PATRIOT ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Softball frosh makes quick impact
Kyla Overton is just in the initial stages of a promising Dewey High softball career.
But, during the first two weeks she’s made a major impact in the Lady Doggers’ progress, including a throwing a 2-0 shutout Monday against Lincoln Christian that earned her this week’s Patriot Auto Group Athlete of the Week honor.
In addition to her pitching gem, Overton drove in both of Dewey’s runs in the win — one of them on a solo homer and the other on a two-out triple down the left field line, with a runner on first base.
Overton and her defense then sealed the win. With the bases loaded — after Overton gave up an intentional walk — the final batter popped up to result in Overton’s first varsity shutout.
“It was about trusting my teammates to make plays behind me,” Overton said.
Overton’s utilized her dropball and change-up mostly to keep Lincoln Christian batters off balance, Dewey head coach Niki Keck said.
Also in Overton’s pitching arsenal are a fastball, riseball and curve.
Overton joins a Dewey program that’s produced major success the previous three seasons. On the list of accomplishments are three-straight seasons of going to the state tournament, a 20-win season in 2020 and a 31-3 mark last season.
Dewey also advanced to the state semifinals in 2021.
But, six seniors graduated off last year’s juggernaut, followed by key graduations from the 2020 group.
Overton is part of the new wave of Dewey talent, which is caught in a quandary — gaining the needed varsity-level experience while also trying to ride the momentum of recent tradition.
Overton observed the varsity’s success the past couple of seasons.
She kept a close eye on pitcher Briley Davis, who recorded more than 60 or 70 victories during her tenure. Davis graduated after last season and Overton has assumed primary pitching duties so far this young season.
She admitted she experienced nerves and excitement heading into her first varsity game this season.
In addition to her hurling and hitting heroics against Lincoln Christian, she also threw an inning of perfect relief in a 9-2 win against Chouteau — and belted a homer.
Off to a 2-10 start, Dewey softball is focused on a quick turnaround to get back in the chase for postseason contention.
With younger players like Overton in the mix, the future appears bright not only for this season but for years to come.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Dewey High freshman softball warrior earns AOW honor
