Kansas.com KSN

2009 All-State softball

June 23, 2009 @ 9:52 a.m. by Joanna

In case you missed it in the paper today, here’s the All-State softball teams were chosen by the state coaches’ association.

All-State Softball
Class 6A
First Team
Pitchers — Hannah Dale and Jacinda Ramos, Olathe Northwest; Paige Landenburger, Washburn Rural; Lindsey Muller, Blue Valley; Jacinda Ramos. Catchers — Cortnie Killen, Derby; Meghan Miller, SM Northwest. Infield — Jessica Brooks, Olathe East; Kelsey Lewis, Kelsey Warkentine, and Taylor Zordel, Washburn Rural; Amy Pierce and Kendra Wright, Olathe Northwest; Laura Vickers, Olathe East. Outfield — Shelby Davis, Goddard; Chantelle Dietz, Olathe Northwest; Kendall Grimm, Olathe East; Rosie Hull, Lawrence Free State; Brooke Thomason, BV Northwest. Utility — Maggie Holmberg, Washburn Rural; Kristi Lee, Olathe Northwest.
Second Team
Pitchers — Jessica Odell, Wichita Northwest; Mary Pat Specht, SM North; Jessica Sturm, Goddard; Morgan Brunmeier, SM West. Catchers — Katie Henning, Olathe South. Infield — Lauren Goebel, SM Northwest; Alex Hugo, Olathe South; Austen Hilt and Sammie Shook, Derby; Susan Specht, SM North. Outfield — Stephanie Goodwin, Blue Valley; Cortney Harp, Wichita Northwest; Maggie Hull, Lawrence Free State; Amber Parkison, SM North; Rachel Zdeb, SM Northwest. Utility — Summer Kelly, SM Northwest; Kayla Oldham, Derby.
Class 5A
First Team
Pitchers — Nikki Armagost, Andover Central; Katie Armagost, Bishop Carroll; Brittney Lang, Lansing. Catchers — Taylor Hatfield, Ark City; Madison Hargrove, Mill Valley. Infield — Meghan Boston and Brittney Dymnioski, Newton; Rachel Milnark, Lansing; Kelsey Stewart, Arkansas City. Outfield — Janessa Swinney, St. Thomas Aquinas; Whitney Montgomery, Hays; Molly Warren, Ark City. Utility — Cayce Jacquinot, St. Thomas Aquinas.
Second Team
Pitchers — Heather Borg, Andover Central; Kellie White, St. Thomas Aquinas; Karley Schmelzer, Andale; Erin Greenwood, Topeka Seamen. Catchers — Erin Boston, Newton; Erica Hampton, Bishop Carroll. Infield — Marisa Tetuan, Shawnee Heights; Lauren Thimmesch, St. Thomas Aquinas; Ashley Newman, Salina South; Jenna Rangel, Newton. Outfield — Brittany Gemmill, Bishop Miege; Erin Heaven, Shawnee Heights; Sydney Stuever, Andale; Janelle Oder, Salina South.
Class 4A
First Team
Pitchers — Haleigh Sells, Riverton; Hailie Ray, Ottawa; Courtney Kasson, Perry-Lecompton. Catchers — Carlene McManigal, Holton; Kayla Sears, Augusta. Infield _ Taylor Reichard, Augusta; Ashton Neumann, Pratt; Shelby Erickson, Perry-Lecompton; Shelby Miller, Ottawa. Outfield — Chesly Mitchell, Riverton; Lauren Himpel, Tonganoxie; Kayla Offutt, Paola. Utility — Christina Downs, Augusta; Mikela Scott, Ottawa.
Second Team
Pitchers — Keelyn Bonar, Rose Hill; Erica Davis, Fort Scott; Star Mcleod, Girard. Catchers — Kylie Taylor, Iola; Evan Folks, Eudora. Infield — Rebecca Silef, Pratt; Ariel Vinez, Girard; Kari Johnson, Haven; Bailey Scott, Eudora. Outfield — Carleigh Hall, Riverton; Austin Boehn, Paola; Lindsey Yonke, Holton. Utility — Alex Zordell, Baldwin.
Class 3A
First Team
Pitchers — Madison Hulob, Thomas More Prep; Chelsey Reid, Silver Lake; Carly Spicer, Osage City. Catcher — Kendall Patterson, McLouth; Amy Dunn, Lakin. Infield — Brittany Workman, Silver Lake; Haylee Hoffman, Thomas More Prep; Stephanie Drake, Halstead; Lezley Lawson, McLouth. Outfield — Kaitlyn Arstrong, Medicine Lodge; Alicia Hammeke, Thomas More Prep; Dana Elliot, Rock Creek; Katie Schroeder, Osage City. Utility — Amber Temple, Marysville.
Second Team
Pitchers — Crysta Brockmeier, Herington; Taylor Ebert, Rock Creek; Emily Barto, Frontenac. Catcher — Jamie Lockwood, Silver Lake; Sophia Schippers, Thomas More Prep. Infield — Kaitlyn Dallman, Silver Lake; Missy Rome, McLouth; Rachel Phillips, Halstead; Jamie Pffanistiel, Silver Lake. Outfield — Megan Kear, Pleasant Ridge; Kirsten Sooter, Halstead; Shalynn Roady, Marysville; Jenyce Spence, Baxter Springs. Utility — Kaley Patterson, McLouth.
Class 2-1A
First Team
Pitchers — Kristal Channel, Lenzie Boring, Chanea Sawyer. Catchers — Megan Dillow, Megan Taylor. Infield — Kelci Owens, Katie Vogts, Laura Kinderknecht, Callie Umholts. Outfield — Coty Shelton, Kayla Moylan, Maggie Sloan. Utility — Lisa Elmer, Annie Dellasega.
Second Team
Pitchers — Holli Wolf, Whitney Kistler, Katie Hayes. Catcher — Bailey LeGrand, Ashley Werner. Infield — Bekah Benvin, Rebecca Homan, Hannah McDowell, Brianna Simkins. Utility — Amanda Davis, Allison McCormick.

