By Laurence Hilliard
Choctaw Plaindealer
The French Camp softball team will be young again this year. “It always seems to be that way,” said coach Sarah Skidmore.
The Lady Panthers return four starters from last year's team that finished 3-11. Senior Brookelyn Box and sophomore Brianna Grice share the pitching and second base duties. Junior Abi McDaniel will catch and play in the outfield and Abby Leathers, an eighth grader, will play third and in the outfield.
Freshman shortstop Dabney Edwards wasn't in the starting lineup last year, but is being counted on to play a big role this year at shortstop.
“I'm excited. I can't wait to see them play,” Skidmore said. “We're a young team and we have a lot of growing up to do. But they have a good knowledge of what the game is all about.”
The Lady Panthers need to hit the ball better, Skidmore said. “Offensively, we have been weak for a couple of years. It's going to be key for us to step up in the box.”
French Camp will be competing in a very strong region, 5-1A, with Ethel, Nanih Waiya, Ray Brooks and Noxapater. Ethel, Nanih Waiya and Ray Brooks made the MHSAA playoffs last year, with Ethel reaching the South State final before losing to state champion Bogue Chitto.
The season beings with a home game Feb. 22 against J.Z. George. The Lady Panthers will play in the Winona Classic the next day,
