The Poteau Daily News is your best source for local sports coverage in LeFlore County. By David Seeley PDN Sports Editor

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2 PAGE 2...SATURDAY, MARCH 17, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS Front row, from left Austin Zimmerman, Timothy Goodrich, Colton Williamson, Peyton Owens, Carson Cheek, Easton Francis, Kennedy Thornburg and Jake Patterson. Second row Austin Anderson, Ryan Scott, Hunter Mundy, Cameron Duncan, Kaleb Nixon, Jagger Dill, Atticus Pate and Christian Duncan. Back row Coach Andy Perdue, Spencer Wells, Josh Neal, Jaxon Dorsey, coach Ryan Dill, Aiden Alexander, Bryson Myers, Kass Fenton, Clay Cross and coach Chris Duncan. Not pictured Wyatt Snapp, Creed Smith, Tucker Garrett and Lane Clark. PDN photo by David Seeley Poteau Pirates seeking third straight trip to state this spring The Poteau Pirates baseball team is hoping the old adage, Third time s the charm, holds true this spring. The Pirates, who were last spring, will be seeking their third straight trip to the Class 4A State Tournament. In each of the previous two trips to state, the Pirates have fallen in the state quarterfinals, Weatherford last year and Tuttle the season prior. The Pirates return 16 players from last year s state-qualifying team. Seniors back are Hunter Sole and Wyatt Snapp, while Atticus Pate, Clay Cross, Carson Cheek, Aiden Alexander, Josh Neal and Bryson Myers are the juniors back. Peyton Owens, Easton Francis, Creed Smith, Hunter Mundy, Cameron Duncan, Kaleb Nixon, Kennedy Thornburg and Kass Fenton are the sophomore corps returning. Rounding out the roster are sophomores Christian Duncan and Tim Goodrich and freshmen Jagger Dill, Tucker Garrett, Ryan Scott, Colton Williamson, Jaxon Dorsey, Jake Patterson, Spencer Wells, Lane Clark and Austin Zimmerman. Myers, who spent most of the week of the 2017 LeFlore County Tournament in the hospital battling Type 1 diabetes but still came back to win the county finals for the Pirates, likely will be the top pitcher in the rotation, but expect to see Cheek, Francis, Cameron Duncan, Owens, Cross when not catching and Dill to also see time on the mound. Dill, Dorsey and Williamson should see quite a bit of playing time, with Dill and Dorsey being in the starting lineup, while Williamson will be used as a courtesy or pinch runner. The Poteau Daily News is your best source for local sports coverage in LeFlore County

3 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2018 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 17, PAGE 3 Front row, from left Kaylee Nixon, Lexi Weaver, Whitney Eslick, Callie Hambrick, Addie Jackson and Tiffany Tucker. Back row Coach Devin Cochran, Coral Hinson, London Sandlin, Lexi Wood, Piper Akins, Rilee Dunigan, Whitley Russell, Tatem Oechsner, Coatney Riggs and Kylie Turner. Not pictured Jill Cochran, Ashlyn Morris, Tori Morgan and coach Eric Douthit. PDN photo by David Seeley Poteau Lady Pirates softball team young but will be competitive The Poteau Lady Pirates were last spring, but only have one senior on the team outfielder Ashlyn Morris [.390 batting average last spring]. Two of the remaining players are juniors outfielder Callie Hambrick [.290 average last season] and pitcher Kaylee Nixon [.348]. That means the majority of the roster are sophomores and freshmen. Sophomores back are infielders Jill Cochran [.622 batting average last spring, which led the team] and Lexi Weaver [.309]. Two other sophomores back are shortstop Lexi Wood who ran track last spring as a freshman and rover Coral Hinson. There are 10 freshmen on this spring s roster Check out Diamond Notes in every Tuesday in The Poteau Daily News with several of them being in the starting line-up, such as Kylie Turner, Piper Akins, London Sandlin, Tori Morgan, Coatney Riggs and Rilee Dunigan [mostly as a courtesy runner]. Other freshmen on the team are Addie Jackson, Tiffany Tucker, Whitney Eslick and Whitley Russell. One Lady Pirates basketball team member from this past season is playing slow-pitch softball this spring sophomore Tatem Oechsner. We will be very young with only one senior and two juniors, but we still have a chance to be very competitive with a talented group of freshmen coming in, second-year Poteau slow-pitch coach Devin Cochran said.

4 PAGE 4...SATURDAY, MARCH 17, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS Pocola softball girls should be strong this spring season The Pocola Lady Indians, who won last fall s LeFlore County Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament, should be just as strong this slow-pitch spring season. Senior infielder Summer Perkins who last fall signed with Eastern Oklahoma State College and junior infielder Shakyrah Gladness will be two key players the Lady Indians [who had a record last spring] will be relying on for production this spring. Gladness hit eight home runs in 22 games this past fall. Junior outfielder Dache Benge, freshman infielder/outfielder Amanda Rapin, freshman pitcher Kenzie Tuck, freshman shortstop Emma Damato and freshmen outfielders Kena Chitwood and Kyla Abdullah round out the starters. This team had a good combination of returning starters and young, talented newcomers, second-year Pocola coach Mark Reichert said. I believe this team will be able to put on a show at the plate. This should be a fun team to watch. The Lady Indians got to the Class 4A Regional Tournament last spring, then last fall played in the Class 3A Regional Tournament finals before losing to see their season end. Front row, from left Countri Brown, Jazmyn Johnson, Emma Damato, Kenzie Tuck Camryn Harvey and Amanda Rapin. Back row Belle Williams, Kyla Abdullah, Summer Perkins, Shakyrah Gladness, Dache Benge, Kena Chitwood, Kenzie Reid and coach Mark Reichert. Not pictured Coach Eric Ladd. Photo Submitted by Mark Reichert Pocola Indians should be solid baseball team this spring, which will see them bumped up to Class 3A this season The Pocola Indians were last spring, but they will return seven key people from that team for the 2018 campaign, which has already seen them knock off last fall s Class B state champion Red Oak Eagles on March 9 at Red Oak s Eagle Field. The lone senior back is pitcher/outfielder Hunter Taylor, who was 10-1 last spring with a 2.2 earned-run average. Have you visited the Poteau Daily News website today? Juniors back are shortstop Cole Wofford [who hit.385 last year], second baseman Jadyn Riggs [.310 average last spring] and third baseman Tatum Lomon [.350]. First baseman Derek Carter [.335 batting average last season], center fielder Kawliga Brewer [.320] and left fielder Brandon Forest [.305] are sophomores out this spring. We re returning all our varsity pitching, and most of our starting infield, veteran Pocola coach Eddie Combs said. So, we should be solid defensively. However, after several springs as a Class 2A school, they will be a Class 3A squad this spring. Editor s note: No preseason information about the Pocola track teams was received prior to press time. Keep up-to-date with local weather, current events, breaking news, exclusive videos and clips not available anywhere else! No news organization on the planet covers LeFlore County news better than we do!

