Top Defensive 2029s On The Summer Circuit

A double play is a pitcher's best friend, and considering the number of double plays turned by the top defensive athletes on this list, you would be hard-pressed to find better friends for a pitcher anywhere in the country.   Below, Prep Softball highlights some of the top defensive players from the high school class of 2029 on the summer circuit.    At Boulder IDT, Molly Cho was a machine behind the plate for the Cal Nuggets. She was 3-for-3 on caught-stealing attempts, with each throw coming from her knees, and each one a perfect strike to the middle infielder. This, of course, comes as no surprise after her superb freshman season with the Alameda Hornets. Cho had a perfect fielding percentage for the season, along with 28 assists, one double play turned, and 163 putouts overall. Her blocking skills are upperclassmen level, she has a minuscule pop time, and her ability to rapidly get into a throwing motion and deliver cannons to anywhere on the infield is fantastic. Not to mention, she packs quite the punch at the plate, and is known to blast more than a few long balls.     Sophia Luarca covers the corners of the infield as well as anyone in the country. During an evening game earlier this spring with a runner on third, a hot shot off the bat was gobbled up by the shortstop and thrown to Luarca at first for the out. Trying to catch her off guard, the runner at third raced for home and an unfazed Luarca threw a dart to the catcher, followed by a perfect tag for the out. She has a strong arm and remains alert to all activity on the bases. In her freshman season for the Brea Olinda Wildcats, she had a perfect fielding percentage, turned a whopping nine double plays, had seven assists, and 184 total putouts. She puts in the time and work behind the scenes, and it is reflected in her defensive performance.     Madelyn Barnette played a vital role defensively for the Deshler Tigers in her freshman season. She finished with 51 assists and six double plays, along with 95 putouts. Her contributions on the field led to her receiving the Rookie of the Year award and Most Improved Player award. In addition, her all-around good play helped the Tigers to their highest win total in over 10 years with a 39-16-1 record. She is quick on her feet, has a good arm, and can play anywhere on the infield. She also can pack a punch offensively and is a supportive teammate. In a state that continues to be full of softball talent, Barnette is a player to watch.     In her terrific freshman season for the Ridgeland Panthers, Jordyn Thomas did a little bit of everything. Defensively, she shined at shortstop with 66 assists, nine double plays, 78 putouts, and a solid .921 fielding percentage. She used her speed to her advantage both offensively and defensively, racking up stolen bases and being able to get to any ball on the infield. A multi-sport athlete, she stays busy throughout the year playing both basketball and softball. Her skills on the field earned her All-Region First-Team honors, and she will be well prepared for her sophomore season in the fall.     Playing for the Atlanta Vipers, Perry Grace DeLoach turned in a couple quality plays at the Show Me The Money tournament in June. Holding it down at shortstop, she quickly turned two after a glove flip from the second baseman. She was able to touch the bag and throw a strike to first nearly all in one smooth motion, which is much easier said than done. It was nothing new for her, however, as she turned seven double plays during her freshman season for the Telfair County Trojans. In her freshman campaign, she had 64 assists, 47 putouts, and a .921 fielding percentage. Her quick reflexes and agility make her the perfect fit for the middle infield, and her continued desire to improve means we're in store for an exciting career ahead.

A double play is a pitcher's best friend, and considering the number of double plays turned by the top defensive athletes on this list, you would be hard-pressed to find better friends for a pitcher anywhere in the country.