47 Responses to “2009 All-State softball”

  1. Andale Fan says:

    A comment on the 5A selections, it appears for whatever reason Andale was not given the respect they deserved which makes the selections very questionable. How the runner up at the 5A state tournament does not have a 1st team all state selection is a joke. Schmelzer and Stuever as 2nd team selections is just not right especially when Schmelzer finished the season with 18 wins and beat one of the 1st team selection pitchers to get to the Finals. Stuever only batted .607 for the season with 5 homeruns as their leadoff hitter. But those are just two players on the Andale team that deserved greater consideration. What about Kelsey Fisher and Erin Carney.

    I question the selection of a player as a 1st outfielder on a team that Andale beat 11-1 in Six innings in regionals on a team with an 11 and 7 record.

    I question the selection of 3 players from one team as first team selections for a team that did not even make it to state. That lost to the team that Andale beat to go to the finals.

    I question the selection of 4 players from one team 2 as 1st team and 2 as 2nd team selections for a team that did not even make it to state. With a regular season record of 14-6.

    The bottom line is a very good team did not get the respect that it deserved for it’s individual players. Especially when their 3 losses were to State tournament teams and 2 where to the State 5A Champion.

    To the Andale girls softball team welcome to your introduction to Kansas state high school sports politics.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  2. softballfan says:

    I agree with Andale Fan post. Some coaches will only go to bat for their own daughters. That’s evident by who was selected in several cases. You can see it coming through the season when every time a daughter hits a home run, it’s all over the blogs. You know who they are going to vote for their daughter! I won’t single out names because it’s not right for the daughter to be embarassed buy there mother or fathers actions. It’s frustating but the politics does play into it big time. The fans who know softball and look at it objectively are the best judges of who is deserving. I don’t have any daughters but if i did, i would be embarassed by several of the selections over True All-State players left off the 1st and 2nd team.

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  3. bucocatfan says:

    You do mean Andale/Garden Plain right?

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  4. Joanna says:

    Nice job in making your feelings known without ripping a kid.
    So do you all think that postseason should play a part in whether an athlete makes all-anything?
    I bring that up because of what Andale Fan said. But I know that oftentimes people will say that we only picked a specific kid because his/her team made the postseason.

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  5. softballfan says:

    Joanna. Nothing will change as long as coaches can “barter” their votes with other coaches. The fact is that if you have 4 and another has 3 1st and 2nd team selections from each school who were average at best and couldn’t get out of regionals, something smells. I don’t have a “dog in this fight” but it bothers me than several, high quality players from several teams (none of my relatives) who should of been “no-brainer” picks, didn’t even show up on the list. As far as leaning towards State playoff players? That where the rubber meets the road! Good pitching and pressure. If 4 All-state players on one team can’t get you to State you got wrong oicks. Amen

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  6. Andale Fan says:

    Joanna, This is very small event in the big picture. I feel bad for a few kids that did not receive their proper recognition, but each of those kids will become great adults and great citizens. That is the most important thing.

