STRIKE ZONE

In this edition of the Strike Zone, staff writers Rodrick Anderson and Warren Arceneaux discuss the softball playoffs and past week in high school sports.

Which softball team has the best chance at making it to a state championship game?

WA: Kinder. The Yellow Jackets have a star pitcher in Sarah Gartman, another all-state player in Kate Trahan, a deep lineup and plenty of experience playing in big games, including the state tournament.

RA: South Beauregard. The Lady K’s have complied an impressive 24-1 record with its lone loss to Westlake, 11-6 extra innings. They have a power hitter in Jaclyn Deason and a pitcher Katrina Simpkins has 12 shutouts. 

Who is your player to watch in the softball playoffs?

WA: Jaclyn Deason of South Beauregard. I dig the long ball and Deason is the school record holder as a junior.

RA: Hannah Derouen of St. Louis. In the circle, Derouen has dominated with more than 180 strikeouts and has been the catalyst of the Saints’ six-game win streak heading into the playoffs. She has not allowed more than three runs a game during that span.

Which baseball team had the best week?

WA: St. Louis. The Saints continued to roll, extending their winning streak to 12 games, and clinched at least a share of the District 4-3A title.

RA: Barbe. After losing three consecutive games, the Bucs turned it around and won four straight to get back on top of the District 3-5A standings. The Bucs’ biggest win was an 11-2 thumping of previously unbeaten Grace Christian.