MaxPreps/NFCA Players of the Week for March 6-12, 2017

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Lindsay Ward of Kirtland (Ohio), Haley Walker of Holtville (Ala.), Bailey Buffington of Bauxite (Ark.)  and Linnay Wilson of Coalinga (Cal.)  were selected MaxPreps/NFCA National High School Player of the Week for their outstanding play during the week of March 6-12.

North Region

Ward keyed Kirtland to a season-opening win over Mayfield. She struck out 13 in a complete-game victory, allowing two runs, one earned, on five hits with just one walk. Additionally, Ward was 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored.

South Region



Knocked in all seven runs, including the walk-off hit, in a 7-6 victory over Central and went seven-for-eight at the plate with two doubles, two homers, nine RBI and three runs scored. Both long balls came in the one-run victory over the Red Devils in which she finished 4-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. The sophomore opened the week by going 3-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and a run scored in a 19-1 victory against Bullock County.

South Central Region

Highlighted by a no-hitter, Buffington went 5-0 with a 0.25 ERA and 31 strikeouts in the circle for Bauxite last week. The junior hurler recorded three shutouts and allowed nine hits in 27 innings of work. Buffington's no-hitter came in the Miner's final game of the week, a 1-0 victory over De Queen. She struck out 10 and walked just one as the Miners walked off with the victory. She also tossed shutouts against Central Arkansas Christian (4 IP, 1 H, 9 K) and Benton (6 IP, 2 H, 2 K).

West Region

Wilson hit. 824, recording 14 hits in 17 at bats with three home runs, 14 RBI and eight runs scored, while tossing 15 innings of shutout ball with 33 strikeouts and four hits allowed in four appearances. She opened the week with a season-high five RBI on four hits, a double and long ball versus Sierra Pacific. Wilson added a pair of 3-for-3, three RBI showings against Orosi and Immanuel. Against Orosi, she doubled twice and also homered. Highlighting the senior's performance in the circle was a two-hit five-inning shutout against Porterville. She fanned 12 batters and also helped herself out the plate with three hits and two runs scored.

The 2017 MaxPreps/NFCA High School Players of the Week are announced on NFCA.org every Monday during the spring season, with one representative chosen from each of the five regions. During the spring campaign, a player from each of five separate high school regions is selected.



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