Central (Fresno) has plenty incentive to get back at defending section champion Clovis this season. Also watch for Clovis, Buchanan, Hanford West and Madera in the #MaxPrepsFab5.
Central pitcher Gianna Mancha hopes to reverse last year's loss in the Central Section Division I finals.
Photo by Todd Talent
Scott Gorton
2015 record: 35-8
The Grizzlies, who lost to Clovis 2-0 in last year's Division I final, return both pitchers, junior
Gianna Mancha (22-4, 0.62 ERA) and senior
Ciera Montalvo (13-4, 1.81). Central lost its top three run-producers at the plate, but should muster enough offense led by Mancha and
Breanna Martin, a junior.
See last season's Central Section computer rankings
2. ClovisHead coach: Mike Noel
2015 record: 33-6
The defending Central Section champions outscored opponents 283-68 last season and return eight players, including five sophomores who contributed mightily.
Emily Puente and
Jordyn Martinez should be the team's primary battery this season.
See last season's Central Section softball photo galleries3. Buchanan (Clovis)Head coach: Dean Gregory
2015 record: 26-8
The Bears return 12 of 14 players from last year's squad, including pitchers
Molly Millar, a sophomore, and
Katie January, a junior. Last season, Buchanan piled up 254 runs.
See last season's Central Section playoff brackets
4. Hanford WestHead coach: Jeff Harger
2015 record: 26-8
The Huskies return both pitchers: current junior
Brianna Leasure (19-6, 2.00) and sophomore
Irene Sias (7-2, 2.04). Hanford West also returns eight of 14 players off last year's squad.
See last season's Central Section statistical leaders
5. MaderaHead coach: Judy Shaubach
2015 record: 21-14
The Coyotes used pitching by committee last year and if Shaubach wants to do it again she can, as all four return from last year, including senior
Emily Martinez and sophomore
Destiny Ricks.
