2023 Softball Recruits

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2023 Softball Recruits

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This is one we’ve been wanting. By OuBeliever



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This commitment is a big one for the Sooners from the 2023 Class. The Sooners have been recruiting her strongly for probably two years when they could actually make contact due to COVID. A couple of other bloggers have been very high on Pickering and I picked up their reasons. She should be a great OF for the Sooners all four of her years at OU. She was recently rated as the # 17 player by Softball America and as the T-#4 player by EIS (this meant Top 7 players in the country). With the recent de-commitment by Madyson Manning from OU, this player was a key part of the future for the Sooners to replace her. Most people think the Sooners might be better the better deal with Pickering instead of Manning, So maybe it worked out the best for OU. I was told at one time OU thought she was going to commit elsewhere, but her visit to Norman must have been a good one. I think she was one of the players in Norman last weekend.

Here is what EIS said about Pickering:

"T-4—Kasidi Pickering, OF/P, Hotshots Premier National – Nelson
Kasidi can humbly brag about an accomplishment that few, if any, can ever match: she is an eight-time national champion in travel softball. This includes two at PGF, a pair at Triple Crown and one each at USA/ASA Gold, Top Club, USA/Elite Select and USSSA. It can’t be just a coincidence that seemingly every team Kasidi plays on wins it all. What makes her so impactful? Coach Nathan Nelson covers all the bases (pun intended) saying, “Kasidi is a student of the game. Her softball IQ is way ahead of her class and her love for the game is like no other.” The sophomore is an on-field leader vocally and by also setting examples with her performance. Her ability to track the ball in the outfield is elite and, offensively she’s a clutch player with good speed that can beat you with the small game as well as her power to all parts of the field. Adds Coach Nelson: “I want the bat in her hands when the game is on the line.” Last Fall playing at the 18U level she hit .409 with a .439 on-base percentage and smacked five home runs, drove in 35 runs while scoring 36 herself and also had 23 steals. Not surprisingly, schools in the Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC are watching and waiting for the day to come when they can recruit her all-out."

It seems that Pickering is just always a part of a winning team. She has to have something to do with that. This was the big announcement player that I alluded to recently. As I said, the 2023 Class is changing.

There was one more big time recruit and another very good recruit from the 2023 class that was also here last weekend. Let's hope we also hear from them soon.

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Post by OU_Tom »

With help from OUBeleiver with Extra Innings. Here is an update on 2023's that OU has interest in. Top 30 extra innings softball.

Ranked 2nd. Ella Parker P OC Batbusters: One of the hardest throwing pitchers in the country. She is also a 5 tool player that can line up at 1st base or outfield also. She throws mid to upper 60's and has hit a homerun as far as 300 ft.

This is believed to be an OU/UCLA battle.


Ranked 4th. Kayden Henry OF Texas Bombers: 5 tool player that is primarily a center fielder. 2019-20 hit.477 with 12 homeruns, 64 RBI's and 81 steals.

Social Media shows interest from OU and player.


Ranked T5th. Olivia Duncan P Lady Dukes: Ace of the staff and throws upper 60s with great movement. Considered a can't miss prospect. Shut out some of the top teams in her age group.

Social Media interest from OU and Player.


Ranked T5th: Ryan Maddox P OC Batbusters

Has been on a meteoric rise since pitching her team to 14U 3rd place in 14U PGF premier nationals. She's a lefty that has spin and pinpoint control. Big game pitcher. Pitched behind Nicole May and Madi Elish for the Batbusters.

There is interest by OU and player here. I think a lot will depend on whether OU beats out UCLA for Parker or not. I'm not sure OU takes both but they have taken more than 1 pitcher in other classes.

Ranked 7th: Jenissa Conway P/UT Sorcerer.

Led Sorcerer 14U team to 2018 PGF National Championship. Can play CF or 1B when not pitching and has a rare blend of speed and power. Can transition from 1st to 3rd in the lineup. A multi dementional player who can pitch and play every day.

Social media interest by OU and player. Followed by Patty Gasso. I have yet to see a player that is followed by Patty that doesn't end up at OU for what its worth.



Ranked 12th: Kassidi Pickering: OF/P/SS Hotshots Premier

Continues to rank as one of the top outfielders in the class. Can hit, field, run and even pitch. Leader of team and knowledge of game is off the charts.

Recruited by OU, UCLA, Texas A&M, ULL, and Georgia. Have also heard Texas has interest. This is one I'm rooting for OU to land. High character to go along with the talent. OU type of player.



Ranked 16th: Savanna Bedell CF Atlanta Vipers

A natural lefty. Has size strength and bat speed and aggressive mindset at the plate. Can also soft slap. Has energy and insticts in OF and can also play 1st base

Social media interest by OU and player. This is not typically a region we get players but it would be nice to pull one from there every once in awhile.


