Drake named state’s Class AAAA ‘Player of the Year’

The MCHS junior catcher was named the Class AAAA top player during “all state” selections in Macon recently.

“I can’t explain how I feel about getting AAAA state player of the year award,” said Drake. “It’s an amazing honor, and I’m so glad I get to represent my county like this.”

Drake batted .489 with a .917 slugging percentage and .549 on base percentage. She slammed nine home runs, had 48 RBIs, 54 runs scored, 65 hits, 18 doubles, 6 triples, 16 walks and 19 stolen bases.

“This is a tremendous honor and the first time anyone from Madison County has ever received the award,” said Red Raider head coach Doug Kesler, whose squad finished as the Class AAAA state runner up with a 35-8 record in 2012.

Drake was also selected to the first-team all state team with teammate Randee Bettis, who led the Red Raiders on the mound with a 14-4 record with five saves and 1.61 ERA. She pitched 135 innings and struck out 104 batters, while allowing 93 hits 53 BB, 54 runs and 31 earned runs.
Drake and Bettis weren’t the only Red Raiders to receive state accolades in Macon.

Pitcher Alexis Damron was selected to second team all state. She finished with a 14-3 record, 1.38 ERA, with 80 strikeouts, 69 hits, 22 walks and 18 earned runs in 91 innings pitched.

Shortstop Bri Carr and outfielder Haley Gordon were selected to honorable mention all state.

Carr, a defensive standout, batted .282 on the year, with 7 RBIs, 29 hits, 24 runs and eight steals. Gordon batted .337, with 34 hits, 28 runs, a .412 on base average and 15 steals.