Phantoms capture crown at 12U softball tournament in Williamsport
WHITE MILLS — What began as just a pipe dream a little over two years ago has now become a reality … and the type of success story rarely seen on the local diamond.
After a full 12 months of planning and hard work, Pro Prospects founder Steve Pinto was finally able to organize a viable 12U travel softball team at the NEPA Sports Factory in White Mills last summer.
The squad features talented players from several regional school districts including Wayne Highlands, Wallenpaupack Area, Delaware Valley, Eldred, Sullivan West and Tri-Valley.
This year's roster features: Leanna Dittus, Jayden Beisner, Lindsay Hitchcock, Isabella Stahlman, Sadie Niles, Avery Carrier, Gabby Stahlman, Laurelei Terwilliger and Makenna Beisner, Mary Chellis, Ava Galimi and Gabby Stahlman.
The Beginning
The Phantoms played an exhibition schedule in 2021, featuring games against other local travel teams.
And while wins were tough to come by, Pinto was encouraged by what he witnessed.
“That first group of girls wasn't ready for travel ball, but they loved the game and were committed to getting better,” Steve said. “We practiced all summer and played a total of seven games. Lost them all. None of them even close.”
Undaunted, Pinto forged ahead with plans for a full season of travel team action in 2022. He recruited former Wallenpaupack Area and Keystone College star Katie Weist as head coach, a move that proved to be key in taking this team to the next level.
The Phantoms traveled to Scranton’s Tripp Park in early June for their first official tournament of the summer. There, the local lasses posted a respectable 2-3 record and laid the groundwork for future success.
“We were thrilled!” Steve exclaimed. “With any new team, especially when most of the girls aren’t used to travel yet, the hope is just that you can compete. Safe to say that two wins and five competitive games exceeded our expectations."
What’s followed is nothing short of remarkable as the newest Pro Prospects softball squad has advanced to the finals in each of its last two events.
“Most of these girls have never played with each other before this summer,” said Coach Weist. “They’ve really come together over a short period of time and worked very hard to accomplish our goals
“Their attitude is absolutely one of their biggest strengths. Without that positivity each game, there wouldn’t be such determination to win every inning.”
The Braintrust
Weist was a standout player at Paupack before graduating in 2012 and taking her game to the next level at Keystone.
Katie augmented her diamond experience by playing travel ball for the Northeast Stars based in Scranton. She also volunteered as an umpire at local youth league games.
This marks Weist’s first year as a head coach at any level and she’s genuinely grateful for the opportunity.
“It’s definitely been a learning experience,” Katie said. “So far it’s been a great first year and I can’t wait for many more.”
“These girls keep me on my toes! I know this probably sounds super cheesy, but they complete my life. I couldn’t imagine not having them there now.”
Weist’s top assistant is Brianna Headman. The two have known each other for a long time and were once teammates on the travel team scene.
“I really couldn’t do this without Brianna,” Katie. “She’s my best friend. Brianna brings knowledge where I lack and has been a great asset to the team as far as helping our pitchers.“
Rachel Daub also volunteers her time as an instructor. The former Honesdale standout went on to play college ball at Lycoming and spends her summer months with the Phantoms.
“She’s my go-to person when things need to be changed on the field,” said Coach Weist. “Rachel is also an excellent catching coach. She has a great take on the game and is always thinking five plays ahead.”
The Players
Pro Prospects opened its most recent tourney with an unusual Saturday performance in Williamsport.
The Phantoms went just 1-2 in bracket play at the Keystone Silver Select event, but erupted for a 15-0 victory and qualified for the medal round … which turned out to be well-deserved since they utterly dominated on Sunday.
Coach Weists' girls powered their way to a 10-0 win over the Southern Tier Thunder in the semifinals, then obliterated the host team 16-0 in the championship game.
“This is a very tight-knit group of girls,” said Coach Weist. “Every one of them shows leadership abilities in different situations. Whether it be hitting, fielding running the bases or even cheering their teammates on, they all do a great job.”
Isabella Stahlman is the ace of the Phantom staff.
A fireballing right from Delaware Valley, “Lulu” shrugged off the sweltering 96 degree heat to author a pair of masterpieces on Sunday. Stahlman pitched back-to-back shutouts in the last two games, piling up double digit strikeouts along the way.
“Lulu really pitched well this weekend,” said Coach Weist. “Honestly, she throws very hard for her age.”
Chellis and and Niles dominated in the circle as well when called upon.
Offensively, Dittus and Beisner provided serious pop at the plate and tied for the team lead in runs scored. Carrier consistently delivered in the clutch, laying down key sacrifice bunts and also collecting the most RBIs.
Defensively, Coach Weist had high praise for Makenna Beisner who turned in Gold Glove plays in centerfield. Shortstop Jayden Beisner and second baseman Leanna Dittus worked together brilliantly in the middle infield.
The Future
Next up for Pro Prospects is a trip to Palmyra for an invitational event at the “In the Net” sports complex.
That tournament is slated for the weekend of August 6-7 and Coach Weist is excited to see her girls continue their outstanding play.
“I really just want to see the same energy that they showed on Sunday,” she said. “With energy comes confidence and when the girls are confident, that's when the magic happens!”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Pro Prospects Training Center White Mills PA Phantoms 12U Softball
