Co-Lin softball coach Allen Kent’s latest recruiting classshould provide his 2010 squad with several outstanding prospects.Kent has signed four players from Lincoln County and three out-ofstate prospects to scholarships.

“I’m excited about our latest group of signees,” said Kent.”They are a talented group.”

Signed from Loyd Star were catcher Haley Sones and infielderBrittany Beeson. Bogue Chitto pitcher/infielder Kelli Howard andBrookhaven infielder Casey Risher round out the LincolnCountians.

The out-of-staters include pitchers Bethany Pinkston of Brusly,La., and Debra Hamor of Orange, Texas, and catcher Lakin Lockhartof Denham Springs, La.

Kent’s Lady Wolves are fresh from their best-ever finish in theNJCAA Division II World Series at Normal, Ill., where they finishedrunners-up to Arizona College last June. They posted a 32-15 recordin 2008. Kent is in his seventh year at the helm, compiling arecord of 177 wins and 56 losses.

Kent said all four Lincoln County signees have played forSouthern Ice, an 18-under travel team that is coached by Co-Linplayers.

Haley Sones, a 6-foot catcher, is a versatile athlete, alsoexcelling as a post player in basketball.

“Haley is very athletic and generates a lot of bat speed,” saidKent. “She has caught for many years and has a great arm. We arethinking about using her at first base when she isn’tcatching.”

Sones said she was honored to sign with Co-Lin. “I’m excitedabout playing for Co-Lin. I’ve watched a lot of their games.”

Sones said she is considering a career in drafting or physicaltherapy. She is the daughter of Jimmy and Carla Sones.

Brittany Beeson, a compact, 5-1 infielder, has exceptionaldefensive skills. She also swings a strong bat.

“Brittany is a very good defensive player and she can mix it upwith the best of them,” said Kent. “She has a strong, accurate armwith a quick release. She also has a compact swing with a goodeye.”

Beeson’s parents are Stacy and Tonya Smith.

“Co-Lin has a good program,” said Beeson. “I’m looking forwardto playing for Coach Kent.”

Beeson said she was considering a career in physicaltherapy.

Loyd Star softball coach Jan Delaughter said

both players are exceptional. “I’m proud for Haley and Brittany.They both have great work ethics. They are very competitive andstrive to do their best. They will be good assets for Co-Lin.”

Kelli Howard, a 5-10 athlete, also excels in basketball. She wasselected The DAILY LEADER’s Most Valuable Player on the 2008All-Area Slowpitch Team as a shortstop. She pitches and plays theinfield in fastpitch.

“Kelli can play a variety of positions and being able to pitchis an added bonus,” said Kent. “She has great hands and anexceptional arm.”

Howard said she was looking forward to playing for Co-Lin. “Ipitched in high school but I’m ready to play anywhere.”

She is the daughter of Wesley and Dana Howard, both 1982 BogueChitto graduates. She wants to become a dental assistant.

Bogue Chitto coach Scott Leggett said Howard was a valuablemember of his softball program. “Kelli is one of the great onesI’ve coached here. She has achieved a big goal.

“I’ve been fortunate to have her play for me,” he added. Howardhas been a 5-year starter for Leggett.

Currently, three of Leggett’s former players, Chelsey Miller,Candace Avants and Devon Welch; are playing for the LadyWolves.

Casey Risher is exceptional on the softball field and in theclassroom. She maintains a 4.1 GPA at Brookhaven. An honor rollstudent, she plans to major in law and chemistry in college. Shehas scored 28 on the ACT.

“I’ll play anywhere Coach Kent wants me to play,” said Risherwho plays catcher and second base. “I’m excited and honored to signwith Co-Lin.”

Her parents are Robin and Tracy Risher.

“Casey is a steady all-around player who is capable of helpingus in several areas,” said Kent. “She has soft hands and quick feetdefensively. We like the fact that she can hit from both sides ofthe plate.”

He said Risher has concentrated on slapping hard from the leftside of the plate.

BHS fastpitch coach Chad Walker said Risher has a bright futureahead of her. “Casey should be very successful at Co-Lin. She has astrong will to succeed on the field and in the classroom.”

Walker said Risher could see a lot of time at catcher thisseason. Two of last year’s seniors, pitcher Terri Hodges andcatcher Katie Stewart, signed with Co-Lin.

Co-Lin starts its 2009 softball season Feb. 5, hosting theHolmes Community College Lady Bulldogs. Kent said the field’s newlight standards won’t be in place for the season opener but somenight games will be played later in the campaign.