Polk County has a great reputation for fastpitch softball as seven programs have combined to win 21 state title led by Bartow’s nine titles. However, this is a strange year as there is a big drop-off after the top teams, although at least two teams have the talent to win a state title
On the positive side, Bartow and Lake Region are the strongest contenders for a state title. They are the most solid in pitching, hitting and defense. Lake Wales has an outside shot of reaching the state tournament. Pitcher Anna Conroy was the starting pitcher when Lake Wales won two years ago. The Highlanders’ defense, however, has been spotty at times.
On the down side, two district No. 2 seeds in 7A and 5A have a combined record of 9-36.
The county has had a team play for a state title in each of the last three seasons. Lake Wales was runner-up in 2022 and won in 2023. Bartow won in 2023 and was runner-up last year.
Here are the district breakdowns.
7A-10: Jenkins dominant team in district
Teams: 1. George Jenkins (14-10), 2. Winter Haven (4-16), 3. Haines City (6-6), 4. Ridge Community (1-13).
Outlook: George Jenkins took a step back from last season but should easily win the district and are ranked No. 6 in the region. Kamryn Pickering (.404), Jazlyn Duque (.400) and MacKenzie Mathers (.351) lead the offense. Layla Kinojosa is 7-4 with a 2.27 ERA and is batting .476 in limited plate appearances. It’s been a rough season for Winter Haven but Stephanie Dye (.386) and Reagan Barrett (.366) are solid players.
6A-6: District favorite Bartow remains top contender for Final Four
Teams: 1. Bartow (19-6) 2. Bloomingdale (16-6), 3. Durant (12-8), 4. Tampa Bay Tech (10-8).
Outlook: Despite all the graduations from last year’s state runner-up team, Bartow remains one of the top teams in the state overall. They are ranked No. 22 overall and No. 5 in Class 6A. The Yellow Jackets are favorites to win the district, although Bloomingdale’s, ranked No. 8 in 6A, should give them a strong challenge in the championship game. They are No. 2 and No. 4 respectively. Red Oxley’s replacements in the pitching circle have been solid despite a couple of blowups. Lefty Brooklyn Tyson is 8-4 with a 1.89 ERA, and Ryleigh Knowlton is 8-2 with a 2.85 ERA. Niamah Johnson leads the lineup and is a hitter of the year candidate. She is batting .465 with 14 doubles and 31 RBIs. Emma Huffman (.394), Shay Parker (.390), Knowlton (.386), Alyssa Hillman (.361) and Lexi Hayford (.310) give Bartow a deep lineup. Bartow is a playoff lock. Palm Beach Gardens is the No. 1 seed in the region, just ahead of Bartow.
5A-7: Polk teams long shot for playoffs
Teams: 1. Sebring (12-7), 2. Auburndale (5-20), 3. Lake Gibson (10-8), 4. Lakeland (8-12), 5. Kathleen (5-11).
Outlook: This is a weak district. Auburndale is the No. 2 seed based on strength of schedule and have struggled to get over the loss of ace Jordan Honeycutt. Rylee Bass (.328) and Abby Meadows (.307) have been the top hitters. Lake Gibson’s lineup can feast on mediocre pitching with Kylie Vazquez (.521), Brayden Seymour (.453), Abby Lewis (.405) and Lily Harwell (.395). Lakeland is led by Brooke Martinez (.382), Paige Bettcher (.375) and Giana Fuentes (.370).
4A-7: Lake Region favorite for Final Four but wary of rival Lake Wales
Teams: 1. Lake Region (22-3), 2. Lake Wales (13-8), 3. Innovation (12-7), 4. Liberty (1-11), 5. Jones (3-11).
Outlook: Lake Region is ranked No. 3 in 4A and is the top seed in the region. Favorites to win district and region titles, don’t take Lake Wales lightly. The Highlanders are No. 13 in 4A and is the fourth seed in the region. Both teams will make the playoffs. Lake Region has the best pitcher in the county in Makenna Meadow (15-3, 0.64 ERA). The Thunder also have perhaps the top hitter in the county in Margaret “Chic” Jenkins (.500). Meadows (.407, 25 RBI) also is one of the top hitters. Kirsten Aldridge (.400) leads the team with 30 RBIs. Althought there is a bit of a drop-off, the next three hitters are solid with Kailyn Reeder (.325), Zoelis Rosa (.320) and Bailee Ellis (.313). Lake Wales is led by hitter of the year candidate Kiera Davis (.486), who has 11 triples. Mattie Cockrell (.391) is one of the top freshmen in the county. She has seven home runs. Kirsten McRae (.338), Leslie Franco Zapien (.321) and Jamie Sepsick (.317) are solid. Anna Conroy (8-7, 1.86 ERA) had a couple of rough outings but has finished strong with wins over George Jenkins and Inspiration. She also was solid against Lake Region before the defense let her down.