5 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2018 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 17, PAGE 5 Wister softball girls young this spring The Wister Lady Wildcats will be a young group this spring, with only two seniors Kati Patterson and Cailey Yochum along with junior Balie Baldwin all back from a season ago. Last fall, the Lady Cats saw their state tournament streak in both slow-pitch and fast-pitch end at seven seasons, dating back to the May 2014 Class 3A Slow- Pitch Softball Tournament. However, there will be a lot of freshmen who will be counted upon for production, such as Kate Hammons, Sage Anson, Keylee Shipman and Braxtyn McMillin. Rounding out the roster are Timber Robertson, Ragna Larssen, McKenna Pierce, Haley Terrazas and Celeste Salvador. ROSTER Jeremiah Davison, Kaiden Jackson, Issac Carroll, Derek Logan, Dylan Schaefer, Brock Garrett, Trey Krebbs, Kadin Repass, Will Hammons, Matthew Holzhammer, Colten Terry, Braeden Cepeda, Austin Brooks, Kendon Thornburg, Cade Siler, Kaden McBeth, Bryar Ward, Caleb Stacy, Jhon Ramirez, Caleb Speers and coach John McAlester. Photo by Genia Harber Wister boys look to keep new state streak going The Wister Wildcats baseball team is once again enjoying another streak of seasons ending at state tournaments. If the Cats, who were 15-8 last spring and 25-8 last fall, will seek to make it sixth straight trips to state, dating back to the Class 2A State Tournament in May However, if they re going to do that, it will take Wister s youth movement to do so. The Wildcats graduated seven seniors from last year s team. The good news is the Cats return nine players from a season ago, led by seniors Bryar Ward, Austin Brooks, Kendon Thornburg, Caleb Speers and Braedon Cepeda. Also missing is senior Jeffery Morris, who is not playing baseball, at least for this fall. Other returners include Kaden Mc- Beth, Caleb Stacy, Kaiden Jackson, Brock Garrett and Kadin Repass. Editor s Note: No preseason information on Wister track was submitted by press time. ROSTER Kate Hammons, Cailey Yochum, Timber Robertson, Braxtyn McMillin, Ragna Larssen, Kati Patterson, McKenna Pierce, Sage Anson, Keylee Shipman, Haley Terrazas, Balie Baldwin and Celeste Salvador, along with coaches Kristie Jo Morgan and Stacey Gibson. Coaches Kristie Morgan and Stacey Gibson. Photo by Deedra McMillin The Poteau Daily News is your best source for local sports coverage in LeFlore County Have you visited the Poteau Daily News website today? Keep up-to-date with local weather, current events, breaking news, exclusive videos and clips not available anywhere else! No news organization on the planet covers LeFlore County news better than we do!

6 2018 Spring Sports Guide PAGE 6...SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2018 POTEAU DAILY NEWS Front row, from left Zane DeWitt, Connor Place, Cactus Shipman, Alex Ramirez, Garret Robbins, Edwin Martinez, Brent Burton, Jaron Watkins and Garrett Huckaby. Coaches Ray Glover and Austin Davis, Tucker Stepp, Gunner Sanders, Caleb Smith, Jordan Terry, Brandon_Crase, Greyson Kennerson, Braxton Sullivan, Graceon Huggins, Shadrach Hamner and coaches Cody Luman and Mark Chronister. Photo by Nikki Cruse Heavener baseball team seeks more success in 2018 The Heavener Wolves baseball team went 2-18 last spring, but they return three seniors Connor Place, Gunner Sanders and Jordan Terry along with eight other players from last season s squad Tucker Stepp, Caleb Smith, Brandon Crase, Graceon Huggins, Timothy Cactus Shipman, Alex Ramirez, Garrett Robins and Jaron Watkins. Newcomers this year are Braxton Sullivan [who will continue doing his other spring sport of golf], Greyson Kennerson, Shadrach Hamner, Zane DeWitt, Edwin Martinez, Brent Burton and Garrett Huckaby. Check out Diamond Notes every Tuesday in The Poteau Daily News BIG news often hides in plain sight find the truth within. HOWLING MAD FOR GOLF Here are the Heavener High School golf team. From left, Gracie Summers, Braxton Sullivan, Journey Perdue and Mollie Oliver. Last spring, Perdue was the fifth-place medalist at the Class 3A State Tournament. Photo by Nikki Cruse Good Luck To All Area Teams! 804 N. Broadway P.O. Box 1237 Poteau, OK, P.O. Box 549, Poteau, OK An Equal Opportunity Employer

7 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2018 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 17, PAGE 7 Photo by Tami Matos Photo Submitted by Shanna Hall The left photograph is the Poteau Pirates soccer team. Team members are Alexander Amezquita, Jack Buckles, Yair Camargo, Jose Campos, Garrett Clark, Kaegan Clark, Kyle Cobb, Christopher Cortes, Luis Gonzales, Chris Gutierrez, Chris Gutierrez, Kyson Hardaway, Daniel Krehl, Ollie Lagrand, Emir Lucero, Josh Martin, Migel Martinez, Roger Montelongo, Brandon Moore, Justin Ocampo, Bryce Palmer, Omar Sanjuan and Jacksoin Webster along with coaches Neto Silva and Kyle Hardaway. The right photograph is the Poteau Lady Pirates. Team members are Ashtan Jackson, Jessica Moreno, Lizette Correa, Faith Wylie, Mariam Lucero, Dani Morales, Jennifer Camargo, Cathy Hobbs, Alex Kasper, Brenda Lopez, Jody Stidham, Desiree Maden, Casie Morgan, Skylar Davis, Guadalupe Panduro, Litzy Recendiz and Allison Matos, along with coaches Shanna Hall and Dr. Scott Clark. Both Poteau soccer teams have good nucleus returning The 2018 Poteau High School soccer teams each have a good nucleus of returning players this season. The Pirates, who were last season but have lost their playoff opener in each of the last two years, return 12 players from a season ago. Back are midfielders Jack Buckles, Kyle Cobb, Roger Montelongo and Brandon Moore, joining midfielder/striker Garrett Clark, defenseman/midfielder Kaegan Clark, defensemen Luis Gonzalez and Ollie Lagrand, midfielder/forwards Kyson Hardaway and Daniel Krehl, goalkeeper Bryce Palmer and defenseman/goalie Jackson Webster. Rounding out the roster are Alexander Amezquita, Yair Camargo, Jose Campos, Christopher Cortes, Chris Gutierrez, Emir Lucero, Josh Martin, Migel Martinez, Justin Ocampo and Omar Sanjuan. After making the playoffs in 2015 and 2016 for the first time in program history, the Lady Pirates, who were 4-11 last season, did not get to participate in the playoffs. However, they return six players from that squad. Back are goalkeeper Ashtan Jackson, who signed earlier this week with Sterling [Kan.] College, to go with Jennifer Camargo, Jody Stidham, Desiree Maden, Casie Morgan and Allison Matos. The rest of the roster is comprised by Jessica Morena, Lizette Correa, Faith Wylie, Mariam Lucero, Dani Morales, Cathy Hobbs, Alex Kasper, Brenda Lopez, Skylar Davis, Guadalupe Panduro and Litzy Recendiz. Check us out online for all the latest breaking local news, sports, entertainment, opinion polls, trending topics, bookings, special sections and deals.