Ranked 17th: Lexi Warncke P/MIF Impact Gold

Went from being a decent pitcher to a dominant one the last couple of years. She has a calm demeanor and can also play middle infield. Opponenets batting average of .161 with 124 strike outs. Hit .511 at the plate.

Social media interest from OU and the player.
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Extra Innings Softball 2023 ‘Top 100’ Players
May 2021

EIS has released their ‘Top 100’ players for the 2023 Class. These girls graduate in 2023 and will join college teams in the Fall of 2023 for their first season in the spring of 2024. The ‘Top 40’ players represent 217 or so players. To me that makes the ratings deceiving in some ways. There are probably 500 players in the ‘Top 100’ ratings. I know if they include more players in their ratings, they are more likely to get eyeballs to read the articles. But at some point, being a Top 50 player does not mean a Top 50 player.

This report will provide the ratings of the 3 Oklahoma commits, the players that could very well become OU recruits and the players that have links to the Sooner program at present.

The first thing to do is detail the committed players in the class. There are only 14 players reported to have committed in this class which is vastly different. That is because of the rule change in 2018 about committing early. Here is the breakdown on the 14 players.

Florida:
1—Mia Williams, SS/3B, Georgia Impact 18U – Patrick Lewis
She is also the Softball America #3 player from Dec 2020.
2—Keagan Rothrock, P, Lady Dukes – Lamar
She is also the Softball America #1 player from Dec 2020.

Florida State:
T-7—Ashtyn Danley, P, Tennessee Mojo 2023
She is also the Softball America #10 player from Dec 2020.
T-9—Angelee Bueno, 1B, Tennessee Mojo 2023
She is also the Softball America #24 player from Dec 2020.

Oklahoma:
T-8—Madyson Manning, SS/UT, Birmingham Thunderbolts – Roberson
She is also the Softball America #11 player from Dec 2020.
T-8—Maya Bland, OF/UT, OC Batbusters 18U – Stith/Maroon
She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.
T-30—Leah McAnally, C, Texas Glory 16U – Naudin
She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.

Kentucky:
T-12—Tayven Stephenson, P, Louisville Lady Sluggers – Murphy
She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.

Auburn:
T-13 Kyla Stroud, 1B, Georgia Impact 18U – Patrick Lewis
She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.

Georgia:
T-16—Kirsten Fleet, P, Birmingham Thunderbolts 04 – Roberson
She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.

Missouri:
T-21—Stefania Abruscato, C/UT, Intensity 16U – BOD
She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.
T-66—Dakota Staffan, P/UT, Ohio Lasers Red
She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.

LSU:
T-22—Jadyn Laneaux, OF/UT, East Cobb Bullets -18U - Schnute
She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.

Illinois:
T-82—Adisyn Caryl, 1B/2B, Aces Fastpitch – Taylor
She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.

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Oklahoma Committed Players:

Madyson Manning:
From EIS: Madyson is as good of a hitter as there is in the Class of 2023. Survey a dozen or so scouts and coaches and the majority, if not all of them, will use the phrase “pure hitter.” She has a 5-foot-11 frame, and some think she could be over 6-foot in college and it’s scary to think that, as good as she is now, she still has room to mature, develop and improve. Head Coach Jay Roberson calls her the “ideal 3-hole hitter” in large part because she adapts to the situation and can move the runners on base or get on to start something herself. Madyson is skilled at adjusting to the count—even two strikes—and making something happen. Last year she batted .548 in the summer against elite competition and in the Fall before that hit an eye-opening .608. Defensively she can play multiple positions because of her arm strong and good glove skills. Madyson had offers from Oklahoma and Louisiana—she’s from Monroe, Louisiana—before committed to OU on January 16, 2018.

It is early to predict things about where Manning might play, but it sounds like she may end up in the OF more than the infield. A 6-foot SS is something to behold if it happens. But if she is an ‘ideal 3-hole hitter’ she will find a place to play even as a freshman in 2024.

Maya Bland:
From EIS: Maya is a true 5-tool athlete that will always be in the position to be a difference maker at the plate or on the field. Her ability to go yard at any point in the count has made it hard for her to be taken out of a game—so much so that she has now been playing in the outfield, middle infield, and first base to ensure she is in a game. Even at such a young age, Maya has been playing for Mike Stith’s team just a few years after she was playing 12U for Toni Mascarenas and helping her teams finish Top 3 at the World Fastpitch Championship and at PGF Nationals. Even with her good size and frame, Maya has the skills to hit for a high average and power and can even be a triple threat leadoff. The Southern California sophomore committed to Oklahoma in the 7th grade after having other top schools such as UCLA, Stanford and Florida after her. She said when she verballed that “it was clear to me and my family that OU was the best fit for me.”

