Lady Braves Capture State and Region Postseason Awards

The excellent play of the Lady Braves softball team this season did not go unnoticed by coaches around the state with nine different girls being named either all state or all region.

Leading the way were Jasmine Cook and Cali Harrod who were both named first team all state by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA).

Senior outfielder Jasmine Cook once again put up solid stats finishing the season with a .396 batting average, with four home runs and 28 RBI’s while playing in all 39 games. It was the third consecutive year that she was named all state including spots on the second team in both 2010 and 2011.

Cook finished her career as one of the top Lady Braves softball players of all time despite the fact that she considers softball to be her second sport behind basketball.

(L-R): Anna Shelnutt, Cali Harrod, Alexis Raines,Tiffany Smith, Alyssa Bishop, Jasmine Cook, Jordan Watson, Jasmine Jacobs, Madison Whitehead

Shortstop Cali Harrod, who recently announced her verbal commitment to Florida State University, was a star all season at the plate putting together perhaps the best season statistically in Lady Braves history.

The sophomore phenom finished the season with a .561 batting average, nine home runs, 22 doubles, five triples, 37 RBI’s, and a team record 33 stolen bases in 34 attempts. Harrod, who was named honorable mention all state as a freshman in 2011, also played in all 39 games this season.

Anna Shelnutt was rewarded for her tremendous season with a spot on the second team all state after putting together a fine first season at the plate. The freshman third baseman finished the season with a .530 average, five home runs, and an outstanding 43 RBI’s.

Another impressive feat was an honorable mention all state nod to pitcher Jordan Watson. The honor was especially outstanding for a freshman. According to head coach Matt Hornsby, pitcher is typically considered one of the most difficult positions to be awarded an all state honor. Watson set a new team record with 25 wins and only six losses in addition to 131 strikeouts. She also batted .535 with three homers and 31 RBI’s.

Catcher Jasmine Jacobs was also named as an honorable mention all state player at a difficult position. Jacobs batted .377 and was a staple defensively playing in 38 of the 39 games.

All of the aforementioned Lady Braves were also named to the first team all region 5-AA squad as well as senior outfielder/pitcher Tiffany Smith. Smith batted .340 this season and accumulated a 7-1 record on the mound with an ERA of 1.85. Smith has announced she will continue her softball career at Brewton-Parker next season.

Senior Alyssa Bishop was named to the second team all region missing the first team by only one vote. She is accompanied on the second team by another freshman Madison Whitehead.

Yet another freshman Alexis “Lucy” Raines received an honorable mention.

After finishing number three in the state and losing only three players to graduation, the Lady Braves should make a strong push for a state title during the next three seasons.