the most?
Talking with my friends.

What’s something unusual or different about you that few know?
When I eat, my food can’t touch each other, unless it’s something like salad and dressing.

How would your friends describe you in one word?
I asked my friends and they said “dedicated.”

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing with you, what would it be?
A mirror…I can use it to fry food, boil water, and reflect the sun to keep my body temperature down and possibly cause a bright light that passing ships would see as a type of S.O.S. signal.

What’s your favorite saying or motto that you pattern your life after?
“Be kind.  Every person you meet is fighting their own battle.”

 

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RECRUITING NEWS:

*** Jordan Olivarez, a 2016 catcher with Explosion, has committed to Villanova.

According to Bret Denio, the head of the Explosion organization, says of the sophomore:

“Jordan is an excellent defensive catcher who frames and blocks very well. She is a line drive/gap hitter and a real leader in the field. Great attitude and works her butt off!

 

*** Out of Central Texas we have the Centex Buzz – Leighty 18U team which has a trio of commits we don’t have (yet) on our Master Verbal list.  They are:

— IF Samone Jennings (2016, Texas A&M Commerce)
— C/UT Macey Mize (2015, Letourneau University)
— IF Cy’Andria Newton (2015, Texas Arlington)

Also, according to a source close to the program, the Buzz have two girls on unofficials this weekend who could be committed by the time they return.  More to come…

 

*** Bill Conroy, the head of the Beverly Bandits, sent out a note today saying:

“I would like to congratulate Danielle (Dani) Williams, a 2018 outfielder, who verbally committed to attend school on a softball scholarship at Loyola University, which officially announced that they are changing the school team name from Ramblers to Bandits!

Conroy also added, “we now have 63 of our 97 players verbally committed (with) 27 seniors and 36 underclassmen.”

 

*** More verbals:

— P Kelsey Broadus (2016, Boise St.)… plays for Oregon Blaze Gold
— 1B Alyssa Gonzalez (2016, Ole Miss)… plays for OC Batbusters-Smith
— P/3B Heidi Hall (2014, Oregon State)… plays for Oregon Blaze Gold
— INF Tyler Johnson (2015, Memphis)… plays for Firecrackers-Clarke
— 3B Kayla Laquiere (2015, Dayton)… plays for Michigan Batbusters
— P Ashley Mauser (2015 Detroit Mercy)… play for Michigan Batbusters
— MIF Kelly Meeuwsen (2015, Lamar)… plays for NW Blaze
— 3B Brittney Miller (2015, Oakland)… plays for Michigan Batbusters
— P/1B Mariah Mulcahy (2015, Idaho St.)… plays for NW Blaze
— C/3B Doris Smith (2015, Belmont)… plays for Texas Firecrackers
— SS/OF Shea Smith (2015, Grand Canyon)… plays for Firecrackers (AZ)
— UT Sierra Smith (2015, Grand Canyon)… plays for Firecrackers (AZ)
— C Kara Vitale (2015, Detroit Mercy… plays for Michigan Batbusters

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EVENT PROFILE: TULSA ELITE INVITATIONAL

Friend of our site Jeff Filali is heading a big event this summer that will have over 750 top 2015-19 players at one park.

He says, “when you look at our teams list, it’s a Who’s Who of all the big dogs from our part of the country. 

 

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Official Event Name: 4th Annual Tulsa Elite Invite
Date(s): June 5-8, 2014
Location:  Arrowhead Park – Broken Arrow, OK
Who’s it for/age group: Juniors Div (14U) & Seniors Div (16U/18U Mixed)
Website link: http://www.tulsaelitesports.com/
Teamslist: (64-72 teams) TX Glory Naudin – TX Glory Adkins – TN Red Devils – Tulsa Elite – TX Impact Gold – KC Peppers – Wichita Mustangs – Birmingham Vipers – Team Mizuno Impulse – DFW Firecrackers – St Louis Chaos – CO Stars – & Many More Top teams
Brief Description: The tournament is in its 4th year and has grown to be one of the best recruiting events of the year held June 5-8, 2014 at Arrowhead Park in Broken Arrow, OK immediately following the NCAA DI WCWS and the end of the NCAA Dead Period.  We bring in over 60 top teams within our region with over 750+ of the best players from the 2015-2019 classes to play all games at 1 park against top competition in extended 1 hour 35 min 7 inning games with coaches only sections, meals and hospitality.  On Wednesday, prior to the tournament we host a Coaches Clinic to help educate travel coaches, a Recruiting Seminar to help educate parents and student athletes and a MLB Style Combine to measure speeds, velocities etc.

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EVENTS CALENDAR COMING SOON

Don’t forget to send any event info, even if you’re a player or parent and know where you’ll be playing this summer… want to make sure we cover where you’ll be!

If you’d like to submit info to be included, please email me (brentt@studentsports) the following:

• Official Event Name
• Date(s)
• Location
• Who’s it for/age group
• Website link
• Brief Description

 

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Players, parents and coaches:  want to know the best way to get us info on your favorite player?  Fill out our Recruit Form link and complete.  It comes directly to me (Brentt) and you very likely could see the info used somewhere on our site!

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If you’d like to submit information, forward to brentt@studentsports.com.  Also, follow us on twitter at @SS_Softball.