It sounds like to me that Bland can play about anywhere. I do not know why but Bland seems like a player that could be a combination of Knighten and a better athlete with speed. That is a tremendous thing to say about a player. With Jayda Coleman, Tiare Jennings and Maya Bland on the field, the talent level is remarkably high. Bland will probably start as a freshman somewhere on the field in 2024.

Leah McAnally:
From EIS: Leah continues to shine as a solid all-around catcher who has power in her hitting and defensive skills and brings great game awareness, a high softball IQ and other tools necessary to play at the next level. The backstop, who picked off two dozen baserunners two years ago pre-COVID, continues to improve and hasn’t let the uncertain year of 2020 stop her from pushing herself hard to maximize her skills. Leah committed to Patty Gasso and OU right before the Early Recruiting rules a few years ago.

To me, McAnally seems to be like Elam before she arrived at OU. A strong defensive catcher with some growth that is needed. If McAnally can become the catcher that Elam is, the future for her is high at OU. She may not start as a freshman, but she will grow into the position for her sophomore and junior season.

------

Remember that the Hansen and Coleman classes will still be at OU as ‘seniors’ when this class arrives in Norman. Those classes include Hansen, Donihoo, Boone, Coleman, Jennings, Nugent, Lilio, T Coleman, Waitman, Coor. Players like Jocelyn Erickson (C-1B), Avery Hodge (SS) are committed for the 2022 Class. Those are 12 very talented players if they are all at OU at that time. The 2023 class commitments to OU are all players with no pitchers committed so far.

The roster for the Sooners could be as follows for the 2024 season. The committed players above will be added to this team.

8 Seniors (5th – year): Hansen C/1B, Donihoo UT, Boone OF, Rains RHP, Vestal RHP (Redshirt-5th year), McAdoo RHP (may injury red-shirt in 2021), Thiede LHP and Pogue OF (may injury red-shirt in 2021)
5 Seniors: J Coleman OF, Jennings 2B, May RHP, Puni INF, Knight OF
7 Juniors: Bahl RHP/UT, Nugent C/INF, Lilio UT, T Coleman UT, Waitman INF, Coor OF, Guthrie RHP
3 Sophomores: Erickson C/1B, Hodge SS, Geurin LHP

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Players with OU Ties (sisters): (All from EIS)
T-92—Tele Jennings, OF, OC Batbusters 18U – Stith/Maroon = Tele, unlike her older sister who lines up in the infield, plays the outfield and is the top outfielder for the Stith/Maroon team. Tele is still growing and will probably pass Tiara in height but, like her sister, has natural leadership abilities as she takes charge in the outfield and is a calming influence when needed. Tele has good speed and an accurate arm that will only get stronger. Offensively, she hits from the left side and has been known to do some slapping as well as hitting for power. She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.

T-32—Zaniah Puni, IF/C, OC Batbusters 18U – Stith/Maroon = Zaniah may have the softest hands for any infielder in the country and the high-game IQ to boot. She is ultra-smooth in her movements and few balls get by her if it’s hit in her vicinity. Although she mostly plays third base, Zaniah has been asked to play 1st because she is an absolute vacuum cleaner on any balls in the dirt thrown from the infielders. She is also one of the unspoken leaders on the team as she seems to always take charge of the situations when needed. Zaniah is a true leader in the making and, according to one scout, also has an amazing knack to hit home runs when they are most needed. In fact, she leads the Stith Maroon team in that category. She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.

T-22—Sophia Romero, OF, Athletics – Mercado/Tidd = Sophia has developed into one of the best outfielders in the class and has stepped into the Team Captain role for Brian Tidd’s squad based off her “grind attitude and results on the field.” He continues: “She works as hard as any player we have in our Academy and has elevated to the next level. Sophia makes good players on our team play better from her leadership.” Defensively, she plays all three outfield positions but is mainly in center. Sophia is noted for her great speed, excellent reads and her strong arm in the outfield. Offensively, she is the table setter for the Athletics – Mercado team in the leadoff spot. She can slap, play small ball, and hits for power with a lot of speed. Sophia also leads the team in runs scored and steals and her offensive has elevated her this year into consideration as one of the top leadoff hitters in the ‘23’s. “Sophia will be sought after by a lot of Power 5 school this summer and fall and will play a big role in our Academy the next couple years,” says Coach Tidd. She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.

