Rocky Mountain will return this season among Idaho's elite.
Photo by Julian Jenkins
MaxPreps 2015 Idaho Softball Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
1. Mountain View (Meridian)2014 finish: 26-4
Head coach: Tim Souza
The Mavericks won the 5A title last season and lost eight seniors. But they still have good production coming back.
Kylie Orr hit an astronomical .604 with 17 doubles and 10 home runs and she'll look to do even better in her senior campaign.
Anna Hawk hit .467 with 10 doubles as a junior and
Megan Browne knocked in 17 runs as a sophomore. Browne is the only returning pitcher, but she was 8-1 last season.
View last season's Idaho softball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard2. Coeur d'Alene2014 finish: 25-5
Head coach: Larry Bieber
The Vikings won the first 5A title game last season but had to win twice, and Mountain View took the crown.
Breana Burke is back to pitch as a junior this season, and
Kylie Smith was a bright spot as a freshman in the state tournament with some big hits.
View last season's Idaho softball playoff brackets3. Bishop Kelly (Boise)2014 finish: 21-7
Head coach: Judy Crandell
The Knights fell victim to Twin Falls in the 4A final last season and they come back with a roster that only lost two seniors. They won the 4A District 3 title last season over Kuna. Junior pitcher
Emily Baca will come back in the pitching circle, and should get a lot of innings.
Delaney Atkins has center field locked down and senior
Ellie Hanousek will provide offense. Junior shortstop
Gabi Harrington will do the same, as she has done in the past.
View last season's Idaho softball stat leaders4. Twin Falls2014 finish: 26-2
Head coach: Tonia Burk
The Bruins had a dream team last season, winning the 4A title and not losing to any Idaho teams. Their only two setbacks were in California. But things are changing. Head coach Jessica Pistole has left the program and star pitcher Rainey Dyreson graduated and moved on to Oregon State. That leaves players like juniors
Skylar Call,
Jordan Henley and
Brooke Swafford to continue the good vibes.
View the MaxPreps Idaho softball pro photo galleries5. Rocky Mountain (Meridian)2014 finish: 17-12
Head coach: Missy Nichols
The Grizzlies placed third in 5A last season, including a win over Coeur d'Alene in the state tournament. Senior pitcher
Hayden McKenney should lead the way in the pitching circle, and youth will be served with juniors
Hailey Hicks and
Kacey Blea. Senior infielder
Laura Graham will also play an important role.