PITCHERS

 

SYDNEY SMITH, Maple Grove, sr.

The two-time Metro Player of the Year is known for command of her pitches, which includes a fastball routinely in the mid-60s and an untouchable riseball, an unparalleled work ethic and her intimidating presence in the circle. She’s a perfect 53-0 in regular season games and is 18-0 on the season with 12 shutouts, three no-hitters and a 0.14 ERA. Will pitch at LSU next year.

 

KERRIGAN HOSHAW, Eastview, sr.

Few pitchers in the state are able to spot their pitches as well as Hoshaw. She lead the Lightning to their first state tournament appearance since 2003 with a 21-3 record, 150 strikeouts and a 0.36 ERA. She came up big in the Class 3A, Section 3 finals, pitching a three-hit shutout in a 1-0 victory over Rosemount. Signed with University of Sioux Falls.

 

CARLIE BRANDT, Le Sueur-Henderson, jr.

Another hard-thrower (fastball in the low 60s) whose performance on the rubber took a big step forward this year with the addition of a devastating curveball. Posted a 19-2 record with four no-hitters, a 0.39 ERA and a whopping 284 strikeouts, leading the Giants to another Class 2A state tournament berth. Verbal pledge to Minnesota.

 

VALERIE HOHOL, New Life Academy, sr.

Completing her sixth season as a starter for the Eagles and has led the team to the Class 1A state tournament every year. Hohol, a Minnesota-Duluth signee, has a 36-2 record over the last two seasons with an ERA under 1.80 and more than 280 strikeouts. Also excels at the plate, hitting better than .500 for the second year in a row.

 

POSITION PLAYERS

 

MADDIE HOULIHAN, Benilde-St.Margaret’s, sr.

Long considered the best pure hitter in Minnesota, the first baseman will continue her softball career with the Gophers. She showed why by hitting .655 this season, tying for the metro lead in home runs with eight. She had eight doubles, two triples, 34 RBI and a crazy-good slugging pct. of 1.28.

 

KATE DEMING, Bloomington Jefferson, sr.

A three-sport athlete who was the Jefferson Athena Award winner, the speedy center fielder is adept at taking away base hits with her glove. A terrific table-setter at the top of the batting order, she hit .613 with 24 stolen bases and 33 runs scored. Will play at St. Benedict next year.

 

McKENZIE PAAP, Minnetonka, sr.

Provides speed and power at the top of the batting order, including a career-first game-winning grand slam in the Section 2, 3A playoffs. Hit .452 overall. Can chase down balls in the outfield and has a rifle for an arm, routinely throwing out baserunners. Will play at Minnesota State Mankato.

 

TAYLOR CHELL, Anoka, sr.

The future Gophers player is big (5-9), remarkably strong and versatile. Good with the glove, whether it be infield or outfield. She is hitting .408 with five home runs, 14 RBI, 24 runs scored and a slugging percentage over .700 despite being pitched around on a regular basis.

 

JUSTUS PERRY, Prior Lake, jr.

Few players in the state have had to deal with such large expectations at Perry, who made a name for herself at young age with her power. Another Minnesota player bound for the SEC (Auburn), Perry hit .440 with 6 home runs and 20 RBI. Slick with the glove at first base, having made just one error.

 

CATCHERS

 

OLIVIA HUFFMAN, East Ridge, sr.

Overall, considered the best defensive catcher in the metro. Excels at blocking balls and has an arm that makes potential base-stealers wary. Has better-than-average speed and power at the plate, the University of South Dakota recruit his .339 with an on-base percentage of .493.

 

SHANNON PETERSON, Edina, sr.

Her versatility is her strength. “She can play multiple positions,” said coach Michelle Seiger. At her best behind the plate. Threw out five base-stealers and picked off three runners at first. Hit .475 with 17 RBI and a team-leading 10 doubles. Signed with Augustana.

 

JESSICA BREN, Chanhassen, soph.

A threat to get the big hit every time she steps into the batter’s box, Bren led the metro in three hitting categories: home runs (9), RBI (38) and hits (46), contributing to her gaudy .568 batting average. Above-average behind the plate thanks to an impressive arm.

JIM PAULSEN