8 PAGE 8...SATURDAY, MARCH 17, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS Photo by Lauren Peck PDN photo by David Seeley Left photograph is the Poteau Lady Pirates track team. Front row, from left Kayleigh Shankle, Kortney Dering, Shyann Hutchison, Makayala Morris and Tristin Knight. Back row Jenny Waldrep, Michaela Wolf, Jentri Jordan, Emma Ford and Gabby Cline. Top photograph is the Poteau Pirates. Front row, from left Bryson Carshall, Nathan Ocampo, Dakota James, Nathan Ulmer, Mathew Alvarado, Dalton Brock, Gavin Garrett, Jacques Adams and Jack Duschel. Back row Coach John Thompson, Dauntey Warren, Jayden Mankin, Preston Duncan, Josh Smith, Gunnar Thompson, Jarrod Vineyard, Ethan Bradshaw, Kagan Stockton, Seth Ford and coach Mike Odom. Poteau track teams gearing up for another season Graduation and other situations have hurt the numbers of the Poteau Lady Pirates. Only one member who qualified state last spring is back senior Kayleigh Shankle, who signed last fall with Southwestern Oklahoma State University. The other would-be state qualifier returning would have been Kylanna Hardaway, but a basketball injury will sideline her this spring. Shankle will be a part of the 1,600- and 3,200-meter relays. Kortney Dering and Tristin Knight will join them on the 1,600-meter relay team, while Knight and Michaela Wolf will be with Shankle on the 3,200-meter relay team. The key for veteran Poteau girls track coach Billy Bond will be to find a Hardaway s successor Wolf, Dering and Jentri Jordan will run the 400-meter dash, while Knight will be in the 800-meter run. Makayla Morris will compete the 1,600-meter run. ShyAnne Hutchison will be in both the 100- and 300-meter hurdles, while Shankle and Jenny Waldrop will throw the discus and shot put. Emmy Ford and Gabby Cline will round out the roster. As for the Pirates, both of their state qualifiers from a season ago return, shot put throwers Josh Smith and Gunnar Thompson. They will be joined by Jarrod Vineyard, Seth Ford and Mathew Alvarado as throwers in both the shot put and discus. For the most part, secondyear Poteau boys coach John Thompson is pretty sure about his relays. Thompson, Jayden Mankin, Jack Duschel and Preston Duncan will be on the 400-meter relay, while Jett Pitchford will join Mankin, Duschel and Duncan on the 800-meter relay. Five candidates are among the four legs in the 1,600-meter relay Mankin, Jacques Adams, Dakota James, Nathan Ocampo and Dauntey Warren. James likely will be the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runner for the Pirates, while Warren will be the strongest candidate to run the 800-meter run. Duschel, Warren, Nathan Ulmer and Dalton Brock will see time in the 100-meter dash, while Duschel, Duncan and Warren likely will be in the 200-meter dash. Pitchford and Kagan Stockton will be in the 300-meter hurdles, with the decent chance of doing the other hurdle event, the 110s, later this season. Pitchford, Stockton and Ethan Bradshaw will do the high jump, while Adams, Ocampo and Pitchford will long jump. Gavin Garrett and Bryson Carshall round out the roster.

9 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2018 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 17, PAGE 9 Left photograph is the Heavener Wolves soccer team. Front row, from left Joshua Davis, Amador Martinez, Quinn Grice, Jovany Perez, Lionel Rodriguez, Jeffery Martinez, Maliek Lira, Brent Laneave and Julio Federico. Back row Coach Billy Adrean, Fransisco Hernandez, Michael Gomez, Chrystian Martinez, Noe Alvarado, Mario Diaz, Dawson Adrean, Mauricio Gavina, Rodrigo Levy, Jose Ramirez, Enrique Luna, Daniel Vasquez and coach Creigh Smith. The right photograph is the Heavener Lady Wolves. Front row, from left Selsa Jacinto, Lucy Martinez, Yisel Martinez, Kim Lopez, Vanesa Romero, Damaris Castillo, Winter Lowery, Toni May, Areli Jimenez, Ana Vasquez, Jackie Perez and Aylin Gallardo. Back row Coach Billy Adrean, Yaquelin Aguero, Selena Ibarra, Jennifer Guerrero, Arely Yanez, Miriam Martinez, Alexandra Castillo, Laney Tiffee, Shaylan Duncan, Jayda Janway, Luz Jimenez, Laura Luna, Erica Hernandez, Marlyn Cruz and coach Creigh Smith. Photos by Nikki Cruse Heavener soccer teams experienced this spring season The Heavener High School soccer teams should be experienced with both squads bringing back several players from a season ago. The Wolves were 8-7 and made the playoffs in 2017 and bring back 12 players from that squad goalkeeper Dawson Adrean, Enrique Luna, Josh Davis, Julio Federico, Maliek Lira, Francisco Hernandez, Michael Gomez, Daniel Vasquez, Chrystian Martinez, Mario Diaz, Noe Alvarado and Mauricio Gavina. Rounding out the roster are Amador Martinez, Quinn Grice, Jovany Perez, Lionel Rodriguez, Jeffery Martinez, Brent Laneave, Rodrigo Levy and Jose Ramirez. The Lady Wolves experience this year they hope will help them rebound from a 3-10 season in Back for the Heavener girls are Erika Hernandez, Areli Jimenez, Yisel Martinez, Winter Lowery, Kim Lopez, Selsa Jacinto, Ana Vasquez, Lucy Martinez, Jayda Janway, Jennifer Guerrero and Laney Tiffee. Rounding out the roster are Vanesa Romero, Damaris Castillo, Toni May, Jackie Perez, Aylin Gallardo, Yaquelin Aguero, Selena Ibarra, Arely Yanez, Mariam Martinez, Alexander Castillo, Shaylan Duncan, Luz Jimenez, Laura Luna and Marlyn Cruz. If you only have one bullet, you better hit your target. ~ Barney Fife Let us TARGET your advertising! AD vantage results that make a Serving LeFlore cash County register ring! 804 N. Broadway Poteau, OK (918)

