WEATHERFORD EAGLES

Coach: RICK MORRIS

30-6

Weatherford reached undeniable success a year ago in making the state tournament and posting 30 wins, typically a benchmark of exclusivity, but the Eagles didn’t walk away from Firelake Ballpark satisfied — or even appetized — after a 2-0 loss to Rock Creek in the quarterfinal game. This year, head coach Rick Morris and a fervent group of veteran players are gunning relentlessly for title No. 1. “After coming off a state tournament run and having a lot of key players back, expectations here at Weatherford will once again be very high,” Morris said. A two-headed monster will lead the charge. Harlie Chism (Sr.) and Marley Teasley (Sr.) are as good of players as you’ll find, not only in western Oklahoma, but anywhere in the state, full stop. A high school fastpitch team is as good as its pitcher, and Teasley, a Grand Canyon University commit, is as good as it gets. “Teasley will be retuning in the circle. Marley is a D1 talent whose work ethic is second-to-none,” Morris said. “She is basically a middle infielder who happens to be a really good pitcher.” Chism, a Florida State commit, is worth the price of admission. “Chism will be returning at shortstop. Harlie is a D1 talent that doesn’t come around very often,” Morris said. “With a combination of speed and power, she will be a force at the leadoff spot.” The talent doesn’t stop there. Kaitlyn Bryant (Jr.) would likely be the best player at most 4A schools. She’ll reprise her role behind the dish catching Teasley. “This will be Kaitlyn’s third year as our starting catcher,” Morris said. “Kaitlyn works as hard as anyone and just tries to do things right. She will be hitting in the three-hole slot behind two outstanding players.” Karsen McPherson (Sr.), an exceptional second baseman, will be called on to be a playmaker this year — but most importantly, she gives the Eagles a heartbeat. “Karsen will be a senior this season. This will be Karsen’s third year to start at second base and will take on some catching duties,” Morris said. “Karsen is one of those kids you just love to have on the team. She always has a smile on her face and represents our school and community in the best way.” If you needed any more motivation to get to Weatherford and catch this team, budding young talent separates this team from last year’s. Joss Schulz (So.) has put in work this offseason to lock down a starting role. “Joss will be taking over in center field this season,” Morris said. “This is a girl who reads the ball as well as anyone we have had. She can cover a lot of ground and adds some power to our lineup.”