    Believe me at the end of the day those select coaches can make any list they want but remember the players always know who is really the best. They know it when they play against them and they know it when they play with them. Just because a few coaches can stack the state selection the way they want won’t change that.

    As far as my opinion about State selections, I believe that the post season has to be a part of it. Not all of it but a part of it. It is the “State Selection”. It is supposedly when the best play against the best. What better way to aid in the decision then in head to head competition.

    I also believe that this selection is different than the All metro selection. Which is why you make the selection prior to the tournament. If they are not going to take post season into play then the state selection should be made as soon as the regular season is over and it should be known before the State tournament starts. But it is not so it must be a part of the consideration. Instead it takes a month to find out which a coach tilted the selection in his or her teams favor.

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  7. Greyhound says:

    I would have had Mark Griggs and bucocatfan on the 1st team as pitcher and catcher!

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  8. Joanna says:

    Did anyone else notice that there were no Independent kids on the team? I’m assuming the coach, a first-year coach, isn’t a part of the coaches association.
    As for the All-State — I look at that term as meaning it covers the entire state, not just the state tournaments.

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  9. 3&2softball says:

    I agree with Joanna that the All-State team is just that. Every team in the state is included and the regular season counts. Otherwise, what happens to the great player on a weak team? If you want to have an All-State Tournament team (which seems to be what other posters want) that is fine with me also. But I would see them as two different things.

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  10. Crack says:

    It’s about the quality of the player and postition not how good their team was or am I missing something.

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  11. Hovpen says:

    Congratuations to all players who were nominated and selected by the coaches for honors. You all had a good year.

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  12. Andale Fan says:

    Crack, No you are not missing anything. It is about the quality of the player and not how good the team was but what makes a good team… Good Players. In this situation it appears to be more about the name on the front of the shirt and who is making the selections, not about the talent of the players.

    Also it is an All State award and the regular season is part of it as should be the post season. You typically see the difference between the contenders and the pretenders once you reach the State tournament and the competition level increases.

    I am not recommending an all tournament team but if you look at past All State honors over the years many of the players were a part of the State tournament.

    I would like to hear the justification for some the selections that were made.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  13. Lisa says:

    Congrats to All the girls! Thank goodness for Summer Ball.. and as my daughter recently told me “the only thing fair in life is between first and third”. So all the girls who didn’t make the “Teams” just go out and play for the love of the game and the friends you make along the way, and that will be your true reward!!!

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  14. bucocatfan says:

    “I would like to hear the justification for some the selections that were made.”

    Be specific Andale/Garden Plain Fan! Which ones do you want justified?

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  15. TrojanFan says:

    Andale Fan does have a good point. How can a team that had a mediocre season end up with several all state selections while a team that makes it to state doesn’t have as many? The bottom line is it just doesn’t make sense. There is definately some bias there.

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  16. indyfan says:

    I am very disapointed to see that the Independent girls didn’t get any recognition on the All-State teams. First year coach or not, it is unexcuseable for Megan Davison not to turn in paperwork so that the girls can be recognized for what they have achieved. Especially for a kid like Haley McGregor, who got up at 6 in the morning for Davison’s offseason workouts. This would never have happened under Coach Lyon. I am just hopefull that WSU will wake up and get rid of the current coach, who can’t win and obviously doesn’t understand local talent, and bring Coach Lyon back to WSU.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  17. Andale Fan says:

    I have said all that I will say on this subject and probably more than I should have. I congratulate all of the girls that earned this honor.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  18. TrojanFan says:

    I wonder if the McGregor situation (not being nominated) has anything to do with her absence from the Mustang roster. Just curious…..

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  19. inthedark says:

    Is this like basketball where the coach has to be part of the KBCA to get his kid on one of the coaches all-state teams? When coaches are involved it is all political. How many times have there been kids left off all league teams but make all-metro or all-state? Certain coaches get more kids because they are in charge of their association.

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  20. Sara says:

    TrojanFan- McGregor chose to leave the Mustangs to play for a team in California. As far as not being nominated for all-state, Coach Davison is to blame. Too bad for all the Independent softball girls, they worked very hard and deserved recognition.
    Congrats to all the players that made the list!

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  21. OneWhoKnows says:

    Dear indyfan and TrojanFan, hope this clears up your questions…

    No doubt McGregor should have been on the all-state list, as she was all-state as a Freshman and Sophomore. You can blame Coach Davison for that, by not turning in the paperwork required for nominations… and oh by the way Davison bailed on the TIS team too.