10 PAGE 10...SATURDAY, MARCH 17, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS Left photograph is the Heavener Lady Wolves track team. Front row, from left Anna Sanders, Iris Martínez, Calle Dunigan, Leticia Reyes. Back row Coach Ray West, Sammie Jo Taylor, Tamera Craft, Shakotah Cripps, Laura Culpepper, Yisel Martinez and coach Eddie Muse. Top photograph is the Heavener Wolves. Front row, from left Luke Leder, Johnny Ardemagni, Talon Cogburn, Chrystian Martinez, Enrique Luna, Caleb Decker, Macedonio Jacinto and Westen Cox. Back row Coach Ray West, Cody Drury, Ryan Moore, Elijah Cook, Ely Stapp, Elias Rossner, Jordan Terry, Maliek Lira, Jacob Hill, Daren Sanders and coach Eddie Muse. Photos by Nikki Cruse Heavener track teams look to run their way to state The Heavener High School track teams look to have success this spring. On the girls side, two key runners back from the 3,200-meter relay are Iris Martinez and Laura Culpepper. Martinez and her cousin, Yisel, signed with Carl Albert State College on Dec. 8. Rounding out the Lady Wolves roster are Sammie Jo Taylor, Tamera Craft, Shakotah Cripps, Anna Sanders, Callee Jo Dunigan and Leticia Reyes. For the Wolves, their roster is comprised of Cody Drury, Ryan Moore, Elijah Cook, Ely Stapp, Elias Rossner, Jordan Terry, Maliek Lira, Jacob Hill, Daren Sanders, Luke Leder, Johnny Ardemagni, Talon Cogburn, Chrystian Martinez, Enrique Luna, Caleb Decker, Macedonio Jacinto and Westen Cox. The Poteau Daily News has... NEWSPAPER END ROLLS For your party, classroom or event FROM $5. 00 & UP Help support our Newspapers in Education with your purchase.

11 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2018 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 17, PAGE 11 Howe Lions to have pitching depth, and more, this spring The Howe Lions are looking forward to more success after a campaign last spring. They followed that up with a 19-7 season this past fall. The Lions bring back every starter from both last fall s and last spring s teams, and they will be very senior-ladened with six seniors back outfielder/ pitcher Braydon McCoy, infielders/pitchers Brant Denton [who was a part of two state titles, one in Oklahoma and one in Arkansas, with the LeFlore County Outlaws this last summer] and Trey Nation and outfielders/pitchers Diego Sanchez and Michael Dean. Junior twin brothers Trever and Tyler Sockey, and sons of veteran Howe coach Jon Sockey, who will be primarily infielders but can pitch, as well as junior infielder/pitcher Carson McGee round out the returning starters. Rounding out the roster are junior outfielders/infielders David Evans and Colby Butler, sophomore outfielder/infielder Tanner Scott, freshman infielder/ pitcher Eduardo Sanchez, freshman outfielder/pitcher Caleb Crabtree and freshman infielder/outfielder Wesley Bradley. We ll be an experienced team with pitching depth, good defense, good offense and speed on the bases, Sockey said. Editor s note: No preseason information on the Howe track teams was submitted by press time. Front row, from left Loren Ford-Rogers, Zoe Nation, Morgan Turner, Jalei Oglesby, Peyton Stubbs and Janae Graves. Back row Kenlei Duvall, Sydnie Womack, Makaleah Lewis, Abigail Davidson, Justyn Lynn, Caitlyn Stacy, Dani Collins and Ally Davis. Not pictured Shelby Gullick and coaches Mike Womack and Shannon Stubbs. PDN photo by David Seeley Howe softball girls seek second state trip this school year The Howe Lady Lions went to the Class 2A State Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament last fall, and they played last weekend in the Class 2A State Basketball Tournament. The Lady Lions would like to get the hat trick of state trips this school year by making it to the Class 4A State Slow-Pitch Tournament in May. They return six players from last spring s team Zoe Nation, Jalei Oglesby, Sydnie Womack, Abigail Davidson, Justyn Lynn and Shelby Gullick. Earlier this year, Davidson signed a letter of intent with Eastern Oklahoma State College. Rounding out the roster are Peyton Stubbs, Janae Graves, Kenlei Duvall, Makaleah Lewis, Caitlyn Stacy, Loren Ford-Rogers, Dani Collins and Ally Davis, the latter three are newcomers to the program. Front row, from left David Evans, Carson McGee, Diego Sanchez, Eduardo Sanchez and Brady Hardin. Back row Trever Sockey, Tanner Scott, Tyler Sockey, Tyler Singleterry, Colby Butler, Wesley Bradley and Caleb Crabtree. Not pictured Trey Nation, Brant Denton, Michael Dean, Wyatt Heavener and coaches Jon Sockey and Brady Hardin. Photo by Jon Sockey The Poteau Daily News is your best source for local sports coverage in LeFlore County Have you visited the Poteau Daily News website today? Keep up-to-date with local weather, current events, breaking news, exclusive videos and clips not available anywhere else! No news organization on the planet covers LeFlore County news better than we do!

