From BleckleyProgress.com

High School Sports
Lady Royals celebrate softball season.
By Dave Whitaker
Dec 14, 2015, 23:00

Freshman Miranda Pearson receives her certificate from head coach Janice Bryan. Bryan said this year's freshmen class fit in well.


Lady Royals softball players, coaches, and families gathered at the Hangar Monday night to celebrate the season. This year, Bleckley made it to the Sweet 16 for the third time in four seasons under coaches Janice Bryan and Teresa Gray.

Taylor Dykes struck out 138 batters and had a 1.49 ERA in being named the 4-AA Pitcher of the Year.


During her remarks, Bryan spoke of the challenge involved with getting players together with different levels of interest in softball. She said they were able to do that and had praise for the team, saying they were a great group of kids who (usually) did what was asked of them. Bryan said the parents knew their daughters were great kids because they came from good homes.

Co Defensive Award winners Aliyah Whitehead and Hannah Coulter with assistant coach Teresa Gray.


Players received certificates and T-Shirts. As per usual, the first awards given were for players selected to the 4-AA All Region Softball Team. Four players were honorable mentions: Allie Keel, Kendall Morton, Jordan Williams, and Abbey Simms.

Chelsea Brady and Allie Keel hold up the picture blankets they were given as senior gifts.


Four players were first team selections: Aliyah Whitehead, Faith Harris, Hannah Coulter, and Taylor Dykes. Dykes was also announced as 4-AA Pitcher of the Year. Other awards were as follows. Keel won the team voted Heather Dixon Memorial Leadership Award. Coulter and Whitehead shared Best Defensive Player honors.

Brandon Keel is given a gift of appreciation. With daughter Allie graduating, he will be stepping down as Diamond Club President after serving for the past three years.


Dykes picked up Best Offensive Player honors and Harris was named MVP. The banquet ended with special recognition for those who helped this season and closing remarks by outgoing club president Brandon Keel. Congratulations to all the award winners.

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