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Zack's List: Top 10 softball players in Crawford County for 2023

zachary holden, bucyrus telegraph-forum
·5 min read
Crestline's Lillian Higgins winds up a pitch.
Crestline's Lillian Higgins winds up a pitch.

BUCYRUS - Spring sports are here and it's time to take a look at the top returning softball players in Crawford County.

We have some very talented girls returning on the diamond, including the Telegraph-Forum co-Softball Players of the Year at No. 1 and No. 2, for what should be a thrilling season.

Here are Zack Holden's Top 10 softball players entering the season.

10. Crestline's Lillian Higgins, IF

Higgins batted .386 for the Bulldogs last season with 17 hits, 19 runs, 10 RBIs and 10 stolen bases as one of the most reliable bats in the order. A standout defensively in the infield, too, she has what it takes to make another huge leap this season and could be one of the catalysts of this Crestline team looking to build on a quality season last year.

9. Galion's Mady Tinch

Tinch is as good a first basemen that you'll find around. Her .393 ERA is second-best among returners for the Tigers as are her 24 hits, 16 runs, 12 RBIs and a home run. One of the few experienced players and only senior returning in the starting lineup, Tinch will be looked toward to be a leader on and off the diamond. Defensively she'll make a ton of plays and if her bat comes alive, watch out.

Bucyrus' Marissa Middleton throws a ball to first.
Bucyrus' Marissa Middleton throws a ball to first.

8. Bucyrus' Marissa Middleton, IF

One of the breakout players last season, Middleton was one of just two players on the team to hit above .300 last season and returns with the top average (.302). She also had 16 hits, 10 runs and nine RBIs. Defensively she'll occupy the third base spot, one of the most important positions in baseball, and look to guide Bucyrus back to winning ways after a 3-13 record in 2022.

Wynford's Reese McGuire readies during her at-bat.
Wynford's Reese McGuire readies during her at-bat.

7. Wynford's Reese McGuire, IF

Arguably one of the best all-around athletes returning in the county this spring, McGuire's .407 average is the best of returners as is her 24 hits, 25 runs, 18 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. She's one of the best infielders around and the type of player most batters will try to avoid hitting to because she's so good at getting the ball to her teammates for an out. Her offensive prowess will be crucial to the Royals surprising teams this season.

6. Crestline's Brooklyn Gregory, P

A dominant pitcher, Gregory played a key role in Crestline's success last season. She went 7-6 in the circle with a 5.82 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 83 inning's pitched while also batting .490 with 25 hits, 11 runs and 22 RBIs. Gregory is the type of player who can shut you down with the ball in her hand then make you pay when she picks up the bat. Don't be surprised if she makes a run for the Telegraph-Forum Pitcher of the Year honors.

Colonel Crawford's Allison Weithman lays down a bunt.
Colonel Crawford's Allison Weithman lays down a bunt.

5. Colonel Crawford's Allison Weithman, IF

Part of a really strong returning core at Colonel Crawford, Weithman is as good defensively as she is on offense. Her .463 average was second-best on the team and led the Eagles with 44 hits, 35 runs, 23 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. A staple on this team the last two years, she'll look to build upon the foundation she has laid and have a junior year to remember.

Colonel Crawford's Nettie Gallant talks with coach Sarah Fraser between innings.
Colonel Crawford's Nettie Gallant talks with coach Sarah Fraser between innings.

4. Colonel Crawford's Jostyn Gallant, C

One of — if not the best — catcher in the area, Gallant has been instrumental to the program's success these last two seasons and will be again this year transitioning to a new pitcher. But if there's one catcher a team would want to ease in a new face in the circle, it's Gallant. Her confidence and energy behind the plate is second to none, and she won't hesitate to thrown out a runner trying to steal second or third. She batted .429 with 30 hits, eight doubles, two home runs, seven runs and 27 RBIs.

Galion's Cece Campbell belts a home run out of centerfield.
Galion's Cece Campbell belts a home run out of centerfield.

3. Galion's Cece Campbell, C

The other contender in the area for top catcher, Campbell was one of the bright spots for Galion last season and is already making waves this year. Like Gallant, she's the type of player any coach would love to have behind the plate and capable of making team's pay on offense. She led the Tigers last season with a .529 average, 36 hits, 24 runs, 23 RBIs and three home runs.

Colonel Crawford's Harley Thomas fist bumps coach Carl Diebler after reaching base.
Colonel Crawford's Harley Thomas fist bumps coach Carl Diebler after reaching base.

2. Colonel Crawford's Harley Thomas, IF

There might not be a better third baseman than Thomas in the greater area. Top tier softball IQ, agility, speed and quick decision making are what sets her apart from the rest. And she's pretty darn good with a bat, too. Thomas led the Eagles with a .471 average, 41 hits, 29 runs, 27 RBIs, two home runs, and 13 stolen bases. She will be key to Colonel Crawford battling for a league title, and more, this spring.

Crestline's Maddie Engler fouls a slap behind her.
Crestline's Maddie Engler fouls a slap behind her.

1. Crestline's Maddie Engler, IF

The top hitter in the county is back! Engler boasted an absurd .578 average with 26 hits, 26 runs, 14 RBIs, 29 stolen bases, 13 walks and just two strikeouts as a junior. Now geared up for her senior season, she will look to defend her T-F co-Player of the Year honors with Thomas as she also looks to guide the Bulldogs to a Mid-Buckeye Conference title and a run in the tournament. With her bat and excellent defensive abilities, she often leaves spectators in awe.

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Crawford County's Top 10 softball players in 2023