12 PAGE 12...SATURDAY, MARCH 17, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS The truth isn t always out there... Front row, from left Dax McMillin, Paylon Brown, West Stegall, Jackson Woodall, Hunter Durant, Christopher Loyd and Dayton Crose. Back row Jett Carver, Jonathan Ferguson, Stetson Adams, Wyatt Gibson, Hunter McGowan, Hagen Earls, Ryan Green, LeeRay Gwin and coach Mark Warren. Photo by Suzie Cormier Leflore boys an experienced, but youthful, squad for spring season The Leflore Savages look to continue to see their young players progress after they went last spring and last fall. The Savages return five players who had major contributions to the 2016 fall state-qualifying team Stetson Adams, Hunter Durant, Jackson Woodall, Jett Carver and Hagen Earls. Other players back are LeeRay Gwin, Ryan Green and Wyatt Gibson. However, there will be a lot of new faces Dax McMillin, Paylon Brown, West Stegall, Christopher Loyd, Dayton Crose, Jonathan Ferguson and Hunter McGowan.... find the truth within. 804 N. Broadway P.O. Box 1237 Poteau, OK, Underclassmen hold the key to success for new Leflore girls coach New Leflore softball coach Dustin Beck hopes his underclassmen can spark success for the Lady Savages this spring. The Lady Savages, who will have to overcome the graduation of Shaelyn Green and Masey Brannon, return eight players from last season s team. However, only one of them is a senior pitcher Madison Vaden Juniors back are Kenzie Pope, Lindsay Hudlow, Summer Barnett, Abree Singleterry and Raelyn Harrell, while Haylee Newman and Katrina Hudlow round out the returning sophomore corps. Rounding out the roster are Shadie Crase, Lindsey Waits, Kaitlyn Ryles, Darlene Dobbs, Makenlee Rollison and Chrissy Ingle. Check out Diamond Notes in each Tuesday edition of the Poteau Daily News

13 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2018 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 17, PAGE 13 Front row, from left Dusty Fazekas, Dalton Patten, Preston King, Austin Place, Cole Nix and Tanner Miller. Middle row Brayden Allen, Tanner Hood, Brett Deatherage, Cash Balentine, Dayson Fazekas and Chance Noah. Back row Brynnan Crose, Koby Ober, Xavier Hunter, Will Edington, Andrew Adams, Grayson Nix. Photo by Paula Midgley Red oak boys seek state title sweep for school year The Red Oak Eagles, who lost last spring s Class B State Tournament title game to Leedey, got to the Class B State Tournament in both last fall and won it. The Eagles, were 31-5 last spring and 29-8 last fall en route to brining home the Class B state title. This is a rebuilding year for the Eagles as they graduated several starters last spring. The senior leadership for the fall season on the field will include Grayson Nix, Brett Deatherage, Andrew Adams and William Edington. Wister transfer Cash Balentine, who signed last fall with Carl Albert State College, will see lots of action in the starting pitching rotation. Along with Balentine, Nix, Adams and senior Brynnan Crose will fill out the pitching staff for veteran Red Oak coach Trey Booth. A few promising freshmen who will also see starting time on the field Dayson Fazekas, Dalton Patten, Austin Place and Tanner Hood. Red Oak girls look to repeat as Class A state champions, with new coach at the helm The Red Oak Lady Eagles softball team, which went last spring en route to the Class A state title, looks to duplicate that feet this spring after they got to the Class B state semifinals this past fall. The Lady Eagles return eight players from last spring s state championship team. Seniors back are Darcie McCullar [who signed last fall with Carl Albert State College, and will follow her older sister, Katie, who will complete her final season as a Lady Viking this spring], Mollie McGee [who didn t get to play the whole fall season due to injury, but should be injury free this spring] and Shaylee Noah. Kayleigh Hunter and Shandee Noah are juniors back, while Grace Montgomery, Trista Ober and Rylee Stacy are the sophomores returning. Rounding out the team are Kacie Bell, Jaiden Dill, Gracie Brigance, Shayna Cheesemam and Melanie Williams. The Lady Eagles will be have a new coach this spring as fast-pitch assistant JoAnn Scarberry will take the reins from his predecessor Casey Butcher. The Lady Eagles are taking the momentum of playing for the Class B State Basketball Tournament title earlier this month, were they came in state runnersup. ROSTER Darcie McCullar, Trista Ober, Shaylee Noah, Kayleigh Hunter, Shandee Noah, Rylee Stacy, Mollie McGee, Kacie Bell, Jaiden Dill, Graycie Burgance, Shayna Cheesemam, Delanie Williams and Grace Montgomery. Photo Submitted by JoAnn Scarberry The Poteau Daily News is your best source for local sports coverage in LeFlore County

14 PAGE 14...SATURDAY, MARCH 17, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS Arkoma Mustangs may take a while before hitting their stride this spring Front row, from left Jenna Karich, Maddie Carlile, Kylee Peterson, Kaylee Moore and Tyra Beaver. Back row Josslyn Beesley, Sommer Carlile, Reagan Sanders, Skyla Paul, Jillian Dodson and B.J. Lang. Photo by Matt Beesley Arkoma girls return several players from last season Although young, the Arkoma Lady Mustangs softball team has most of its players back after getting a season under their belts in Back for second-year slow-pitch coach Matt Beesley are Skyla Paul, Josslyn Beesley, Raegan Sanders, Maddie Carlile, Kaylee Moore, Tyra Beaver, Sommer Carlile and B.J. Lang. Rounding out the roster are Jenna Karich, Kylee Peterson and Jillian Dodson. Editor s Note: No preseason information on Arkoma track, Keota baseball or Keota softball was submitted by deadline. Have you visited the Poteau Daily News website today? Keep up-to-date with local weather, current events, breaking news, exclusive videos and clips not available anywhere else! No news organization on the planet covers LeFlore County news better than we do! With only four seasoned players back from their season last spring, the Arkoma Mustangs may take a while before they start stampeding out of the corral this spring. The Mustangs return three players, seniors Isaiah Cobbe, Mykiah Oosahwe and Jason Pryor, who will be counted upon for leadership, both in the batter s box and on the mound. Oosahwe hit.316 last spring with 17 runs batted in. Pryor had four wins with 52 strikeouts in 47 innings pitched with a 4.21 earned-run average. The only other seasoned veteran is junior outfielder Cade Weatherton, son of Arkoma coach Mark Weatherton. Cobbe, Oosahwe and Pryor will lead both on the mound and at the plate, said Weatherton, who s in his 10th season with the Mustangs. Weatherton is the only other experienced player, so it could be a few weeks into the season before the line-up is set. Rounding out the roster are senior designated hitter/first baseman Blake Chambers, senior outfielders Kobe Ragsdale and Harley McAlister, junior second baseman/outfielder Ian Lenard, sophomore second baseman/outfielder Jay Tate, sophomore first baseman/outfielder Ethan Thompson, sophomore outfielder Dalton Ellison, freshman third baseman Alex McLemore, freshman catcher/pitcher Braxton Chesher, freshman outfielder Joseph Caldwell and freshman first baseman Josh Killion. We ve got lots of options, with some talented seniors who haven t played baseball in a while and some young guys who will push for playing time. Bokoshe softball girls to be much improved this spring After venturing out into the fast-pitch softball realm last fall, the Bokoshe Lady Tigers are planning to be much improved this 2018 slowpitch softball season. The Lady Tigers, who were last year, return nine players from a season ago. Seniors back are third baseman Kim Swindle [who hit.585 last spring], catcher Macy McConnell, second baseman Gracie Stroup and pitcher Talia Cox [.485 batting average last season]. Outfielders Dusty Auldridge, Kalee Kingsborough and Adriona Bowen are the juniors back this year, while rover Madison Summers and first baseman Randi Saling comprise the returning sophomore players. Rounding out the roster are senior catcher Majc Dukel, senior outfielder Tekoa Sanders, junior outfielder Kimaia Lockhart, freshman shortstop Cadince Huddleson, freshman catcher TyAnn Bray, freshman second baseman NiKayla Carter and freshman outfielder Maria Juarez. We are young, but we show good promise, second-year Bokoshe coach Charles Karch said. We have a tough schedule this year, so our record may not improve as much as desired, but we will be competitive within our class. We ll be strong on defense and have a few hard hitters that will score some runs for us. Editor s Note: No preseason information on Bokoshe s baseball team was received by press time.

