Bethany’s softball team had three players named to the Class 4A-1 All-District team recently.

Senior Ireland Riley was named the 4A-1 All-District Offensive Player of the Year. In the regular season, Riley hit .578. Hitting at the top of the order, Riley scored 37 runs and stole 15 bases. The Indiana State commit was also named to Region 3 All-Region Utility player. She has a chance to be named All-State.

“I think it is also safe to say that our district was one of the toughest districts in the state,” Bethany coach Booker Blakley said via text. “With five teams with basically 20 wins, and the state champion, it is a big deal to be named offensive player of the year.

“For Ireland to get that award speaks to her talent and her work ethic. She is one of the best slappers in the state and is a threat anytime she came to the plate.”

Sophomore Jules Barger made first team All-District as a utility player.

“For Jules, I think this is a great first step in in a young career,” Blakley said. “Only being a sophomore and gathering some accolades already I think is a pretty good thing. We’re going to look to her to really help lead us going into the future.”

Barger hit .422 with a team-leading 20 doubles and 40 runs batted in. Barger also led the team with 17 RBIs with two outs.

Madison Bibbs took home Catcher of the Years in District 4A-1.

The junior hit .490, led the team with six triples, hit two home runs and was second with 39 runs batted in.

“I think it was fairly obvious for anyone who watched our district play, that Madison was the top catcher,” Blakley said. “She is one of
the better defensive catchers I have been around and been able to see at the high school level. And then on top of that, adding a multi-faceted offensive attack really sets her apart.”

The Lady Bronchos had three players named honorable mention All-District.

Junior Alyssa Daniels hit .323 with seven doubles, one home run and 11 runs batted in.

Fellow junior Jayda Davis went 8-7 in the regular season with a save and a 3.42 ERA.

Another junior Paige Sechrist went 8-7 in the regular season. with a save and a 2.79 ERA. She also hit .292 with 14 runs batted in.

Photographs courtesy of Kristie Escoe of Life in Action Photography.