Shelby Watson, a senior at South Walton, reached the 1,000-strikeout mark in a 5-4 loss to Baker on Friday. Watson, who entered the contest with 245 strikeouts in 20 games (12.5 per game), maintained her average and struck out 12 batters in what was her last regular-season game for the Seahawks. She now has 1,004 for her career.
"It’s a great accomplishment, but a win would have been better," Watson said. "Our team goal is more important than my individual achievement and until we win the state championship, I won’t be completely satisfied."
The milestone places Watson (1,004) as Florida's No. 3 all-time career strikeout leader in softball, according to Joe Williams of the Orlando Sentinel, behind Leah Barth of Central Florida Christian Academy with 1,348 strikeouts (1997-2001) and Jenny Gladding from Stuart Martin County with 1,454 strikeouts (1997-2000).
In her four years at South Walton, the standout righty has helped the Seahawks achieve a 74-21 record and two district championships. Watson, who has a career batting average of .358 with 14 home runs, also won back-to-back Daily News Player of the Year awards for small schools (2008, 2009) and made the South Region National Fast Pitch Coaches Association team as a sophomore.
Watson, who ranks 10th amongst Max Preps Softball National Strikeout Leaders, has helped her team dominate the opposition since her earlier days at South Walton. As a sophomore, she pitched a perfect game in a regional contest, while also hitting the game-winning home run to seal a 1-0 win. As a junior, she helped S.W. win its second straight district championship.
When asked how a player with such raw talent at such a young age was able to develop into one of Florida’s all-time greats, Watson’s coach Phil Tisa replied, "Her mentality."
"Her biggest progression was how she approached the game from a mental aspect," said Tisa. "She always had the skills as a pitcher, but now she understands the game more and has worked on the little parts of her craft to get her to where she is today. In my opinion, there isn’t a harder-working athlete in the country other than Shelby."
Tisa’s statements were exactly on point. I had the chance to speak with Watson on Sunday night and, when many high school students usually take that time to begin getting ready for the upcoming school week or hang out with friends, she was on her way to the diamond, with her sister, to join her teammates and get some throws in. Watson, and the rest of the Seahawks, are not wasting anytime in preparing for their first district game on Tuesday.
Watson has generated some minor interest from colleges, including Mercer University (Macon, Ga.) and the University of Mobile (Prichard, Ala.) but doesn’t doubt for one second that she can compete at the next level.
"I haven’t heard from many schools in regards to a scholarship but that doesn’t bother me," she said. "In a way it makes me work harder. I know I can play Division I ball and am patiently waiting for the chance to do so. It would be a great end to my high school career if I can get a scholarship to play, while getting a college education at the same time."
If there is one thing that Watson has proven throughout her career, it is that her hard work pays off and helps her reach unbelievable measures. One of the main components that have grown to be dangerous for opposing players has been her pitching.
"I learned every pitch that I know now back in middle school," Watson said. "It’s just about perfecting them as best I can and getting them (for strikes) consistently; they’re not easy to throw."
Watson has helped South Walton (16-5), which is located in the Sunshine State’s Northwest corner, gain national attention considering how the institution has only been participating in varsity sports for seven years. On Tuesday, Walton and the Seahawks will continue their quest for a state championship as they face Cottondale in the District 2-2A opener.
Knight takes his game to Lexington
Pine Crest star guard Brandon Knight ended much speculation and committed to the University of Kentucky on Wednesday in front of a nationally televised audience. Knight, the reigning two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year, will take over the point guard position at Kentucky vacated by former Wildcat John Wall, who has entered the NBA Draft. Knight, who averaged a career-high 31.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game for the Panthers this season, chose the Wildcats over Florida, Syracuse and Connecticut.
Buckeyes cash in
Jeremy Cash, a junior at Plantation, has given his verbal commitment to Ohio State. Cash, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound safety, is one of south Florida’s most promising defensive backs and chose the Buckeyes over offers from Florida State, Miami and Stanford, among others. Cash, whose best time in the 40 was recorded at 4.45, is also an academic standout and holds a 4.5 grade-point average.
Former Raiders to impact upcoming NFL Draft
Five players from one of the nation’s most notable high school football programs, Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale), will be on the draft board of many NFL teams when the 2010 Draft begins on Thursday. Safety Major Wright (Florida), defensive tackle Geno Atkins (Georgia), offensive tackle Sam Young (Notre Dame), kicker Brett Swenson (Michigan State) and receiver Richard Goodman (Florida State) are all potential selections in this year’s draft.
According to Steve Alic of USA Football, the most players drafted from one high school in a single year is three. California powers De La Salle and Long Beach Polytechnic each had three players selected in the 2006 draft.
