Kennett softball balancing player development and postseason goals

KENNETT – Not many teams can boast a run at the state championship in six of the last eight years, and it certainly can't be done without finding the balance of playing “in the now” and developing young athletes along the way.

Luckily for the youthful 2023 Kennett softball team, player development has become something of a science.

The Indians have brought a trophy back to Kennett every year since 2014 when the program claimed first place in the state championship. Since then, the team has won at least a district championship at the end of every season.

Starting from the time that Kennett's now-senior players have been on the field, they took second place in 2019 and third place in both 2021 and 2022.

“Since I've been here we've won two district championships and went to the Final Four twice,” Kennett softball coach Logan Dollins said. “And it comes down to work ethic. You have to have talent, and that's something we've been blessed with here in Kennett. We have younger girls coming up every single year who are able to compete as a freshman group.”

Kennett's seniority is limited this season, despite the fact that this is the largest roster Dollins has had since his arrival.

“We normally have 13-15 girls, but we have 18 girls and I think we have 18 girls who can play at any given moment,” Dollins said. “We have two seniors, three juniors, then we're filled up with a bunch of freshmen and sophomores.”

Kennett graduated five seniors last year – including the starting center fielder, shortstop, third baseman and second baseman – four of which were first team All-State players.

“The things is, you can't replace four All-State players,” Dollins said. “But we've replaced them in other aspects of the game, whether it be speed or the small ball game.”

Kennett sophomore Handley McAtee throws a pitch during practice Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Photo by Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

One player stepping into a prominent leadership position earlier than expected is sophomore pitcher Handley McAtee. She “pitched some big roles last year,” according to Dollins, but now she will be first up on the mound as an underclassman.

“Last year we lost a good pitcher in Anelle (Harris), and this year somebody will have to step up and throw strikes and keep on their toes,” McAtee said. “I don't think we're going to hit a lot this year, so I think our defense and pitching has to be better than our offense.”

In the absence of last years' older and wiser offensive prowess, McAtee and Dollins agree that the number of balls knocked out of the park may be fewer this year. While McAtee earned second team All-State honors last season as a freshman, the missing offensive power adds even more pressure to the young second-year pitcher.

“We're still figuring things out being so young, but we're not going to let that affect us,” McAtee said. “We're going to keep pushing, learn as we go and hopefully be prepared later in the season.”

“The main goal is just to help this team as much as I can in the circle and in the batters box,” she continued. “I don't want to let anything affect us. I hope we can just keep going, and our ultimate goal is to be back in the Final Four.”

McAtee will be backed up by junior Hadley Wilson and sophomore Emma Bodkin.

Kennett softball coach Logan Dollins instructs players at second base during practice Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Photo by Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

Wilson, having started for the team since she was a freshman herself, has seen the team change just as much as she's taken on different positions wherever she's needed.

Wilson started for the team at shortstop and a relief pitcher, then she moved to the outfield, third base and first base last season.

“We're definitely going to have to be leaders,” Wilson said. “This is a younger team for sure. My freshman year it was all seniors and juniors, and I was the only freshman. Last year it was a little younger, but it's different.”

This year, it appears that she will be firmly planted at third base when not tasked with the crucial imperative of backing up the circle.

Wilson has made a name for herself on the team already, having earned first team All-State and second team All-Region honors as a freshman, and second team All-State honors as a sophomore.

“I didn't pitch last year, so I'll definitely have to get it together on the mound,” Wilson said. “Handley's going to get tired pitching, so I want to help her out as much as I can. As far as hitting, I'm not looking to hit home runs, I just want to get on base.”

Wilson knows the key to making an early impact on the team, just as many freshman will be asked to do this year.

“You just have to feel it,” she said. “If you make it stressful then it's going to be stressful. But you have to have confidence, so it wasn't too bad for me.”

The key now, according to Dollins, is progressing the development of players sooner rather than later.

“The biggest thing for us is you're always searching for the future,” Dollins said. “You're in the now, and right now we want to win the district and state championship, but we have to focus on the little things to develop players and have a consistently excellent team every year.”

Kennett sophomore Baylee Wilcut catches a ground ball during practice Wednesday, March 15, 2023.Photo by Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

He explained that the team “prides itself on having a tough schedule,” and while it rapidly approaches there is no question about the direction the team plans to take.

Making up for the loss of power on offense comes one new ingredient: chaos.

“We're just hoping to create a lot of chaos on the field, especially on offense,” Dollins said. “I feel like we've always played pretty good, consistent defense, so I want to maintain that.”

“Hopefully you'll see a whole different look on offense,” he continued. “We want to run, create pressure on the defense, get people in motion and get the ball on the ground. When we hit a single we want to press second, make them throw on the run and turn singles into doubles.”

Kennett travels to Jonesboro Friday to open the season at the Bearcat Blast Softball Tournament.

“We open up against Brookland,” Dollins said. “Any time you go down to Arkansas, they're already a step ahead of you with playing. So we'll have to get through the jitters and look to compete. We're really going to search for our identity down there this weekend.”