Summary:
Jennings and Puni are playing with the top OC Batbusters squad as 16-year-olds. That is impressive. Remember that with the EIS rankings you must multiply the rating by a factor of 4 or 5 this year. So, Tele Jennings is a Top 400 player, Zaniah Puni is a Top 150 player. But both should improve as they play at this level. But both appear to be playing well at the present time too.
Romero is a Top 85 player or so. As an outfielder I think she may have less value than infielders but if she can play, I would be glad to have another Romero on the Sooners.

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Top Players with Strong Interest for OU: (All from EIS)

T-14—Lexie Warncke, RHP/MIF, Impact Gold National – Jones = Lexie headlines a gifted staff of pitchers on Steve Jones’ team and, per the coach, “She gets better every year, which is a testament to the diligent worker that she is.” Lexie has carried the lion’s share of innings for her squad over the last few years and continues to impress with her development. She throws in the 61-65 mph range with good movement and command with a very high strikeout-to-walk ratio. Lexie throws several pitches, but her late breaking curveball and jumpy rise ball are the toughest pitches for hitters to deal with and most feared, but she has a great screwball and change up as well that are difficult to connect with. She’s an athletic pitcher who fields her position extremely well. Lexie is in the midst of high school playoffs for her East Bernard High squad where she holds a 23-4 record as their ace. She has pitched 146 innings with 313 strikeouts, a .859 ERA and held opponents to a .119 batting average. She’s 4-0 in the playoffs so far striking out 51 in her 28 innings of work with a 0.874 ERA. Lexie has garnered attention from many Power 5 programs and will be heavily recruited. She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.

T-9—Savanna Bedell, OF, Atlanta Vipers – Tamborra = Savanna has been the spark for the Vipers over the last four years as an emotional and fiery player who comes through in the clutch. She followed up a strong 2019 with an even better 2020 where she finished with a .500 batting average. This Spring, Savanna is on her normal pace and has already put up 11 home runs. On the bases, she is an aggressive, opportunistic runner who will take the extra base. Defensively, she can typically be found in the outfield where she has good range and reach and does not hesitate to sacrifice her body to make a play. When she isn’t in the outfield, Savanna can be found at first base where her reach and range are strengths. Savanna is a natural lefty who has a good combination of size, reach and athleticism. Her passion to win has spilled over to her weight training where she has recently eclipsed 300 pounds squatting. She is a two-time 1st Team All-State and All-Reach selection and in 2019 was the All Big City Hitter of the Year. She was not in the Softball America Top 25 players from Dec 2020.

T-8—Jenissa Conway, LHP, Sorcerer 18U – Gabales/Rodriguez = Jenissa became a nationally known prospect in the Summer of 2018 when she was the driving force behind her then-Sorcerer team making it to the PGF 14U Nationals title game. She is a versatile two-way standout who bats and pitches left-handed and can line up in center or at first base when not in the circle. She’s a great athlete and a talented player with the skills to pitch in the low 60’s and mix up her speeds to keep hitters off balance. When she is not pitching, Jenissa hits with great power from the left side but also has been clocked at a 2.69 home-to-first so her tools make her the type you want to always keep between the lines. With the bat, she can leadoff or back in the 3-hole because of her ability to make contact. Said one West Coast coach last year, “Jenissa will be a multi-dimensional player at the next level who probably will play every day which is rare for a college pitcher. But her offensive game matches her defense and pitching prowess and that makes her a high-level prospect whose stock continues to climb. She was rated as the #12 player by Softball America in Dec 2020.

T-5—Olivia Duncan, LHP, Lady Dukes 16U – Lamar = Olivia is a complete power with a great curveball/riseball combo and works batters well. She gets ahead on batters consistently and, says Coach James Lamar, “when she does, I haven’t seen too many hitters be able to have success off her.” Olivia also has a nasty change-up that spins like her curveball, which really throws batters off. She is currently throwing in the upper 60ś and her speed is continuing to improve. Adds Coach Lamar: “Olivia is a bulldog; she is feisty, and she will not give up on you. In moments of crisis, you will not doubt putting her in the circle.” Olivia led the Dukes last Fall with an impressive 12-0 record in 18U, not losing one start and that was against top teams in the country. Oliva is being recruited heavily from top programs in the Pac-12, Big 12, Big Ten, ACC and SEC. She was rated as the #7 player by Softball America in Dec 2020.

T-5—Ryan Maddox, RHP, OC Batbusters 18U – Stith = Over the last year, Ryan has become one of Coach Mike Stith’s main pitchers if not the main pitcher and she is not your prototypical elite, imposing pitcher with long levers and a 6-foot-plus frame throwing in the upper 60’s. Measuring in at 5-foot-3, however, what Ryan lacks in height she more than makes up with true command of her pitches and a flat-out desire to dominate whomever is in the batter’s box. Ryan is not only a dominant pitcher, but she is a tone-setter at the plate with power and speed to make her a multi-threat in any game situation. Playing for the Central Cal Dirtdogs a few years ago, she led the team to a 3rd place finish at PGF 14U Nationals and had DI college coaches rushing to her game to watch her pitch, there was such a buzz about her effectiveness and control in the circle. She was rated as the #5 player by Softball America in Dec 2020.

