1A All-Idaho softball team: The state’s best players from its smallest schools
Note: The All-Idaho teams are chosen by each classification’s coaches. The Idaho Statesman hosts the voting process and publishes the results.
1A ALL-IDAHO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jessica Ketola
Clearwater Valley, jr., P
The right-hander kept hitters off balance all season with her pinpoint command to lead the Rams to a fourth-place trophy at state. She finished 14-7 with a 1.72 ERA. But most impressive was her 241 strikeouts with just 21 walks in 130 innings — an 11.5-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Brian Malcom
Genesee
After finishing fourth in the Whitepine League regular-season standings, he led the Bulldogs (16-9) on an underdog run for the state title.
FIRST TEAM
Josie Larson
Potlatch, sr., P
She led the Loggers to a third-place finish at state, going 16-5 with a 4.99 ERA and 94 strikeouts. She hit .500 with 26 stolen bases.
Taylor Boyer
Kendrick, jr., P
The state runner-up’s ace fired five complete games at the state tournament, finishing the year 9-5 with a 5.58 ERA and 87 strikeouts.
Kendra Meyer
Genesee, so., P
The sophomore is back on the first team again after going 4-0 at state for the champs, leaving her 14-8 overall with a 4.41 ERA and 96 strikeouts.
Tayva Mckinney
Potlatch, sr., C
She kept everything in front of her while providing a threat at the plate, hitting .417 with five home runs, 29 RBIs and 21 stolen bases.
Hailey Taylor
Kendrick, jr., INF
The leadoff hitter was a terror once she reached base, stealing an all-class leading 66 bases. She hit .477, giving her plenty of chances for steals.
Kaylen Hadaller
Potlatch, sr., INF
She manned the hot corner, unafraid to charge dribblers or knock down hard-hit balls. She hit .492 with 22 RBIs and stole 27 bases.
Audrey Barber
Genesee, jr., INF
The junior provided a plus glove at second base for the state champs while hitting .301 with two home runs and 22 runs scored.
Jaide Pinkston
Vision Charter, sr., INF
Multiple colleges are chasing the third baseman, who led the Golden Eagles to state by hitting .500 with 37 RBIs and 25 stolen bases.
Jaylee Fry
Potlatch, jr., OF
The lightning-fast center fielder used her speed to track down balls in the outfield and to swipe 50 bases. She hit .457 and scored 33 runs.
Natalie Kimbley
Kendrick, jr., OF
Probably the best all-around athlete for the state runner-up, she ate up ground in left field and hit .474 and drove in 16 runs.
Brinley Lowe
Genesee, jr., OF
The center fielder provided jaw-dropping catches all season long for the state champs. She hit .274 and got on base at a .478 clip.