15 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2018 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 17, PAGE 15 Talihina baseball team has new coach for new spring season As the new 2018 baseball season arrives for the Talihina Golden Tigers, it will come with the arrival of a new coach. Toby Hawkins takes over the longtime veteran coach Jon Bradberry. The 2017 season was a rough one for the Golden Tigers, who were 1-19 last year. The Golden Tigers return five starters from that team, senior first baseman/ pitcher Dillon Hunter, senior infielder Wyatt Harger, junior infielder/pitcher Kyler Baugh, sophomore center fielder/ pitcher Austin Fenton and sophomore second baseman Cooper Wright. Other promising squadmen are senior infielder/outfielder Sooner Box, senior catcher Bo Box, junior outfielder John Grogan and sophomore infielder Ryker Baughman. We will have a mix of new guys who have very little playing experience with a few guys who have been in the program for several years, Hawkins said. Right now, I m not worried about wins and losses. I m more focused on competing and improving every day. We have a ways to go to get back to where we want to be, but we have the players to start it moving in the right direction. Editor s Note: No preseason information was submitted on Talihina slowpitch softball or track by deadline. Front row, from left Ricky Morris, Levi Adams, Tucker LeMay, Corban Culley, Michael Gibson and Jacob Sisemore. Back row John Cranford, Gorge Simmons, Ethan Adams, Jase Ward, Rhett Hunter, Bobby Rose, Trevor Roberts, Ian Baxter and coach Bryan Cartwright. Photo Submitted by Bryan Cartwright Whitesboro boys a seasoned bunch The Whitesboro Bulldogs baseball team, which was 8-15 last spring and 16-7 last fall, return seven of its nine starters from a season ago with none of them graduating this spring. Returning are juniors Ethan Adams, Tucker LeMay, Corban Culley, Bobby Rose, Trevor Roberts and Micah Gibson and sophomore Ian Baxter. Rounding out the roster are freshmen Ricky Morris, Gorge Simmons, Levi Adams, Jace Word, Rhett Hunter and Ryan Huett. We re looking for our junior class to step up and become leaders, Whitesboro boys coach Bryan Cartwright said. We re looking to make a big jump [regarding success] this year. Front row, from left Holly Bowman, Cassie Grey, Haylee Himes, Oakley Burks and Hannah Abeyta. Back row Coach Billy Karr, Lizzie LeMay, Hope Bailey, Ashten Bailey, Ashley Johnson and Roxy Blagg. Not pictured Abi Marks and coach Hoss Ward. PDN photo by David Seeley Whitesboro girls hope to build off last fall s trip to state The Whitesboro Lady Bulldogs got to experience the state-tournament experience last fall as they enjoyed a season and made the Elite 8 of the Class B State Tournament. They hope for that kind of success this spring in their slowpitch season. The Lady Bulldogs have the luxury of knowing none of their current players are seniors, thus they ll be back for both softball seasons next school year. They have five players from a season ago Lizzie LeMay, Ashten Bailey, Haylee Himes, Roxy Blagg and Ashley Johnson. Rounding out the roster will be Hope Bailey, Cassie Grey, Holly Bowman, Hannah Abeyta and Abi Marks. Editor s note: No preseason information on Whitesboro track was submitted by deadline. GOOD LUCK. During Spring Sports Season, To All LeFlore County Teams! Mansour Furniture & Appliances 204 Dallas Talihina, OK (918)

16 PAGE 16...SATURDAY, MARCH 17, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS BV boys looking for youth to shine this spring The Buffalo Valley Buffaloes were last year, but they graduated six players from that team which went last fall. So, it will be up for the young players to shine to help the Buffs be successful this spring for fifth-year coach Jonathan Lowder. The Buffs return three starters from a season ago, senior pitcher/first baseman Johnny Collins, junior shortstop/ pitcher Landen Collins and junior infielder/pitcher Wyatt Vandeveer. Rounding out the roster are senior outfielders Cordell Sturgeon and Caden Phillips, junior infielder Waylon Morris, junior outfielders Oscar Henry and Brandon Pinley, junior catcher Trevor Whitebird, sophomore outfielders Blake Jackson, Colt Coats and Briar Walker, freshman second baseman Jaron Swearingen and freshmen outfielders Grant Shaw and Codey Hall. Editor s Note: No preseason Buffalo Valley softball information was received by deadline. Loched within these pages are nessie-ssary truths... Front row, from left Branson Castillo, Josh culver, Spencer Featherston, Kyler Cathey, Cody Fitzer, Bradley Pendergrass and Michael Battice. Back row Coach Jarrett Cannon, Jeremy Humphries, Jordan Cannon, Ashton Adams, L.T. Booth, Kole Hadley, Jagger Harley, Jace Branscum and Parker Cooper. Not pictured Kolby McGee. Photo Submitted by Jarrett Cannon Cameron boys hope for good things this spring First-year Cameron baseball coach Jarrett Cannon is inheriting a Cameron boys baseball team that went 3-16 last spring and last fall. The Jackets return six starters from last season, three of whom are seniors centerfielder/pitcher Jordan Cannon, third baseman/pitcher Jagger Harley and shortstop/pitcher Jeremy Humphries. The other three starters back are sophomores first baseman/pitcher Cole Hadley, second baseman/right fielder Michael Battice and second baseman/right fielder Colby McGee. The roster is rounded out with junior pitcher/infielder Jace Branscum, junior left fielder/pitcher Ashton Adams, junior outfielder/pitcher B.J. Pendergrass and freshman catcher Cody Fitzer. Editor s Note: No preseason information on Cameron slow-pitch softball was received by deadline. The Poteau Daily News is your best source for local sports coverage in LeFlore County... find the truth within. 804 N. Broadway P.O. Box 1237 Poteau, OK,