T-4—Ella Parker, LHP/OF, OC Batbusters 18U – Stith/Maroon = Ella still has overpowering power as a pitcher but where she has improved over the last year has her outfield skill set. In the past she has always been the #1 pitcher and top-level offensive player so she has never had the need to really hone in on her other positions on the field. Since she was brought up to the main Mike Stith team from the Maroon (younger squad) she has been a staple in the outfield where she has become an above-average defender. Offensively, Ella is still one of the biggest threats on the field and can beat you with her power to all fields or beat out a ground ball with her speed. She’s a special player with 5-tool talent who will find a place early on the field because she’s too good in all areas to keep on the bench for long. Some other interesting facts about Ella: she runs track and has participated with the LA Jets Track Club, she was offered by top softball programs like UCLA, Oklahoma and Florida before the April 2018 recruiting rules changed, she has home runs measured at 300 feet and her uncle is Dave Roberts, the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. She was rated as the #2 player by Softball America in Dec 2020.

T-4—Kasidi Pickering, OF/P, Hotshots Premier National – Nelson = Kasidi can humbly brag about an accomplishment that few, if any, can ever match: she is an eight-time national champion in travel softball. This includes two at PGF, a pair at Triple Crown and one each at USA/ASA Gold, Top Club, USA/Elite Select and USSSA. It can’t be just a coincidence that seemingly every team Kasidi plays on wins it all. What makes her so impactful? Coach Nathan Nelson covers all the bases (pun intended) saying, “Kasidi is a student of the game. Her softball IQ is way ahead of her class and her love for the game is like no other.” The sophomore is an on-field leader vocally and by also setting examples with her performance. Her ability to track the ball in the outfield is elite and, offensively she’s a clutch player with good speed that can beat you with the small game as well as her power to all parts of the field. Adds Coach Nelson: “I want the bat in her hands when the game is on the line.” Last Fall playing at the 18U level she hit .409 with a .439 on-base percentage and smacked five home runs, drove in 35 runs while scoring 36 herself and also had 23 steals. Not surprisingly, schools in the Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC are watching and waiting for the day to come when they can recruit her all-out. She was rated as the #23 player by Softball America in Dec 2020.

T-3—Tallen Edwards, SS/C, Birmingham Thunderbolts 18U – Rocky = Tallen is an elite, franchise-type infielder who is the type of stalwart you can build a program around. She has it all: great range, a strong arm, high intelligence in the field, great instincts, aggressiveness, and passion, a self-drive to be the best and, according to Coach Rocky Thompson, “a love of the big stage as a plyer who lives for the big-time moments but also is one who thinks and cares for her teammates and has love for others.” The lefty speedster has played up for most of her club career and that will serve her well when she enters college and can contribute immediately. The proof is in her individual and team success: winning at Atlanta Legacy last year at the 18U level and as a sophomore having a strong campaign for Southmore (Moore, Oklahoma) as she hit .404 with a team-best 13 triples and 16 doubles after earning 6A All-COAC Conference and 6A All-City honors her freshman year. She was rated as the #4 player by Softball America in Dec 2020.

T-3—Kayden Henry, OF/SS, Texas Bombers 18U Gold = Kayden is a true triple threat lefty who has all the tools. Her short game is deadly and adds to her high on-base percentage. She possesses real power and is a legit threat to go deep at any time in the count and in any game situation. Kayden’s speed is plus and shows itself in many ways on the field as she steals bases at a very high clip (the speedy sophomore swiped 54 bases last fall for the Bombers and she hit in the middle of the Bombers lineup with the following stats: a .492 batting average, a .549 on-base percentage, two home runs, seven doubles and four triples. Defensively, Kayden has incredible range and possesses a plus arm. Says Bombers head man Scott Smith: “She plays way above her age and is certainly the type of player who changes the game every time she is on the field. Kayden is the real deal and is one of the best players in the country.” She was rated as the #8 player by Softball America in Dec 2020.

Summary:
That is a tremendously impressive list that the Sooners are pursuing or interested in for recruits in this class. I think this shows the prowess that the Sooner Softball Program has in 2021 across the country. With Manning, Bland and McAnally as current commitments, I am not sure how many players the Sooners can sign, but any of these players seem to be worthy. I think pitchers would be the primary focus for the Sooners at present. I think that places Parker, Duncan and Conway at the top of the list, especially as LHP. Parker and Conway can also help on offense as well. The one position player that I think would be a big recruit is Pickering. If the Sooners could add Pickering and one of the LHP pitchers, it would elevate the 2023 class to a Top Ranked class for the Sooners.

