2031 Infielders Showing Advanced Defensive IQ

Quick thinking is essential in softball, and it is also a big reason why the game is as difficult as it is. Infielders often have a second or less to choose which base to throw to or which base to cover. Add in the extra stress of a close game, and suddenly defense appears harder than hitting a 65 mph rise ball. The fielders on this list, however, can handle the glove and the pressure, making them important players to watch.   Below, Prep Softball highlights infielders from the high school graduating class of 2031 who show advanced defensive IQ.    Whether she's patrolling the middle infield or in the circle, Leighton Maggard does not let the ball get by her. Late last year, she made a spectacular play at shortstop by diving for a sharp grounder that had eyes for center field and extra bases. In her fielding drills, she works on all aspects of being a middle infielder; playing the ball and not letting it play you, perfecting the crow hop, and making an accurate and strong throw. In the circle, not only does she field her position well, but she also pitches at an elite level. In her first junior high start, she threw a perfect game with 12 strikeouts in four innings. She is a determined, talented athlete, who you can count on to go all out with the glove.     If you hit it to Reagan Kevern, you better pray that you're quick on your feet because she can get it over there in a hurry. Earlier this year, a batter slapped a shot to the 5-6 hole, Kevern backhanded the ball with ease, and whirled a strike over to her first baseman in plenty of time. To put it into perspective, the batter still had to take at least three more steps to first base. In softball, that is the definition of a strong arm. She's an alert defender, always on her toes with her head on a swivel. She is someone you can depend on to make the right play, not the easy play. Perhaps most important of all is her composure. She's confident in her mechanics, doesn't panic, and simply makes the play. She is the fielder you want holding down the infield during clutch time.     Casiphia Eddings can play anywhere on the infield, from first to third to in the circle. In March, she set a personal record for velocity, hitting 52 mph on the gun. She has the attitude to fit in well with any team. Case in point, she played with a different travel ball team than her usual Bombers for a day and immediately made an impact. She delivered in the circle and in the infield, and helped the Thunderbolts to a second-place finish in their tournament. With her versatility and determination, Eddings is primed for a successful softball career ahead.     During a pivotal moment in a game last year, Eva Hargrove moved without hesitation. With the bases loaded and a force out at any base, the ball was hit softly toward Hargrove at shortstop. She immediately threw a bullet to her catcher covering home, recording the out. Even more so than in baseball, any second thoughts or even a slight bobble can upend a game in softball. On another occasion, with runners on first and second, the ball was hit hard up the middle, deflected off the pitcher, and was quickly gathered by Hargrove. Then, instead of going with the direction of her body, she turned around, threw underhand to second, and got the out. In both of these instances, the easiest play would have been to first. However, Hargrove retired two lead runners by maintaining her composure and showing advanced defensive IQ.     Rumor has it that line drives are typically the hardest to handle in the field. However, for Aaliyah Johnson, line drives are her specialty. On one play earlier this year, the ball was hit high enough over her head that she had to leave her feet, contort her body, and somehow concentrate enough to make the catch. On another occasion, she had to time her leap perfectly to keep the frozen rope from soaring over her head. While the second play was less acrobatic, it was arguably more difficult, due to the quick reflexes needed to make it. Perhaps the most impressive play of the three, however, didn't even involve a line drive. With runners on first and second, a hot shot found its way to Johnson at short. She successfully fooled the runner at second into thinking she was throwing to first, and caught her off the bag for an out. Johnson not only has the athletic ability to play well defensively, but she also has the knowledge.

Quick thinking is essential in softball, and it is also a big reason why the game is as difficult as it is. Infielders often have a second or less to choose which base to throw to or which base to cover. Add in the extra stress of a close game, and suddenly defense appears harder than hitting a 65 mph rise ball. The fielders on this list, however, can handle the glove and the pressure, making them important players to watch.