17 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2018 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 17, PAGE 17 Photo Submitted by Mike Thomas Photo by Randall Wheat Left photograph is of the Poteau Pirates golf team. The roster includes Bryson Terry, Ryan Ward, Jameson Shackelford, Coy Vowerls, Nick Jackson, Justun Coyle, Luke Wheat, Keeton Mann, Jackson Clark, Brandon Pickle, Michah Lloyd, Cameron Wickware and Stetson Qualls along with coach Mike Thomas. Right photograph is the Lady Pirates. The roster includes Callie Shore, Ashlynn Smith, Dru Martin, Skye Parker, Bailey Vowels, Abby Chitwood, Kensey Hatcher and coach Randall Wheat. Poteau golfers bring back experience this spring Both the Poteau Pirates and Lady Pirates golf teams bring back several members from a season ago. The Pirates, who were third at last year s Class 4A State Tournament, return six members from that squad seniors Ryan Ward, Bryson Terry and Jameson Shackelford, juniors Justun Coyle and Nick Jackson and sophomore Luke Wheat. Ward was sixth last spring at state, Terry tied for 15th, Coyle tied for 32nd and Wheat tied for 62nd. Rounding out the Pirates roster for veteran coach Mike Thomas are senior Coy Vowels and freshmen Keeton Mann, Jackson Clark, Brandon Pickle, Michah Lloyd, Cameron Wickware and Stetson Qualls. The Lady Pirates return four members from last spring s team that finished 12th at last year s Class 4A State Tournament. Returning are senior Callie Shore, juniors Ashlynn Smith and Dru Martin and sophomore Skye Parker. Martin tied for 67th at state last season, Smith was 69th and Shore was 78th. Rounding out this year s roster for longtime coach Randall Wheat are sophomore Bailey Vowels and freshmen Abby Chitwood and Kensey Hatcher. The Poteau Daily News is your best source for local sports coverage in LeFlore County POTEAU TAG AGENCY Jordan Keller,Tag Agent Wishes All LeFlore County Teams A Successful Season Titles Tags Driver s License Notary Voter Registration Driving Record Custom Tags Boats Liens Now Accepting Debit and Credit Cards for Motor Vehicle Transaction 2801 N. Broadway #3, Poteau Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 1st & 3rd Saturdays from Check us out online for all the latest breaking local news, sports, entertainment, opinion polls, trending topics, bookings, special sections and deals.

18 PAGE 18...SATURDAY, MARCH 17, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS Panama Razorbacks have chance to make noise this 2018 season After going 23-8 last spring and getting to the Class 2A Regional Tournament finals, the Panama Razorbacks are primed to have just as much success this spring, which has seen the Hogs come close to knocking off the two-time Class 4A state qualifying Poteau Pirates who held on for a 6-5 win March 8 at Town Creek Park. The Hogs return five players from a season ago senior catcher/pitcher Dawson Restine, senior third baseman/ pitcher Jacob Mantooth, junior shortstop/pitcher Chance Timms, junior first baseman/pitcher Connor Tackett and junior right fielder/pitcher Tanner Thompson. Panama also is getting to be blessed with two newcomers. After transferring after last school year from Poteau to Fort Smith [Ark.] Southside, early this school year, the Barcheers brothers, senior center fielder/pitcher Kale and sophomore second baseman/pitcher Mason, moved in and are now Razorbacks. We got two good move-ins [Barcheers brothers], said Panama coach Chris Gollihare, who s entering his 10th season with the Hogs. We ve got really good senior leaders. We should be pretty good this season. ROSTER Tanner Thompson, Conner Tackett, Kale Barcheers, Jacob Mantooth, Chance Timms, Dawson Restine, Mason Barcheers, Dakota Eaves, Hunter Sebo, Drew Butler, Preston Hale, Trevor Banhart, Jeffrey Gipson, Kolton Crenshaw, Zack Brown, Logan Carroll, Hunter Hopkins, Jesse Linne and coaches Chris Gollihare and Randy Darneal. Photo Submitted by Chris Gollihare ROSTER Katrina Wright, Cassidy Ward, Harley Fout, ShayAnne Gould, Emily Jones, Corianne Johnson, Emily Sells, Shanoe Teague, Hayley Bell, Aubrey Powell, Kennadee Shieves, Paris Brown, Maci Goines, Hailey Weaver, Kristen Watson, Makenna Murdock, Shaelynn Bledsoe, BryLeigh Clark and coaches Carrie Covey and Jamie Hoffman. Photo Submitted by Carrie Covey Panama softball girls mixing experience, youth this spring The Panama Lady Razorbacks softball team will combine experienced players and youth to this spring s slowpitch squad. The Lady Backs return eight players from a season ago, Cassidy Ward, Katrina Wright, Maci Goines, Aubrey Powell, Kristen Watson, Shanoe Teague, Makenna Murdock and Kennadee Hale. However, the other half of the roster are very young underclassmen as rounding out the roster coach Carrie Covey are Harley Fout, ShayAnne Gould, Emily Jones, Corianne Johnson, Emily Sells, Hayley Bell, Paris Brown, Hailey Weaver, Shaelynn Bledsoe and BryLeigh Clark. Have you visited the Poteau Daily News website today? Keep up-to-date with local weather, current events, breaking news, exclusive videos and clips not available anywhere else! Have a Great Season! No news organization on the planet covers LeFlore County news better than we do!