    McGregor decided to leave the Mustangs to play in CA based on a recommendation by her future college coach. In CA she would get to play consistently against much tougher competition to help better prepare herself for college. Her college coach made the recommendation, however that final decision was left up to her. She is playing on the SoCal Pumas who just qualified for 18 Gold Nationals this past weekend.

    p.s. Being a mustang or not has NOTHING to do with the all-state selection process. The coach dropped the ball, simple as that..!!

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  22. TrojanFan says:

    Wow, that really is a shame. There are several girls on that team that deserved to be recognized.

    McGregor has signed to play with OU, correct? That’s interesting that she is going back to play in CA where she is from. I am sure that she is enjoying it!

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  23. play2win says:

    So it sounds like TIS is looking for a new head coach if i am reading OneWhoKnows’ post correctly?

    Does anyone know where Stephanie Drake is playing this summer?

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  24. Clueless says:

    I believe Stephanie is on campus in Florida taking classes but then I could have some miss-information. There seems to be an epidemic of that going around fueled by ignorance, hatred and jealousy.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  25. play2win says:

    I know her sister isn’t playing anymore either. Not sure if there is a family thing going on or what.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  26. Sara says:

    Thought someone heard that Stephanie is playing with the Renegades. Not sure about her sister. Both are very good players. wish them the best wherever they go!!!

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  27. eagle1 says:

    It does seem that the tournaments that the 18Gold team travels to have been scaled down quite a bit. I can see why McGregor was recommended to and chose to go somewhere else to hone her skills.

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  28. AllStatesajoke says:

    This team is a laughing stock! Not because of the players on the list but because South Central Kansas got no respect and how does Augusta players get the nod when they had a terrible season and got bounced big time at Regionals. Its all about Coach Ray and his negotiating skills. He always has All-League players that baffle the mind. Its all old school. The other HS coaches in the area need to take responsibility for not getting these kids recognized and not let certain coaches bully their kids onto these lists. KSHAA needs to revamp and get with the 2000’s or they will continue to be the butt of jokes on this and other websites!

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  29. NoDogInTheHunt says:

    Would it have been possible for the Andale supporters that got this blog started to have stated their objections without directing negative comments at certain individuals or teams or coaches? To dog other kids who received honors whether you believe they are worthy or not, for you to run down others is in bad taste and wreaks of sour grapes. Anyone notice how a couple of Andale bloggers seem to always find a way to consider themselves disrespected and often point fingers at others? Doesn’t matter the sport, just seems to be a recurring theme. Thank goodness the majority of Andale supporters do not resort to the negativity of a few.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  30. softballjunkie says:

    I am just wondering if anyone considered the schedule of some of the teams. I know one of the teams you seem to be referring to played Derby, Maize, Goddard, and Wichita Independent during the regular season. So considering that competition I would not call a 16-4 record average. I also wonder Andale Fan if you are aware of how the nomination and selection process works. Maybe you should talk to a representative. A single coach does not have the sort of power you seem to think they do.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  31. softballjunkie says:

    I guess what I am getting at is there is always going to be someone left out and not everyone can be pleased. I watched numerous games this season in classes 5A and 6A, there are many great players out there. I don’t always agree with the “lists”, but I don’t think it is my responsibility to take away the honor of those who were selected. After all, do the kids really even get anything for all-state?? A medal or a plaque?? I asked one of the coaches and they said they don’t get anything for it. It is simply a recognition of great play and the recognition is an opinion.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  32. bucocatfan says:

    “Would it have been possible for the Andale supporters that got this blog started to have stated their objections without directing negative comments at certain individuals or teams or coaches?”

    They are classless, you’ve got to give them that!

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  33. TB2008 says:

    Well who exactly does decide or vote on this?? Do they ever even see these kids play or do they go by just stats supplied by the coach? I think some coaches don’t keep adequate or honest stats.

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  34. Andale Fan says:

    NoDogInTheHunt, Not one player, Team or Coach was mentioned in my point. The facts I listed after my initial statement were just that, facts that supported my point. Later in the blog I was asked to name names, I declined to answer. I believe enough has been said on the topic and my point has been supported by others on this blog.

    softballjunkie, Since you appear to know how this process works, please explain it. I would love to read your explanation. Perhaps with your definition of the selection process we will get a better understanding of just how it works.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  35. TB2008 says:

    Andale Fan obviously has no class. Why else would they stoop so low as to single out players, coaches, or teams? I am not even that familiar with all of the coaches or teams, but it did not take a rocket scientist to figure it out. I agree that Andale had some quality players and maybe they were over-looked. However why bash on others? Hope it made you feel better.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  36. sportsfan1 says:

