MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week: Floyd Central softball

The Floyd Central (Floyds Knobs) softball team is winning, but it's how they are winning and who they have beaten that pleases coach Scott Castleberry.

The Highlanders are off to a 10-2 start and have outscored foes by a 85-33 count. Impressive enough.

"I am most pleased that we have played a very tough schedule and have figured out different ways we can win," Castleberry said.

Floyd Central defeated defending state champions from Tennessee and Kentucky on consecutive days at the Southern Warrior Classic in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

For their fast start, the Highlanders have been picked as the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

Though there's only one senior on the Floyd Central squad, Castleberry said the Highlanders are definitely not inexperienced. Their 15-person roster also includes seven juniors, five sophomores and two freshmen.

"We have a lot of players who have played travel ball at the highest level and in the toughest travel tournaments in the country," he said.

Castleberry doesn't let the Highlanders rest on their laurels. They have an aggressive college-type conditioning program, he said, and the squad has a nice balance between speed and power — they've stolen 41 bases and hit .381 as a team.

Castleberry said another aspect of the game is what's leading the way.

"I've been impressed with our defense," he said. "We had a few holes to fill defensively and we have had a couple players really step up for us.

"Paige Meyer has done an outstanding job at second base, Jenna Endris has stepped up at first base and Maddie Probus has done a great job on the hot corner."

The team is led offensively by Gabbi Jenkins, who is No.1 in the state with 21 RBIs and 26 hits while hitting .605.

Other top hitters are Regan Hadley (.325, 14 RBIs), Lindsey Sparrow (.464, 13 hits) and Jensen Striegel (.462, 17 hits).

That's helped make life easier for senior pitcher Kassie King (6-1, 1.30 ERA). Lexi Heeke (4-1, 2.96) has also been solid.

What makes the team so special, Castleberry said, is that many of the players have played together since they were 9 years old. And Castleberry has coached them every slap hit and putout since that time, including Jenkins, King and Striegel.

"All three are very special players," Castleberry said. "Kassie is a very special pitcher. She has a great mix of pitches, spins the ball very well and executes one pitch at a time. More than that, Kassie is a winner. She has pitched against some of the best travel programs and high schools in the country and knows how to win.

"Gabbi is a worker. She is one of those special players who simply outworks everyone. She takes more reps than any player I have ever coached. Gabbi loves the game and plays with more passion than most players possess.

"Jensen has been a natural in the outfield since she started walking. She was diving for balls and making catches worthy of ESPN's Top 10 when she was 10. She is fast and worked hard to become a true triple threat and slapper. Jensen has a great can-do attitude that separates her from a lot of players."

The Highlanders are attempting to improve on last year's 25-6 season. The year before that, they were 20-7. They have won 12 section, two regional and four league championships.

They are seeking their first state title. Castleberry thinks the team's potential is boundless.

"The key to us reaching our potential this year is continuing to learn and improve every game," he said. "Each player is committed to getting better everyday because they want to be the best. That desire will propel this team.

"We define and separate ourselves by taking the season one game at a time and bringing a bunch of energy on every pitch. We will continue to do that and see where it takes us this year."