Kaley Jones, who led Osceola High School to a district championship and appearance in the FHSAA Regionals, is the Osceola News-Gazette’s Softball Player of the Year for 2021.
Jones, just a sophomore, hit .354 for the Kowboys. She led the team with 33 RBI and 14 extra-base hits, and was tied for second in runs scored with 25.
“Most valuable can certainly be subjective and there were a lot of good players in the county,” Osceola coach Miranda Watford said. “Without question, Kaley was our team leader this year on both offense and defense. She really handled pressure well and came up big in every clutch moment for us. I think she is certainly deserving of this recognition.”
Osceola, which finished the season with a 16-10 mark, has five players on the Osceola News-Gazette’s All-County team, including Rylee Andrews, Gabriel Avila, Nyeli Hernandez and Alyssa Miranda.
Avila hit .403, scoring 25 runs and knocking in 25 more. Hernandez was the leading hitter for the Kowboys with a .508 average and 33 hits. Miranda hit .501 and went 4-1 on the mound; while Andrews hit .321.
Liberty High School, which posted a solid 19-5 record but was upset by George Jenkins in the district semifinals, has six players on the All-County team, including Jehna Morales, Kayleen DeJesus, Blanca Elaraj, Lune Fret, Nghari Patterson and Mhasiah Patterson.
The Chargers hit .435 as a team. Elaraj hit .377 with 11 extra-base hits. Frett batted .533 with 22 RBI. The Pattersons were a combined 8-5 on the mound and both hit over .400 (Mhasiah at .484 and Nghari at .462). Mhasiah also led the team with 36 stolen bases. DeJesus led the team in doubles with 12 and also hit .438. Morales hit .536 and led the county in RBI (39).
Having a down year by their own lofty standards, the St. Cloud Bulldogs (10-16) have three players on the All-County team. Those players include Leah Gonzalez (.458, 21 RBI, 18 extra-base hits); Olivia LaMeau (.409 average); and Hannah Nasco (.432 average, 32 runs, 8 home runs).
Rounding out the team was Tohopekaliga shortstop Natasha Ortiz; Gateway’s Kamila Vargas; Harmony’s Lucy Burgess and Alisha Vohs; and Celebration’s Emily Cocks.