3A-9: McKeel district favorite despite sub-.500 record
Teams: 1. McKeel (8-11), 2. Mulberry (14-10), 3. King (4-15), 4. Tenoroc (2-8).
Outlook: McKeel has the top seed based on strength of schedule. The Wildcats are No. 3 in the region and are a playoff lock. Mulberry is also a lock at No. 5 in the region. Chloe Lanier leads McCkell with a .460 batting average. Brianna Shelley is at .339 and Emma Skipper is batting .302. For Mulberry, basketball standout Lorianys Castanon Cruz (.425) leads with the lineup along with Jaylyn Oschmann and Alejah Washington (.342).
2A-10: Lake Placid the favorite for title
Teams: 1. Lake Placid (12-12), 2. Avon Park (12-9), 3. Frostproof (4-15), 4. Discovery (2-14).
Outlook: Frostproof will have to win the district to make the playoffs. Jordan Brantley is batting .472 to lead the Bulldogs, but she doesn’t have a lot of help. Frostproof and Discovery will have to pull off a couple of upsets ton win the district and make the playoffs.
1A-8: LCS in position to win district title
Teams: 1. Lakeland Christian (11-7), 2. Seffner Christian (11-7), 3. Foundation (12-8), 4. Santa Fe Catholic (12-4), 5. All Saints (4-12).
Outlook: Lakeland Christian is seeded No. 4 in the region and is a lock for the playoffs. The Vikings are led by Paityn Donalson (.500), Emerson Tyler (.397), Rylan Rollyson (.340) and Cali Thornton (.340). Santa Fe Catholic has finished its first season under new coach Kourtney Jones. As the No. 12 seed in the region, however, the Crimson Hawks need to win the district title to make the playoffs. Pitcher Claire McGee is the top player. She is 10-3 with a 1.02 ERA and is batting .439 with three home runs and 31 RBIs.
Rural-8: Fort Meade a playoff lock
Teams: 1. Fort Meade (13-10), 2 Moore Haven (12-7), 3. Hawthorne (4-5-1), 4. Wildwood (5-15).
Outlook: Fort Meade is seeded No. 3 in the region and has a chance to make a solid run to the final four. The Miners are ranked No. 14 in Rural, close behind No 8 Trenton and No. 9 Williston, the top two seeds in the region. Makayla Deleon (.623), Cailynn Johnson (.453) and Marleigh Carroll (.408) are the top hitters.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: District Softball: Here is a breakdown of Polk’s district tournaments
Polk County has a great reputation for fastpitch softball as seven programs have combined to win 21 state title led by Bartow’s nine titles. However, this is a strange year as there is a big drop-off after the top teams, although at least two teams have the talent to win a state title
On the positive side, Bartow and Lake Region are the strongest contenders for a state title. They are the most solid in pitching, hitting and defense. Lake Wales has an outside shot of reaching the state tournament. Pitcher Anna Conroy was the starting pitcher when Lake Wales won two years ago. The Highlanders’ defense, however, has been spotty at times.
On the down side, two district No. 2 seeds in 7A and 5A have a combined record of 9-36.
The county has had a team play for a state title in each of the last three seasons. Lake Wales was runner-up in 2022 and won in 2023. Bartow won in 2023 and was runner-up last year.
Here are the district breakdowns.
7A-10: Jenkins dominant team in district
Teams: 1. George Jenkins (14-10), 2. Winter Haven (4-16), 3. Haines City (6-6), 4. Ridge Community (1-13).
Outlook: George Jenkins took a step back from last season but should easily win the district and are ranked No. 6 in the region. Kamryn Pickering (.404), Jazlyn Duque (.400) and MacKenzie Mathers (.351) lead the offense. Layla Kinojosa is 7-4 with a 2.27 ERA and is batting .476 in limited plate appearances. It’s been a rough season for Winter Haven but Stephanie Dye (.386) and Reagan Barrett (.366) are solid players.
6A-6: District favorite Bartow remains top contender for Final Four
Teams: 1. Bartow (19-6) 2. Bloomingdale (16-6), 3. Durant (12-8), 4. Tampa Bay Tech (10-8).
Outlook: Despite all the graduations from last year’s state runner-up team, Bartow remains one of the top teams in the state overall. They are ranked No. 22 overall and No. 5 in Class 6A. The Yellow Jackets are favorites to win the district, although Bloomingdale’s, ranked No. 8 in 6A, should give them a strong challenge in the championship game. They are No. 2 and No. 4 respectively. Red Oxley’s replacements in the pitching circle have been solid despite a couple of blowups. Lefty Brooklyn Tyson is 8-4 with a 1.89 ERA, and Ryleigh Knowlton is 8-2 with a 2.85 ERA. Niamah Johnson leads the lineup and is a hitter of the year candidate. She is batting .465 with 14 doubles and 31 RBIs. Emma Huffman (.394), Shay Parker (.390), Knowlton (.386), Alyssa Hillman (.361) and Lexi Hayford (.310) give Bartow a deep lineup. Bartow is a playoff lock. Palm Beach Gardens is the No. 1 seed in the region, just ahead of Bartow.
