DRAUGHN WILDCATS
Last year’s record: 15-10 (7-5 WHC 1A/2A, 3rd); lost third round 1A playoffs
Returning players: Avie Helton, Ava Aldridge, Maria Medrano, Cydnee Deal, Aubrey Childers, Maddie Grady, Braylen Clontz, Lindsey Hensley, Raygen McDaniel, Reagan Webb, Bailey Winkler, Makenzie Powell, Maddy Hudson, Danielle Huffman, Rylie Hensley
Other key players: Jerzie Whitton, Abigail Roper, Ambria Baker, Emmalin Clark, Piper Ellis, Madison Brown, Olivia Arch
From the coach: “We are very excited about this upcoming season. We return all nine starters from last spring and have added depth across the board, which is helping create competition every day in practice.” — Chris Powell
Outlook: With a plethora of returning players from a team that had no seniors last year, the Lady Wildcats appear poised for another strong season. Powell stated that he is a fan of “the conference outlook this year, especially from the aspects of competition and travel,” adding that Draughn has “some familiarity with some opponents as we have played them in recent years.” Upperclassmen on the roster include seniors Helton, Aldridge, Medrano, Deal, Childers, and Grady as well as juniors Clontz, McDaniel, and Lindsey Hensley.
EAST BURKE CAVALIERS
Last year’s record: 5-21 (3-11 CVAC 2A, T-6th)
Returning players: Ally Boyette, Linda Crawford, Hermione Garro, Karlie Micol, Alyssa Shoemaker, Amanda McLean, Sarah Angel, Madi Clay, Emerie Setzer
Other key players: Ava Bivens, Lillian Brittain, Braleigh Carswell, Makenzii Nguyen, Johni Odom, Prayleigh Peacock, Emily Shoemaker
From the coach: “We hope to continue a powerful hitting lineup that scores many runs this year. … We are in a new conference with some strong competition, and we hope to be competitive in all our contests.” — Tracy Greene
Outlook: Like Draughn, the Lady Cavaliers have a lot of players back from last season, highlighted by junior catcher McLean, who led the team in batting average (.449) and home runs (seven) while also totaling 35 hits, 22 RBIs, and 14 runs scored. Additionally, seniors Micol and Boyette return after serving as two of East Burke’s primary pitchers in 2025, with Greene pointing out that “we hope to utilize their experience on the defensive side.”
FREEDOM PATRIOTS
Last year’s record: 10-17 (1-9 NWC 3A/4A, T-5th); lost first round 3A playoffs
Returning players: Rhiley Buchanan, Rumi Campbell, Abigayle Gibson, Kaylee Skinner, Addison Webb, Bella Creegan, Madelyn LeMaster, Kayleigh Woody, Nhiya Caldwell, Caylyn Taylor
Other key players: Cheyenne Cooke, Ava Nielsen, Hallie Ollis, Bailey Heape, Aubree Vance, Bella Green, Parker Thomas
From the coach: “Although we graduated a great group last year, our 2026 senior class is ready to step up and bring grit, leadership, and experience to the table. We have an influx of new players that will help push our team to be even more competitive in a dominating softball conference. … This is a great group with lots of potential, and I am looking forward to seeing what all they have to offer.” — Connor Townsend
Outlook: The Lady Patriots have their work cut out for them again this season in a conference that includes defending 4A state champion South Caldwell and fellow perennial power Alexander Central, which was defeated by the Lady Spartans in the third round of the state playoffs but handed them their only two losses of the year. McDowell and St. Stephens are also coming off solid seasons, while Watauga split with Freedom a year ago in a pair of high-scoring affairs. With that said, the Lady Patriots notably clobbered 29 homers as a team last spring, although 2025 graduates Lani Campbell and Daniell Robinson accounted for 21 of them.
PATTON PANTHERS
Last year’s record: 9-15 (4-8 MF7 1A/2A, T-5th); lost first round 2A playoffs
Returning players: Jolann Buff, Ady Moorefield, Hayden Carlson, Annaliese Cochran, Dixie Hildebrand, Rachel Mace, Alex Maines, Ida Miller, Lydia Patton
Other key players: Heaven Waycaster, Maddy Early, Callie Harris, Lila Hudson, Payton Hunt, Jakyra Jackson, Kayden Maines, Desirae Smith, Lanie Swink
From the coach: “We are excited about the upcoming season. We have a mix of experienced upperclassmen and a lot of new faces with our freshman class. … As for conference play, we know it will be competitive, but we expect to compete and continue to develop, stay healthy, and improve each week.” — Autumn Helms
Outlook: The Lady Panthers have several returning players, with the trio of sophomore Moorefield (.375 BA, 21 H, 12 RBIs, 16 runs, 3 SB; 5-1 pitching record), junior Buff (.359 BA, 28 H, 1 HR, 14 RBIs, 20 runs, 9 SB), and senior Alex Maines (.366 BA, 26 H, 14 RBIs, 20 runs, 5 SB) among their top performers a season ago. According to Helms, “we expect leadership and game experience to be a strength for us,” while “our depth should also be a key advantage, especially with a large group of freshmen who bring energy, competitiveness, and the potential to make an impact.”
