LADY IRONHEADS PREPARE TO “PLAY BALL”

After winning the Class 5A district title in 2023, Eufaula is ready to chase a trip to the state tournament this spring. The Lady Ironheads roster is loaded with experience playmakers as four seniors, three juniors and a pair of sophomores will return to the starting lineup for coach Ryan Green’s squad.

“Our team will depend on defense being the difference maker for us,” said Green while checking the 2024 roster. “Power isn’t necessarily our strong suit but we should be able to swing it well enough and run the bases with a purpose to keep us competitive in most games.”

The middle defense will once again be anchored by the seniors as twins, Kambry (2B) and Avery Williams (SS) join Allie Anderson (CF) up the middle with Gabby Noriega (3B) playing vital roles in Eufaula’s success at the plate as well as with the glove on defense. Green expects continued productivity and added confidence from a trio of juniors include Maddie Ballard, Kadie Jo Tidwell and Kate Pippenger to produce a lot of runs and big plays on the dirt in prime time moments along with Danielle Rollins (Jr.) showing continued growth. The timely performances from sophomores Rayleigh Peters who came through in the clutch at the plate and Makayla Harjo keep opposing hitters from the pitching mound will play a key role again in 2024. Newcomers Emma Lovett (SO) and Elaina Monroe (SO) should provide depth and athleticism with an overall boost to our squad while freshmen Abby Box, Briley Gragg, Hannah Beaver, Tetiana Scott, and KaymonCloud will look to contribute in their inaugural slowpitch season whether by starting every game, pinch hit, courtesy run, or defensive subs. 

“Every player has a purpose and a specific role to play everyday,” said Green. “

We challenge each other to do whatever it takes to make us successful.”

IRONHEADS EAGER FOR THE SEASON OPENER

When umpire yells “Play Ball”, the Ironheads will take the field with six starters returning from last year’ 20-win campaign. Draven Gragg, who won offensive MVP honors, will anchor the defense at 3B as well as giving coach Josh Luna solid pitching from the mound. Three other seniors will play key roles including Tabor Grider at catcher while Preston Dalton will solidify the outfield defense along with Jaxon Lange, who Luna will count on for added pitching strength as well infield defense. “Our seniors have played valuable roles in our success and will be key contributors again this year,” said the Eufaula coach. Hayden Robinson, one of the aces on the Eufaula pitching rotation and Carson Luna (1B/P) lead a group of eight juniors including J.P. Hicks, Easton Crawley, Richie Beaver, Connor McAllister, Dawson Hughes and Kaden Atwood. “After playing in a lot of games last year and gaining valuable experience, the junior group should help us be able to continue to be a solid ball club,” said coach Luna. Sophomores Jax Williams and Kase Bell will have opportunities to play a vital role this season. “Jax had several at bats for us last year as a freshman and Kase has the ability to play as a utility guy for us. Luke Hodgins is another young man that will have opportunities as well,” explained Luna.

With seven pitchers able to share innings on the mound, Luna is confident his team will be consistent with power at the plate.

“Our team will depend on our offense as we are not blessed with team speed. But, I believe we have the kids that will be able to compete at the plate and give us an opportunity to stay competitive throughout the season.”