Thanks to 'cclift38' for info in the past about this class.
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Post by OU_Tom2 »

From EIS: T-4—Ella Parker, LHP/OF, OC Batbusters 18U – Stith/Maroon - SA rates her as the #2 Player in the country.
Ella still has overpowering power as a pitcher but where she has improved over the last year has her outfield skill set. In the past she has always been the #1 pitcher and top-level offensive player so she has never had the need to really hone in on her other positions on the field. Since she was brought up to the main Mike Stith team from the Maroon (younger squad) she has been a staple in the outfield where she has become an above-average defender. Offensively, Ella is still one of the biggest threats on the field and can beat you with her power to all fields or beat out a ground ball with her speed. She’s a special player with 5-tool talent who will find a place early on the field because she’s too good in all areas to keep on the bench for long. Some other interesting facts about Ella: she runs track and has participated with the LA Jets Track Club, she was offered by top softball programs like UCLA, Oklahoma and Florida before the April 2018 recruiting rules changed, she has home runs measured at 300 feet and her uncle is Dave Roberts, the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers."

This player is the 'catch' for the Sooners in the 2023 class that they needed. With Parker, Pickering, Maya Bland (UT player from California) and possibly Leah McAnally (Edmond girl that plays C-3B) the class will be be what the Sooners need and will be a top class based upon quality. Florida got 3 top 10 players in the class so they may have the top class in 2023, but the Sooners are not too far behind.
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Post by OU_Tom »

Maryknoll’s slugging shortstop, Nelly McEnroe-Marinas

https://www.hawaiiprepworld.com/feature ... e-marinas/
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Maryknoll’s slugging shortstop, Nelly McEnroe-Marinas

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Post by cclift38 »

Mcanally to Boise State.
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Post by OURed »

cclift38 wrote: Fri Dec 24, 2021 3:48 pm Mcanally to Boise State.
If you mean Leah McAnally, catcher, she is 2023.
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Post by cclift38 »

Yes I meant to post 23.
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Post by OUBeliever56A »

cclift38 wrote: Fri Dec 24, 2021 3:48 pm Mcanally to Boise State.
Thanks for posting.
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Post by OUBeliever56A »

This post is to consolidate the info about the Class of 2023 Softball Recruiting in one post.

Class of 2023: These are verbal commitments for the Sooners. they should signed the NLI in November of 2022.

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*T-4—Ella Parker, LHP/OF, OC Batbusters 18U – Stith/Maroon

Ella still has overpowering power as a pitcher but where she has improved over the last year has her outfield skill set. In the past she has always been the #1 pitcher and top-level offensive player so she has never had the need to really hone in on her other positions on the field. Since she was brought up to the main Mike Stith team from the Maroon (younger squad) she has been a staple in the outfield where she has become an above-average defender. Offensively, Ella is still one of the biggest threats on the field and can beat you with her power to all fields or beat out a ground ball with her speed. She’s a special player with 5-tool talent who will find a place early on the field because she’s too good in all areas to keep on the bench for long. Some other interesting facts about Ella: she runs track and has participated with the LA Jets Track Club, she was offered by top softball programs like UCLA, Oklahoma and Florida before the April 2018 recruiting rules changed, she has home runs measured at 300 feet and her uncle is Dave Roberts, the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.


"T-4—Kasidi Pickering, OF/P, Hotshots Premier National – Nelson

This commitment is a big one for the Sooners from the 2023 Class. The Sooners have been recruiting her strongly for probably two years when they could actually make contact due to COVID. A couple of other bloggers have been very high on Pickering and I picked up their reasons. She should be a great OF for the Sooners all four of her years at OU. She was recently rated as the # 17 player by Softball America and as the T-#4 player by EIS (this meant Top 7 players in the country). With the recent de-commitment by Madyson Manning from OU, this player was a key part of the future for the Sooners to replace her. Most people think the Sooners might be better the better deal with Pickering instead of Manning, So maybe it worked out the best for OU. I was told at one time OU thought she was going to commit elsewhere, but her visit to Norman must have been a good one. I think she was one of the players in Norman last weekend.

