MaxPreps 2015 Mississippi preseason softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Madison Central
2014 record: 27-7, 6A runner-up
Coach: Kayla Watkins

After blowing out Harrison Central in the opening game of last year's 6A championship series, the Lady Jaguars dropped both games of the deciding doubleheader to miss out on the title. Watkins and Madison Central are out for revenge in 2015, led by senior All-State pitcher Haylee Morse and All-State infielder Kristen Qualls.

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2. Harrison Central (Gulfport)
2014 record: 30-6, 6A champion
Coach: Jimmy Parker



The Red Rebelettes rallied after losing big to Madison Central in the first game of last year's 6A championship series to win both games of the Saturday doubleheader. It was a true team effort, as Parker's squad won the title without the benefit of a first team All-State player. That will likely change this year, as junior pitcher Madison Burge, who was a second team selection last year, is poised for a breakout season.

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3. Neshoba Central (Philadelphia)
2014 record: 32-2, 5A champion
Coach: Trae Embry

The Lady Rockets met little resistance on the path to last year's 5A state title, beating Wayne County 10-0 and 14-1 in the championship series. Embry's squad should be just as formidable in 2015, with the return of 2014 All-State selection and 2013 Miss Softball Hailey Lunderman, who hit .626 with 10 triples, three home runs and 56 runs scored last year. Also returning is phenom Aspen Wesley, who went 19-0, including two five-inning no-hitters in the championship series, with a 0.69 ERA last season as a seventh-grader.

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4. Newton County (Decatur)
2014 record: 34-4, 4A champion
Coach: Justin Chaney



Chaney and the Lady Cougars were dominant in winning the 4A title (wins of 16-0 and 10-1), in closing out a stellar 34-4 campaign. Look for more of the same in 2015, sparked by the return of 2014 Miss Softball Darby Bishop who hit .621 with 17 doubles, nine triples, three home runs and 44 RBIs while going 21-0 with a 1.53 ERA in the circle. She'll be joined by fellow All-State selection Ashton Lampton, who led the state with a .661 average last year as a junior.

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5. St. Patrick (Biloxi)
2014 record: 23-3, 3A champion
Coach: Tommy Castanedo

The Lady Irish were stunned in the opening game of the 3A championship series, but rebounded to sweep the doubleheader the next day. It was the third straight title for Castanedo's team, and they won without a single senior on the roster, which bodes well for 2015. Look for All-State players Sabrina Turner and Elizabeth Zorich to lead St. Patrick to another title appearance.