MUSKOGEE ROUGHERS
Coach: MARK DICUS
There’s plenty of excitement coming from the dugout as the Muskogee Roughers enter the 2023 fastpitch season with a proven lineup and the addition of some very talented rookies to the high school roster. After a 24-0 summer campaign, head coach Mark Dicus is excited to see his squad match up with the powers of Class 6A. The season begins Monday as Muskogee hosts Putnam City North.
“We’ve got the athletes in place now that have game time experience under pressure. It’s all about staying healthy and having the confidence where we expect to win.”
The Roughers lineup will have plenty of familiar names led by VYPE Top 100 selection Jaliyah Simmons (P/OF, Sr.).
“Jaliyah is a 5-tool player. She is our starting pitcher but with her athleticism can play in the OF and really help us out there as well,” the Roughers coach explained. “She has led our team in steals, BA, OBP, and many more stats.”
Simmons numbers are impressive. In the circle she chalked up 96 strikeouts while at the plate she hammered 26 extra base hits resulting in a .467 batting average
Another senior, Kambri Johnson (1B, Sr.) is a game changer according to the Muskogee skipper.
“Kambri is clutch at the plate as well as a core player in our defense. When she’s not at first base, she is one of our best outfielders that will make some highlight reel catches.”
When it comes to defensive gems, Dicus can only smile while touting the talents of Jaye Barnoski (SS, Jr.) who earned a .937 fielding percentage in 118 chances while producing a .492 batting average at the plate.
“Powerful describes Jaye’s impact. She goes 110 percent at all times,” Dicus said with emphasis. “She makes plays and you say how did she do that. Jaye is a hard out at the plate and with her speed, once she’s on base, we’re able to make runs happen. Definitely a player that’s fun to watch.”
Five other starters return including three-year starter Shay Grissom (2B, Jr.) who Dicus applauds for her energy calling her the “pick me up” player, along with Peyton Jackson (OF/3B, Jr.), Reagan Rodriguez (OF, Jr.), Gabbi Davis (3B, So.) and Lariah Stewart (C, So.) who threw out 24 runners in 31 stolen base attempts by the opponents.
“The overall maturation of our veterans has created a solid nine defensively as well as an expectation of winning,” said Dicus, who enters his third year as the Lady Roughers coach.
Muskogee will certainly get an added boost from the contributions of six freshmen including Kyra Rowland (P/1B, Fr.) and Jamiah Maxwell (OF/1B, Fr.)
“Kyra gives our team another big plus with two arms versus one in the circle capable of controlling games and Jamiah’s progress at the plate is really exciting to watch,” said Dicus.
Depth will provide another plus for the Roughers thanks to the contributions of Shelby Morris (OF, Sr.), Madison Phelps (1B, Jr.), Keirra Washington (OF, Jr.), Zarrya Gordon (OF, So.), Trinity Brewer (OF, So.), Piper Knight (3B, Fr.), AJ Stewart (OF/1B, Fr.), Casen Stewart (C, Fr.) and Bryanna Maxwell (OF, Fr.).
“If we stay healthy, I’m confident this group kids will compete and win,” said Dicus.