19 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2018 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 17, PAGE 19 Slow-pitch softball makes return to Spiro Front row, from left Sam Draper, Zach McCann, Antonio Johnson, Cade Blankenship, Dylan Ridenour, Bradlee Chronister, Brevon Harper, Ethan Caldwell, Hunter Williams and Cooper Garris. Back row Coach Rod Kimmel, Robert Hand, Aaron Emerson, Cory Rodgers, Conner Rogers, Logan Farmer, Deontei Braggs, Braden Riggs, Zach Stimac, Garrett Cox, Peyton Upchurch, Nick Johnson, William Osbourne and Coach D.J. Gist. Photo by Jennifer Brooks Spiro baseball team has nice nucleus of returners for 2018 spring season After a three-year hiatus, slow-pitch softball is making a return to Spiro. The Lady Bulldogs haven t played slow-pitch softball since 2015 as the current seniors were freshmen at that time. This spring s roster is comprised of Hunter Baxter, Sherril Williams, Jessica Roeder, Danielle Smith, Jaycee Cox, Remi West, Tatyona McFerren, Gracie Darneal, Emily Myers, Keelie Glory, Hannah Tobler, Sydnee Haynes, Sierra Perdue, Joelle Reinl, Carli Matthews, Madison Allen, Brittany McClain, BriLeigh Thornton, Cameron Burns and Katherine Simerson. Superintendent Richard Haynes, who is the fastpitch assistant coach, will be coaching this slow-pitch team this spring. The Spiro Bulldogs, who were last spring, return a nice group of veterans, eight in all, for the 2018 campaign. Back this spring are Cade Blankenship, Dylan Ridenour, Antonio [A.J.] Johnson, Brevon Harper, Bradlee Chronister, Ethan Caldwell, Logan Farmer and Garrett Cox. Rounding out the roster for the Dogs are Zack Stimic, Cooper Garris, Braden Riggs, William Osbourne, Deontei Braggs, Zack McCann, Aaron Emerson, Peyton Upchurch, Conner Rodgers, Hunter Williams, Cory Rodgers, Samuel Draper, Robert Hand and Nick Johnson. Graduation hurts Spiro track girls chances of repeating as state champions Bulldogs return four qualifiers from 2017 state meet The Spiro Lady Bulldogs were Class 3A state runners-up in 2016 and state champions in However, if they re going to repeat as state champions, it will take a lot of youth to do it. The Lady Bulldogs are slated to return just two members from last spring s state title team, senior Hannah Tobler and junior Jasmine Hopkins. The Dogs are scheduled return four state qualifiers from last spring senior Hunter Clouse, junior Deontei Braggs and sophomores Malik Roberson and Adonis Wilson. Front row, from left Hunter Baxter, Sherril Williams, Jessica Roeder, Danielle Smith, Jaycee Cox, Remi West, Tatyona McFerren and Gracie Darneal. Middle row Emily Myers, Keelie Glory, Hannah Tobler, Sydnee Haynes, Sierra Perdue, Joelle Reinl and Carli Matthews. Back row Madison Allen, Brittany McClain, BriLeigh Thornton, Cameron Burns and Katherine Simerson. Not pictured Coach Richard Haynes. Photo by Jennifer Brooks Check out Diamond Notes in every Tuesday edition of the Poteau Daily News

20 PAGE 20...SATURDAY, MARCH 17, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS Smithville boys will be experienced this spring The Smithville Braves, who were last spring and last fall will be a very experienced bunch. The Braves return seven starters from a season ago Conager McBroom, Kolton McBroom, Jacob Caldwell, Tanner Rogers, Harmon Phillips, Bryce Ludlow and Tom Hilton. Reserves back from last season are Ty Cooke, Jacob Pruitt and Gibson Snider. Newcomers this season for the Braves are Jase Miller and Austin Routh. Editor s Note: No preseason information was received on Smithville slowpitch softball by deadline. Front row, from left Kylee Free, K-Jae Alexander, Matti Terry, Gracie Pate, Allison Benefield, Rilegh Pate, Haley Dean, Haylee Benefield, Kadence Espinoza, Ashlyn Moody and Jazmin Autry. Back row Malorie Hall, Ashlee Staley, Ashley Tracy, Morgan Alexander, Lillian Smith, Makenzie Wilson, Emily Yandell, Christian Schiffner, Abbi Moody, Sydney Crase, Shelby Smith, Makaylee Wilson, Rayannah Ward, Brylie Simmons, Gracie Corbin, and coach Rodale Sanders. Photo by Nikki Cruse Heavener girls want to see season end at Class 5A state tournament ROSTER Conager McBroom, Kolton McBroom, Jacob Caldwell, Tanner Rogers, Harmon Phillips, Jase Miller, Bryce Ludlow, Tom Hilton, Gibson Snider, Jacob Pruitt, Austin Routh and Ty Cooke. Coach is D.J. McIntyre. Photo by D.J. McIntyre The Poteau Daily News is your best source for local sports coverage in LeFlore County The Heavener Lady Wolves were last spring but were beaten by Beggs in the Class 5A Regional Tournament finals to keep them from making state. However, after only graduating three players from a season ago, the Lady Wolves have their eyes on getting back to the Class 5A State Tournament. The Lady Wolves return nine players from last season s squad. Of those nine players, five are seniors outfielder Makenzie Wilson [.621 batting average last spring], shortstop Emily Yandell [.701], first baseman Sydney Crase [.593], pitcher Abbi Moody [.491] and Shelby Smith [.233]. Moody was 17-3 pitching last spring. Wilson and Yandell signed last fall to play college softball at Carl Albert. They were three Lady Wolves to do so. The third was Wilson s twin sister Makaylee, who will not be able to play this spring season due to a knee injury suffered earlier this year that kept her pretty much off the court this past basketball season. Other returners are junior outfielders Rilegh Pate [.551 hitting average last spring] and Callee Jo Dunigan [.448], sophomore second baseman Morgan Alexander [.448] and sophomore outfielder Kylee Free [.359]. Rounding out the varsity roster are senior pitcher Christian Schiffner who is back from injury along with sophomore outfielder Brylee Simmons, freshman pitcher/outfielder Rayannah Ward and freshman shortstop K-Jae Alexander. This year s team is full of experience and a ready to get back to the [Class 5A] state tournament again after being upset last year in the regional finals by Beggs, said coach Rodale Sanders, who is in his 12th season coaching the Lady Wolves. With Makenzie Wilson batting leadoff with 27 home runs, Emily Yandell batting second writhe 26 home runs followed by Sydney Crase with 24 home runs and numerous intentional walks and Abbi Moody batting clean-up with 14 home runs and 24 walks, we have back 99 of our 117 home runs from last year. With 28 girls coming out this season, every day will be a battle for a starting spot. These seniors have won the LeFlore County Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament three years in a row and are looking rot make it a school record five straight dating back to If we can stay healthy, we should be able to make it back to state again this year and have a good chance to win it.