It is reported that roughly 55% of high school students are enrolled in a sports program. We’re going to take a look at girl’s softball and check out some of the better programs in the country courtesy of the USA Today rankings. These schools are prime recruiting targets for college programs and the increase in young athletes simply deepens the pool. It has been noted that female high school athletes tend to have a higher grade point average than those who don’t participate in sports. So, not only can these young women hit, field, throw and run, they’re intelligent. That’s to their advantage both on and off the field.

1. Broad Run, Ashburn, VA: They are carrying a 57 consecutive game win streak into next season. Included in that streak was the capture of the state title. On their way to the finals pitcher Caitlyn Delehaba tossed a no hitter to carry the team to the semis. The no hitter took her consecutive streak without surrendering a score to 146 innings. An effort like that would have earned her the nickname of Bulldog from Tommy Lasorda.

2. Butler, Matthews, NC: Butler ended their season with a 29-0 record. In the process they captured the state 4A title.

3. Aledo, TX: The Bearcats had to be disappointed when they dropped from first to third in the national rankings on the final poll. This occurred after winning their 4A final over Nederland. Aledo finished their season with a 39-1-1 record. That’s a full schedule that started on February 2 and ended on May 31.

4. Sheldon, CA: Sheldon dropped from first to fourth after losing in the CA sectionals. Coming out of the losers’ bracket in the tournament, the Huskies were beaten 4-3 by Elk Grove. Elk Grove Coach Jeff Alexander had made a preseason prediction that the title would come down to a meeting between the two schools. The Herd prevailed and denied Sheldon the #1 ranking it had held before the sectionals.

5. Central Davidson, NC: The Spartans finished their season with a 7-0 win over South Lenoir to win the state title. Their record was an impressive 33-0.

6. Pembroke Pines Charter, FL: The Jaguars ended their season with a loss to Naples in the 3A. It was the only blemish on their season that ended with a 30-1 record and a #6 national ranking.

7. Canyon del Oro, AZ: The Dorados finished with a 33-4 record and the 4A championship. Pitcher Kenzie Fowler was named the Arizona State Softball Player of the Year. After undergoing life threatening surgery in 2007 for a vascular disease, Fowler returned to the team and recorded a 24-1 record, 0.28 ERA and 309 K’s in 148.2 innings pitched. At the plate she had a 448 average, 33 RBI, 14 runs scored and 5 home runs. She was on the mound for the Dorados title win over Saguaro and surrendered just 2 hits in the 3-2 win. She will be attending the University of Arizona in 2009. Look for her to do great things in the NCAA.
 

8. Shadle Park, WA: Shadle Park’s streak of 34 consecutive wins came to an end when they lost the 4A title game to Eastlake. Still, pitcher Samantha Skillingstad was named the state player for the year. Her season record was 28-1 with her only loss being the title match. She is scheduled to attend the University of Oregon in 2009.

9. Valencia, CA: The Vikings clinched back to back CIF Div. 1 Southern Section Champions with a 3-0 win over Simi Valley. The Vikings boasted a 29-5 record and are looking to make it three in a row.

10. Mt. Carmel, CA: The Sundevils won their regional and had a 27-1 record.

11. Cibola, NM: The Cougars nabbed back to back titles in Class 5A. They had a 30-1 record and boasted the state softball player of the year in Melissa Martinez. Martinez was a threat both on the mound and at the plate. She had a 0.64 ERA with 288 strikeouts adorning her 29-1 record. With a bat she had a 338 average, 35 RBI, 30 runs scored and 5 home runs. She enters her senior year still undeclared, so someone is going to get a major talent on their collegiate program in 2009.

12. Hueytown AL: The Golden Gophers clinched the 6A title with a 5-1 win with tournament MVP Lindsey Dunlop on the mound. Dunlop will be attending Mississippi State.

13. Ooltewah, TN: Ooltewah finished their season with a very busy 46-3-1 record.

14. Simi Valley, CA: Their 30-1 record was no consolation because their only loss was in the state finals. Valencia ended their perfect season, but Simi Valley had quite a lot to celebrate. However, no one likes to lose the last game they play and Simi Valley must wait until next season to hope they get that final win.

15. Hickory, VA: The Hawks won the Southeastern District with a 27-1 record. They were keyed by their senior second base star Rachel West. In the leadoff spot she batted 392 with a .449 on base percentage, 18 runs and 11 RBI. She is an accomplished bunter and Hickory recorded an 81-14-1 record while she was a member of the team.

16. Naples, FL: Naples won the 4A Championship and Jaclyn Traina finished her sophomore season by being award the State Player of the Year. She went 21-3 with a 0.35 ERA and 258 Ks in 133.1 innings pitched.

17. Santiago, CA: Santiago finished their season at 26-4 which caused them to slip from their #11 ranking at season’s end.

18. Smithson Valley, TX: Smithson lost the 5A finals and finished the season 34-1.

19. Kennedy, CA:  The Fighting Irish had a 30-4 record and ended their season with a loss to El Modena in the Century League.

20. Escondido CA: The Cougars ended their season with a loss to Helix. They finished with a 29-1-1 record.

21. Lubbock Coronado, TX: Coronado won the Class 5A title with a 37-4 record.

22. Eau Gallie, FL: They finished their season 29-2. The Commodores were crowned the District Champs.

23. Byrd, LA: Byrd finished the season with a 34-2-1 record.

24. Mandarin, FL: The Blaze ended their season at 25-3.

25. Williamston, NJ: Williamston will be hard pressed to improve upon their 26-1 record from last season.

High School softball will begin the ’09 season in February. The warm weather spots always dominate, but a school like Williamston can make the rankings on occasion. Regardless, have fun and play. Remember, it is good for the body and the mind.