‘Excited to see how far we get.’ Postseason offers fresh start for Great Crossing softball.
Great Crossing softball’s 2022 season has had more stumbles than intended, but with a roster that includes two juniors who are University of Kentucky commits and three seniors signed to continue their playing careers in college, there’s no panic in the Birds Nest.
“It’s been tough, but all in all, you know, we’ve kept our confidence,” Great Crossing Coach Jeff Portwood said. “We know our strength of schedule is extremely tough. Hopefully, hopefully, we’ve made the turn.”
The Warhawks’ 12-0 victory Thursday over 41st District-rival Western Hills, the No. 25 ranked team in the state according to the latest Kentucky Prep Softball Coaches Poll, capped a perfect 6-0 run through district play.
Great Crossing is 15-14 overall after winning two of three games in the Best of the West tournament in Bowling Green over the weekend.
“I think we’ve definitely bounced back off of some of our bad games and realized what we needed to work on,” said junior third baseman Camryn Lookadoo, one of the two UK commits on the team, after the team’s win against Western Hills. “And then the next game we came back and worked on it and got better.”
Said shortstop and fellow junior UK commit Delani Sullivan: “Even if our record isn’t what we want it to be, it’s definitely helped us get to where we are.”
A glance through Great Crossing’s schedule before weekend play showed 10 of its losses came to top-25 opponents, including No. 1 Ballard, No. 4 Henderson County and No. 8 Lafayette (twice). Two came at an early out-of-state tournament and the other was dealt by sister school Scott County.
Meanwhile, Great Crossing dominated their 41st District foes by a combined score of 67-10 over six games and will be the top district seed when postseason play begins May 23.
Big-time contributions
The Warhawks’ three senior signees, Michalee Clay (Motlow State), Layne Ogle (Centre College) and Bianca Ward (Spalding) each contributed to Thursday’s win. Clay went 2-for-2 with a walk and a team-high three RBI, Ogle allowed four hits over six innings with four strikeouts for the win while tacking on a hit and two RBI at the plate. Ward went 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI. Freshman Ashtyn Holbrook has had a breakout season, as well. She had two hits, two runs and an RBI against the Wolverines.
That being said, there’s no mistaking Lookadoo and Sullivan’s impact on the team both as leaders and the focus of their opponents.
“They’re very key,” Portwood said. “Lookadoo has been with the program since seventh grade, so she knows what’s expected. And then Sullivan’s been here since eighth grade.”
The UK offers
Last fall, Lookadoo and Sullivan, who attended the same UK camp and made their school visit together, got their Kentucky offers in the same week.
“And we announced it the same week, too,” Sullivan said.
Characterizing themselves as “friends since 8U,” the two didn’t mind sharing that spotlight.
“It’s good to see hard work pay off,” Lookadoo said.
The current roster of the No. 14 Kentucky Wildcats has just five in-state players on it, so having two in-state recruits on one high school team is unique and special.
“I definitely didn’t think I would end up at Kentucky, like committed there at all,” Sullivan said. “It was just really cool. I never thought it would happen like this.”
Ahead of the Warhawks’ weekend tournament, Sullivan led the team with a .494 batting average, 38 hits and 27 runs scored as the team’s leadoff hitter. She also had a team-high 17 stolen bases and 13 doubles. Lookadoo, who has missed 10 games this season, was batting .302 and with 12 runs scored with 12 RBI. She was tied with Clay for the team lead in home runs with four.
With Lookadoo at third base and Sullivan a shortstop, they make a formidable duo on the left side of the infield.
“Obviously, the left side, it’s hard to get through those two,” Portwood said. “And when they get on base, it’s fun — fun for me, as the third base coach.”
Getting set for postseason
A tough schedule has always been part of Portwood’s recipe for postseason success. He should know, he won three state titles with Scott County (2014, 2016 and 2018) before moving to the new school.
“I think the schedule has set us up to do good things,” he said. “Obviously, we’ve got to learn to win and continue to win and be consistent from the first inning all the way through the seventh inning. I think we’re getting better every game.”
Portwood praised his team for keeping their head up despite the losses and continuing to work.
“It’s hard to keep your motivation and keep your confidence up when you’re battling every night and there’s no let up,” he said. “There’s a game and then you’re right back at it tomorrow night — same type competition. But I truly believe it makes you better.”
Another good thing about the postseason: Everyone starts fresh. Records no longer matter.
“I’m excited to see how far we get,” Sullivan said.
This story was originally published May 13, 2022 at 11:45 AM.