Here is what EIS said about Pickering:
Kasidi can humbly brag about an accomplishment that few, if any, can ever match: she is an eight-time national champion in travel softball. This includes two at PGF, a pair at Triple Crown and one each at USA/ASA Gold, Top Club, USA/Elite Select and USSSA. It can’t be just a coincidence that seemingly every team Kasidi plays on wins it all. What makes her so impactful? Coach Nathan Nelson covers all the bases (pun intended) saying, “Kasidi is a student of the game. Her softball IQ is way ahead of her class and her love for the game is like no other.” The sophomore is an on-field leader vocally and by also setting examples with her performance. Her ability to track the ball in the outfield is elite and, offensively she’s a clutch player with good speed that can beat you with the small game as well as her power to all parts of the field. Adds Coach Nelson: “I want the bat in her hands when the game is on the line.” Last Fall playing at the 18U level she hit .409 with a .439 on-base percentage and smacked five home runs, drove in 35 runs while scoring 36 herself and also had 23 steals. Not surprisingly, schools in the Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC are watching and waiting for the day to come when they can recruit her all-out."

It seems that Pickering is just always a part of a winning team. She has to have something to do with that. This was the big announcement player that I alluded to recently. As I said, the 2023 Class is changing.

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T-8—Maya Bland, OF/UT, OC Batbusters 18U – Stith/Maroon (Oklahoma)

Maya is a true 5-tool athlete that will always be in the position to be a difference maker at the plate or on the field. Her ability to go yard at any point in the count has made it hard for her to be taken out of a game—so much so that she has now been playing in the outfield, middle infield, and first base to ensure she is in a game. Even at such a young age, Maya has been playing for Mike Stith’s team just a few years after she was playing 12U for Toni Mascarenas and helping her teams finish Top 3 at the World Fastpitch Championship and at PGF Nationals. Even with her good size and frame, Maya has the skills to hit for a high average and power and can even be a triple threat leadoff. The Southern California sophomore committed to Oklahoma in the 7th grade after having other top schools such as UCLA, Stanford and Florida after her. She said when she verballed that “it was clear to me and my family that OU was the best fit for me.”

It sounds like to me that Bland can play about anywhere. I do not know why but Bland seems like a player that could be a combination of Knighten and a better athlete with speed. That is a tremendous thing to say about a player.

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T-5—Nellian McEnroe-Marinas, SS, Firecrackers – Brashear

Here is what EIS said about McEnroe-Marinas:

Extra Star Power: 2023 Extra Elite 100 Infielder Nellian McEnroe-Marinas… Looking to Make a Name for Hawaiian Athletes “To Show We Can Battle with the Best!”
BY BRENTT EADS
DECEMBER 1, 2021
1:00 PM
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Nellian McEnroe-Marinas hits for power, shown by her finishing second in home runs in Hawaiian high school softball this year.
Firecrackers Brashear SS/3B Nellian McEnroe-Marinas is out to prove how good Hawaiian softball players are.

Firecrackers 2024 third baseman Jenna Sniffen, a Gatorade State Player of the Year and Maryknoll High teammate of McEnroe-Marinas, knows her very well.

“I played against Nelly for a couple of years before we became an inseparable duo on and off the field,” says Sniffen, herself ranked in the Top 25 of the 2024 Extra Elite 100. “She is and always has been a very good hitter as well as an elite fielder, who will give 120 percent effort to any ball hit her way, no matter what position she is at. It is very difficult to put into words, but Nelly works harder than anyone I know, separating her from the rest.”

“Her talent and skill level is way beyond her years and like no other. Her drive to get better and will to win is a unique aspect that not all players can say they have. On top of all of those tools, she brings a strong love for the game and for the people around her. She is not only a great player, but a great teammate who is always there to pick you up at your low and push you to be better.”

Firecrackers 2023 catcher/third baseman Braiesey Rosa, a fellow Hawaiian, appreciates the kind of teammate McEnroe-Marinas is.

“Nelly is a very independent person and she’s always humble and she’s always one to pick up another player when they are down and that’s what I love most about her,” Rosa said. “She’s always smiling and picking herself up and never giving attitude after a bad play or bad at-bat.”

“Nelly’s very passionate about softball and ever since I started playing with her she’s always been the most hard worker!” Braiesey continues. “If she wants something, she will do her very best to get it. And on the field she’s a beast, she always puts out and does her job and after a bad play she always seems to come back ever harder and that’s what makes her unique to me.”

Firecrackers 2022 infielder/utility player Carys Murakami, who also plays with McEnroe-Marinas at Maryknoll High, raves about her energy level.

“Her skills are unmatched on the field, but it’s her work ethic that sets her apart,” Murakami said. “Constantly striving to be better, putting work in on the side, and having a mentality that nothing can beat her. On the field, she’s a five-tool player who brings great energy to every game and is a great teammate to have.”

“Nelly brings leadership, a positive attitude, and always giving a 100 percent no matter what. She’s unique because of her athleticism and how she carries herself in all aspects whether it’s on the field or off and you know you can count on her in big moments or when you need her.”

