It’s going to be hard to top what became an instant classic on June 2nd of last season. In a 12-inning pitcher dual between Ayla Davies (Burns / Crane) and Myleigh Cooper (Scio). Davies went for the state-record 23 strikeouts, allowing only three hits as the Lady Hilanders won 1-0.
In 2024, with both pitchers returning to their respective squads, we could be in for quite the rematch if everything aligns properly.
Teams to look out for in 2024
Burns / Crane – As expected, the defending back-to-back Champions come into the 2024 season in our top spot. Riding a 59-game win streak with Ayla Davies in the circle, this ball club has a chance to win every game. Davies committed to Southern Oregon University over the Summer, a program that has won three of the last four NAIA National Championships. However, what they’ll need to replace is the 2022 Player of the Year, Merissa Medley. Medley graduated last season and is currently playing at Treasure Valley Community College. The catcher provided the bulk of the offensive firepower for Burns last year and was Davies’ battery mate. This is the only crack in the armor we see with this Hilander club. On the bright side, Burns returns Ashley Wright (1st Team All-State Infielder) and Gracie Mello (1st Team All-State Outfielder). We don’t see them going undefeated in 2024, but we view them as the favorites for a three-peat.
Scio – Right behind the Lady Hilanders is the squad that took them to the wire in that State Championship Game. The margin between the two clubs is slim, and Myleigh Cooper (Cal Poly commit and 2023 Player of the Year) will look to get them over the line this season. This was a very young Lady Loggers team last year, and they now have the experience to get over the line. Returning to this team alongside Cooper are Cam Dalke (1st Team All-State Catcher), Macy Johnson (1st Team All-State Infielder), and Taryn Ramsay (1st Team All-State Outfielder).
Enterprise / Joseph / Wallowa – While Eastern Oregon Softball has been dominated by Burns for the last couple of years, there’s a lot to be excited about with this EJW bunch in 2024. This three-team co-op returns FIVE second-team all-state players, coming off of a season where they went 18-6, reaching the State Quarterfinals. As a whole, 15 players will return from last year’s Varsity roster, highlighted by their all-state selections in Aimee Myers (Pitcher), Sophie Moeller (Infielder), Alex Rowley (Outfielder), Cooper Nave (Utility) and Abby Straight (Infielder). These three will be the workhorses but there’s plenty of depth in what could be a big season for these Northeastern Oregon girls.
Douglas – The Lady Trojans are a real sleeper pick this season, but they will wake a plethora of people up. While other teams return all-state talent, Douglas has all-state-level talent coming up. With a young group last season, the ladies of Winston made it to the 2nd Round of the State Tournament before they eventually fell to Scio. Freshman Harlee Agee is expected to be in the circle for this squad, and after a strong club season in the Summer, we see this squad as a force to be reckoned with in the future. Another player to keep an eye on is Brooklyn Rondeau, who recently signed a letter of intent with Bushnell University.
South Umpqua – Just like we talked about Pleasant Hill always being in the mix, as will the South Umpqua Lady Lancers. There are some major holes to fill with the departures of Violet Richardson (2nd Team All-State Pitcher, currently at Bushnell University), Montanah Love (2nd Team All-State Catcher, currently at Bushnell University), and Tatum Kelly (2nd Team All-State Infielder). However, with the program JP Kelley has built in Myrtle Creek, there will be talent that fills their shoes. Some of the returning studs to assist the retooling process include Ashlyn Vey (2nd Team All-State Outfielder) and Kadence Norton (3rd Team All-State Infielder). We’re excited to see how this group competes in 2024.
Honorable Mention note:
Pleasant Hill – As always, the Pleasant Hill Billies will be in the mix this season. Led by Bella Black (3rd Team All-State) in the circle, the Billies will aim to build off of a 2023 campaign that saw them go 21-6. Pleasant Hill got shut out by the eventual State Champions (Burns) in the State Quarterfinal round, leaving them hungry for revenge in 2024. Black will be assisted by Raigan Obie (2nd Team All-State Infielder) as they battle for their third consecutive season with 18 wins or more.
Other players worth keeping an eye on this season include:
Brylee Davis (Banks)
Ella Renaeau (Brookings-Harbor)
Ally Schimel (Corbett)
Anna Baumholtz (Dayton)
Kyra Navari (Dayton)
Rachel Baumholtz (Dayton)
Layla Burgess (Elmira / Mapleton)
Kaya Taylor (Harrisburg / Monroe)
Nayeli Hart (Jefferson)
Lacey Makinson (Rainier)
Abby Riggs (Siuslaw)
Josie Vermillion (Sutherlin)
Maddisyn Rico (Umatilla)
Kacie Jacobs (Vale)
Kesley Stepleton (Vale)
Gabby Bauer (Valley Catholic)
Mary Crosby (Valley Catholic)
Natalie Pike (Warrenton)
Maddy Tuning (Yamhill-Carlton)
Preseason Top-10
- Burns / Crane
- Scio
- Enterprise / Joseph / Wallowa
- Douglas
- South Umpqua
- Pleasant Hill
- Dayton
- Yamhill-Carlton
- Vale
- Valley Catholic
Considered: Warrenton, Santiam Christian, Cascade Christian, Elmira / Mapleton, Harrisburg / Monroe
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