Softball programs have earned rightful respect from state polls

Many parts of the state had quite a head start on Columbia County when it comes to fastpitch softball. Despite that fact, the county has wasted no time in earning a reputation as one of the state's hotbeds for talent.

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Greenbrier High School has emerged as one of the premier programs in Georgia, having won the 2004 state title and challenging for the title year-in and year-out.

This fall, Greenbrier looks to be solid again, but they are not alone.

Colette Cassedy has built Evans High into a state contender as well. Evans has one of the top teams in Georgia entering the season.

As a matter of fact, the Knights boast arguably the top offensive player in the state in pitcher/third baseman Jenny Shepherd. Last season, Shepherd helped lead the Knights to a 27-9-1 mark, including an impressive 8-1 region record.

Shepherd was incredible a year ago, topping the state in homers (16) and RBI (61), both setting records. She was named the state's AAAA Offensive Player of the Year last fall, and there is no reason to think she will not continue to tear the cover off the ball.

That is likely why the Knights are ranked No. 6 in the AAAA pre-season gasports.com softball poll.

As for Greenbrier, expectations once again are sky high. Garrett Black's squad has garnered the No. 1 spot in the Class AAAAA pre-season poll. The 'Pack are coming off a 33-7 mark a year ago, but more impressive is their terrific run in recent years. Greenbrier is an astonishing 198-33-1 since 2004, including a remarkable region record of 39-2. Their consistency has been amazing.

Who knows how the season will turn out, but it is great to see some of our schools getting the respect they deserve in the state polls.

GREENBRIER SOFTBALL RECORD

Year Overall Region

2004 35-5-1 7-0

2005 32-7 6-0

2006 33-7 8-0

2007 35-7 7-1

2008 33-7 11-1