Five Players Built For The College Game

From their advanced skill sets to their high-level instincts, these five softball players already carry themselves like future college standouts. Whether it's their power at the plate, poise under pressure, or all-around versatility, they're showing signs that the next level will be a natural fit.   Below, Prep Softball highlights five youth softball players who are built for the college game.    The Kenton Ridge Cougars did not lose a single game this season. They finished with a 32-0 record, a state title, and a run differential of 426 to 33. On a team of that caliber, the fact that JJ Davis led nearly every offensive category tells the story. The Springfield, Ohio native finished her sophomore season with a .631 batting average, 70 hits, 68 RBIs, 58 runs scored, 24 doubles and 13 home runs. What sets her apart even further are her 11 walks and only one error committed all season. She is competent on both sides of the ball, can hit for power, and can definitely get on base. She is an athlete who is ready for big-time college softball.     Ansley Brown is a go-getter. Beginning in 7th grade when she first started playing for her varsity team, she's competed in 192 career high school games, and she's only a rising junior. This past season, her Curry Yellowjackets went 55-5, just missing out on the state title in Alabama. She does everything well, as she's posted 119 career stolen bases, 234 career hits, 245 runs scored, 88 career walks, and a .544 career on-base percentage. She is ready for the grind of college ball in a couple years.     Is there anything that Kaelyn Deckerd can't do? At this point, the whole town of Oak Ridge, Mo. is probably asking that question. The sensational right-hander dominated every aspect of the game during her freshman season. In the circle, she had a 20-3 record with a 0.55 ERA and 330 strikeouts, not to mention a few perfect games. At the plate, she had a .678 batting average with 67 runs scored, 59 hits, 31 RBIs, 18 doubles, and nine home runs. She also drew 23 walks, struck out only four times, and stole 49 bags. To top it off, she only committed two errors all year. The Oak Ridge Blue Jays may have come up short on their ultimate goal of a title this season, but with a player like Deckerd on their roster, it's only a matter of time before they reach the mountaintop.     Similar to Ansley Brown, MK McMullan also has quite a few games under her belt as only an underclassman. She had a perfect record in the circle as an 8th grader for the varsity team, and continued her dominance into her freshman year with a 16-1 record. After having a very respectable 2.35 ERA as an 8th grader, she reduced it to a 0.77 mark as a freshman. Through her two seasons, she is already closing in on 200 career strikeouts. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that this past season she helped guide the Orange Beach Makos to a 47-2 record and a 4A state title in Alabama. She is used to the big stage, and the bright lights of college ball won't be anything new to her.     Hope Gaudio had about as good a sophomore season as you could ever ask for. The Texan sported a .696 batting average with 80 hits, 67 RBIs, 60 runs scored, 17 doubles, 18 home runs, and 10 triples. Furthermore, this is coming off a freshman season in which she hit 14 home runs and 11 doubles. Not only are her power numbers completely off the charts, but she also finished as one of the nation's leaders this season in on-base percentage (.739). She also has 31 career stolen bases through her two seasons. She can get on base, she can hit gappers, she can hit long balls, and she can steal bases. She is bound for a great college career.

From their advanced skill sets to their high-level instincts, these five softball players already carry themselves like future college standouts. Whether it's their power at the plate, poise under pressure, or all-around versatility, they're showing signs that the next level will be a natural fit.