    A few years ago I had a question about the “process”. Good luck getting a straight answer from anyone. From what I understand, coaches nominate players, then a rep. compiles a list based on stats and coach’s recognition. There is not really a “vote” per say. I think a coach on the other side of the state makes a final decision. That is what we were told. I am not sure it is the best process, but I could not offer them a better solution.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  37. softballjunkie says:

    I am NOT an expert by any means, but have done some coaching myself and am married to a high school coach. Sportsfan1 is pretty close on the process for softball from what I am told. I think in other states the process is slightly better. Missouri for example has an actual meeting for the designated coaches from each area to discuss players. They consider schedules, post season play, and even career stats. There is an actual voting process and coaches from throughout the state are involved. This eliminates some of what you are talking about.
    I am a softball fan and often see kids get left off the all-state, all-metro, and all-league lists. It stinks, but it happens in every sport every year. I can’t blame the other coaches. Any coach would go to bat for their own player, especially if they were talented-this means if it was their kid or not.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  38. sportsfan1 says:

    Well, maybe Kansas should get on board. Sounds like Missouri has a better understanding of fairness.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  39. TrojanFan says:

    In Andale Fan’s defense, he/she didn’t mention anyone specifically.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  40. Andale Fan says:

    sportsfan1 and softballjunkie,

    Thank you for the explanation. I will not comment on this topic again.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  41. NoDogInTheHunt says:

    Andale/Softball Fan,
    Interesting how you two/one think that you are protecting the identity of the people you bash because you did not mention anyone specifically by their name, therefore slam away… How many 5A schools had a 14-6 record with 2 first team and 2 second team picks. Gee, let’s take a look. Well what do you know, only Newton High fits that description. Therefore, the rocket scientists out in blog land as well as the morons can figure out that you are talking about Coach Boston and his players. Duh… So quit pretending you aren’t getting personal just because you haven’t called them by name.

    Since coaches nominate players for post-season honors, it is part of his job. He had a number of all-league players and it makes sense to nominate them for all state. It would be stupid of him not to nominate his own daughters who have been instrumental in Newton’s 15 wins. Meghan was Player of the Year in their league, All-Metro, and has been All-state twice already. Her nomination is a no-brainer.

    Coach Boston didn’t just promote his daughters. He worked hard for all of his players. That’s part of his job. Sorry that you must have a bone to pick with him that you have chosen to dog him and his daughters. Maybe the comment from bucocat about the Andalefan being classless is right on.

    Words once spoken/typed, can never be taken back once you say/send them… Andale fan “I have said all that I will say on this subject and probably more than I should have.” This does not undo the disrespect that you put on the Boston’s and all of the other s that you chose to dishonor by your shameless behavior. And I only hope you are in the minority rather than the majority of Andale supporters, otherwise you are in for a lot of future disappointments.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  42. TrojanFan says:

    Yikes – somebody needs a nap!

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  43. Greyhound says:

    I take back my vote for Mr. Griggs 1st team pitcher but still vote for Bucocatfan for unanimous 1st team catcher.

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  44. Coach Boston says:

    I would like to congratulate all of the young ladies who were selected to all of the all-state teams. I am certain that the selection committees representing each classification had a tough job as there are very many talented young ladies that play softball in our state. I was not on the selection committee nor did I ask anyone to vote for any of my players as some insinuated. I simply nominated the players from my team that I believed were worthy of consideration.

    Every time that selections are made, there are some quality players overlooked. Sounds like this year some players were not nominated by their coaches and that is unfortunate. It is what it is, an imperfect system. Some parents/grandparents/fans handle it better than others. This blog has seen examples of both good and not so good.

    Whether or not Andale/Garden Plain had individuals that were snubbed or perceived to have been snubbed, they were a team full of very solid team-oriented players that knew how to win, all I can say is congratulations for being state-runners up. I believe my players would gladly exchange individual honors for the opportunity to have played in a state championship game.

    Please be respectful of the youth when posting, as parents/grandparents/relatives/fans/coaches have a responsibility to set a good example for the next generation.

    Mike Boston
    Newton High School Softball

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  45. eagle1 says:

    Nice post Mr. Boston. What do you think about that VYPE article?

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  46. bucocatfan says:

    “I simply nominated the players from my team that I believed were worthy of consideration.”

    As I am sure every other coach did as well! These complaints are simply sour grapes by the uninformed. Nice post Coach.

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  47. softballmom says:

    What about El Dorado girls???? They also have some very tale.nted players although their record was not great. It would be nice if they would nominate these players based on their ability rather than their team record. Congrats to all you made it!!!!

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]