WITH a roster full of 30 players, Jackson County’s softball team will put its summer scrimmage slate to good use.
The Panthers — coming off a 25-8 mark last year — will play in 12 scrimmages this month, including five in an upcoming tournament at North Georgia College this weekend.
“We have a big number of girls still this year,” said Jackson County coach Chessie Laird, who coached the team to a 25-win season in her rookie year. “We’re averaging about 30 girls participating. Basically, we’re wanting to use these games to figure out who can fill in what spots that we need and kind of use this time to meld together as a team.”
The recent influx of rain wiped away two of Jackson County’s scrimmages last Tuesday, but the team picked up a pair of wins Thursday.
The Panthers haven’t just been working hard on the field. The softball program — as well as all other female athletes at JCCHS — has been lifting three times a week this offseason.
“We’ve had great attendance with that, and I think that’s helped,” Laird said. “Everyone is coming in to work out and then they’re coming here and working three days a week. We’re having great attendance and great willingness to work hard every time.”
Jackson County must replace four starters from last year — some of which are major losses. They include Haley Shinall, Macey Latty, Kelsey Turner and all-state catcher Madison Whitmire, who transferred to Flowery Branch.
Whitmire’ loss will be rather tough to replenish. The Region 8-AA player of the year last season hit .490, swatted 15 homers and had 44 RBIs.
Rising freshman Shelton Kendrix and junior Jordan Evans – who played at JCCHS two years ago — are behind home plate for the Panthers.
“We’re rebuilding, but at the same time, have some experience back there,” Laird said.