Nelly sports the Sooners’ gear on a visit to the University of Oklahoma.
EXTRA STAR POWER Q&A
Name: NELLIAN McENROE-MARINAS
Hometown: Waianae, Hawaii
High School: Maryknoll High
Club Team: Firecrackers Brashear 18U
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-8
Position: SS/3B - *T-5 Ranked Player.
Nickname: Nelly
Twitter: @MarinasMcenroe

Travel Ball Highlights/Fall Stats: 2021 International Challenge for Polynesia and World team and Alliance All-American Team.
High School Highlights: 2021 ILH champions and second in state for home runs.

Tell us about your Firecrackers team and how you became involved with them…
I have a friend from school, who is now a freshman at ASU. Her name is Liliana Thomas. She was in the Firecrackers program since I first started playing travel ball. I was first introduced to the Firecrackers program from her and her father, Henson Thomas. He told coach Sean (Brashear) about me and got me a tryout with the team.

What were some of the training methods and workouts you did to stay busy during the stay-at-home orders because of the COVID situation?
During the stay-at-home orders, I took it upon myself mostly to stay busy. I would work out by myself around 2-3 times a day outside of practice. I would lift and do cardio by myself. For practice, one of my hitting coaches, Henson Thomas, would take me and a couple other travel ball girls and we would go hit in the cages in his backyard. I would occasionally do fielding. And lastly, I would also go to my Papa’s house and hit in the cage he made for me in his backyard also.

*** Scroll down read more about Nellian including what she’s looking for in a college and why the “doubters” have helped shape her into the great player she is today!

What is something you have faced in your life that has helped you become the person that you are today?
I’ve faced lots of adversity in my life, but I think that one of the biggest things I’ve faced that has shaped me into the person I am today is probably being doubted by the many people who I thought believed in me.

The Firecrackers – Brashear 18U team finished third in 2021 at the Alliance Nationals.
What’s your most memorable softball story?
One of the most memorable trips I went on for softball was the Alliance Qualifier last year. Not only did I and the team play really well, but we also played six games in one day and didn’t leave the park until 12 in the morning. It was one of my most memorable trips because to me I thought that this trip really gave the team a chance to get way closer than we were before and to make more memories with each other.

Coach tell Nelly they like her footwork and athleticism on the field.
What’s something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
When I first started playing sports, I absolutely did not want to play softball at all!

What have you learned about yourself in the past year?
I’ve learned that if I actually let people know what’s going on in my life and not completely shut people out, then I can feel what love and support really feels like.

Do you have a secret talent/skill?
I can drink energy drinks and coffee, then take a nap right after.

Who is the most underrated player on your team?
Carys Murakami on my Firecrackers Brashear 18U team.

If you could have dinner with four people dead or alive, who would it be?
Drake, Kobe Bryant, Megan Fox and Kevin Hart.

What are you looking for in your future college?
To not only win a national championship, but to make a name for Hawaii athletes to show the world that we can battle and compete with the best.

What do coaches say they like most about you and your game?
Most coaches I talked to told me that they really liked my footwork and athleticism.

What was the highlight of your summer season and/or fall season?
Probably placing third in the Alliance tournament. Just having fun and making memories while playing the sport I love.

- - -

With Bland, Pickering, Parker and McEnroe-Marinas the Sooners welcome a utility player that can play anywhere except maybe C, an LH power hitting OF that is very good defensively also, a top ranked LHP P, 1B, OF in Parker and a great SS-3B-2B in McEnroe-Marinas from Hawaii. When you add this talent to the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 recruits for the 2024 season, you have the everything a team needs to compete at the highest levels.
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Post by sybil »

great thread thanks for posting :ou: :handsup:
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Post by TropicalSooner »

Here's a couple of follow up questions about the '23 class....thought they would be more appropriate in this thread rather than the Alliance/PGF thread.
From above we have commitments from:
Ella Parker, OF/ DP/ LHP
Kasidi Pickering, OF
Maya Bland, OF/ UT
Nellian McEnroe-Marinas, SS

Also from above:
Leah McAnally, C, has apparently committed to Boise St.
And apparently at one time Madyson Manning was committed to OU---but I haven't seen anything recently so was wondering if she decommitted? Did she land elsewhere?

Lastly, from the remaining uncommitteds, are there any that would merit consideration by the Sooners? Mihyia Davis, and Reagan Jones appears to be doing very well in the playoffs. And any other uncommitted pitchers worthy of consideration? It seems that Aissa Silva from Calif is still uncommitted and according to another board still being followed by OU as well as other schools.
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Post by VNSooner »

Silva signed yesterday with Arizona.
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