County student-athletes earn softball All-State honors
Four Franklin County softball players were awarded 2022 Alabama Sports Writers All-State Softball honors.
The future’s looking bright for Belgreen softball, with two young players earning all-state honors. Eighth–grade infielder Makayla Willingham earned first team honors in Class 1A. Sophomore pitcher Lily Blackburn earned second team honors in Class 1A.
“The best hitters have an attitude that exudes confidence,” said Belgreen Coach Susie Tverberg. “Makayla sees herself being successful. She wants to be in that big moment. When she steps in the box, she is ready to hit.”
Willingham hit 12 home runs and had a slugging percentage of .659. She had 48 hits, including 13 doubles. She had 51 RBIs and scored 47 runs and stole 11 bases.
As a pitcher, Blackburn had an astonishingly low walk rate of .014. She allowed 205 hits and 86 earned runs and struck out 132. She pitched five shutouts and three no-hitters. At the plate, she had a .489 on base percentage.
“Lily is cool, calm and collected,” said Tverberg. “You would never know by her demeanor if we were winning or losing. She is confident and focused on the mound.”
In addition, Russellville sophomore pitcher Jacey Moore earned honorable mention in Class 5A, and Tharptown senior pitcher Taylor Cameron earned honorable mention in Class 2A.