5A-7: Polk teams long shot for playoffs
Teams: 1. Sebring (12-7), 2. Auburndale (5-20), 3. Lake Gibson (10-8), 4. Lakeland (8-12), 5. Kathleen (5-11).
Outlook: This is a weak district. Auburndale is the No. 2 seed based on strength of schedule and have struggled to get over the loss of ace Jordan Honeycutt. Rylee Bass (.328) and Abby Meadows (.307) have been the top hitters. Lake Gibson’s lineup can feast on mediocre pitching with Kylie Vazquez (.521), Brayden Seymour (.453), Abby Lewis (.405) and Lily Harwell (.395). Lakeland is led by Brooke Martinez (.382), Paige Bettcher (.375) and Giana Fuentes (.370).
4A-7: Lake Region favorite for Final Four but wary of rival Lake Wales
Teams: 1. Lake Region (22-3), 2. Lake Wales (13-8), 3. Innovation (12-7), 4. Liberty (1-11), 5. Jones (3-11).
Outlook: Lake Region is ranked No. 3 in 4A and is the top seed in the region. Favorites to win district and region titles, don’t take Lake Wales lightly. The Highlanders are No. 13 in 4A and is the fourth seed in the region. Both teams will make the playoffs. Lake Region has the best pitcher in the county in Makenna Meadow (15-3, 0.64 ERA). The Thunder also have perhaps the top hitter in the county in Margaret “Chic” Jenkins (.500). Meadows (.407, 25 RBI) also is one of the top hitters. Kirsten Aldridge (.400) leads the team with 30 RBIs. Althought there is a bit of a drop-off, the next three hitters are solid with Kailyn Reeder (.325), Zoelis Rosa (.320) and Bailee Ellis (.313). Lake Wales is led by hitter of the year candidate Kiera Davis (.486), who has 11 triples. Mattie Cockrell (.391) is one of the top freshmen in the county. She has seven home runs. Kirsten McRae (.338), Leslie Franco Zapien (.321) and Jamie Sepsick (.317) are solid. Anna Conroy (8-7, 1.86 ERA) had a couple of rough outings but has finished strong with wins over George Jenkins and Inspiration. She also was solid against Lake Region before the defense let her down.
3A-9: McKeel district favorite despite sub-.500 record
Teams: 1. McKeel (8-11), 2. Mulberry (14-10), 3. King (4-15), 4. Tenoroc (2-8).
Outlook: McKeel has the top seed based on strength of schedule. The Wildcats are No. 3 in the region and are a playoff lock. Mulberry is also a lock at No. 5 in the region. Chloe Lanier leads McCkell with a .460 batting average. Brianna Shelley is at .339 and Emma Skipper is batting .302. For Mulberry, basketball standout Lorianys Castanon Cruz (.425) leads with the lineup along with Jaylyn Oschmann and Alejah Washington (.342).
2A-10: Lake Placid the favorite for title
Teams: 1. Lake Placid (12-12), 2. Avon Park (12-9), 3. Frostproof (4-15), 4. Discovery (2-14).
Outlook: Frostproof will have to win the district to make the playoffs. Jordan Brantley is batting .472 to lead the Bulldogs, but she doesn’t have a lot of help. Frostproof and Discovery will have to pull off a couple of upsets ton win the district and make the playoffs.
1A-8: LCS in position to win district title
Teams: 1. Lakeland Christian (11-7), 2. Seffner Christian (11-7), 3. Foundation (12-8), 4. Santa Fe Catholic (12-4), 5. All Saints (4-12).
Outlook: Lakeland Christian is seeded No. 4 in the region and is a lock for the playoffs. The Vikings are led by Paityn Donalson (.500), Emerson Tyler (.397), Rylan Rollyson (.340) and Cali Thornton (.340). Santa Fe Catholic has finished its first season under new coach Kourtney Jones. As the No. 12 seed in the region, however, the Crimson Hawks need to win the district title to make the playoffs. Pitcher Claire McGee is the top player. She is 10-3 with a 1.02 ERA and is batting .439 with three home runs and 31 RBIs.
Rural-8: Fort Meade a playoff lock
Teams: 1. Fort Meade (13-10), 2 Moore Haven (12-7), 3. Hawthorne (4-5-1), 4. Wildwood (5-15).
Outlook: Fort Meade is seeded No. 3 in the region and has a chance to make a solid run to the final four. The Miners are ranked No. 14 in Rural, close behind No 8 Trenton and No. 9 Williston, the top two seeds in the region. Makayla Deleon (.623), Cailynn Johnson (.453) and Marleigh Carroll (.408) are the top hitters.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: District Softball: Here is a breakdown of Polk’s district tournaments
