Small-town Utah softball teams turning out dominant batters

Video: High School Softball Player Does Flip Before Showing Off Bat Tricks

Visiting rural Utah isn't just about going on an excursion to the mountains these days. It's also a perfect excuse to see some dominant softball batters in action.

Many of the top Utah high school softball batters hail from schools outside the major Wasatch Front metro areas. These players are doing consistent damage at the plate and it has boosted their teams to early success.

Juab (Nephi)
The Wasps are the top-ranked Class 3A team this week in the MaxPreps Computer Rankings presented by the Army National Guard. Juab (10-1) averages 11.5 runs per game and is outscoring opponents by nine runs per contest. One reason for it is the play of Taylei Williams. The junior leads the state in slugging percentage (1.903), batting average (.742), RBIs (31) and home runs (9). Williams also ranks in the top five statewide in on-base percentage (.718) and total runs (21).

Wasatch (Heber City)
Class 4A teams are learning there's plenty of sting in the Wasps' bats this season. Wasatch boasts a trio of dominant hitters few opponents can rival. Lexi Richins and Ashley Sweat lead Class 4A with eight home runs apiece. Sweat is the statewide leader in total runs (28) and ranks fourth in RBIs (23). Richins is second in slugging percentage (1.580), is tied for second in RBIs (25) and is in the top five in batting average (.677) and on-base percentage (.677). Torri Bills is the state leader in doubles (11) and is tied for second with Richins in RBIs (25).

Uintah (Vernal)
Moving up to Class 4A has not been a big challenge for the Utes because few teams can slow down their top hitters. Summer Stensgard and Jaden Lance can light up the scoreboard in a hurry. Stensgard's six home runs put her in the top five statewide in that category and she is in the top 15 in slugging percentage (.969). Lance ranks in the top 20 for all classifications in home runs (5), slugging percentage (1.290), batting average (.548), RBIs (14) and total runs (16).

Stansbury (Tooele)
Strong hitting is helping the three-time defending Class 3A champions navigate a tough early schedule and position the Stallions for another postseason run. Anjalee Batchelor is leading the way from the plate. The senior shortstop ranks among the state's Top 15 players in RBIs (18), home runs (4), batting average (.552) and slugging percentage (1.206).

South Summit (Kamas)
After winning the school's first Class 2A softball title a year ago, the Wildcats are ranked atop Class 2A once again because of offensive and defensive dominance. Hannah Peterson, the team's top pitcher, is also a formidable hitter. Peterson ranks second in the state with 22 total runs. She ranks second in Class 2A in slugging percentage (.750) and batting average (.500) and is third in on-base percentage (.556). Elise Bush leads Class 2A with eight doubles and ranks in the top 15 statewide in RBIs (15).

John Coon covers Utah high school sports for MaxPreps. You can contact him at john_coon@hotmail.com and follow him on Twitter at @johncoonsports