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Talawanda Softball Photo

Talawanda sophomore Maddy Cox has added her name to the program record book, breaking the school’s single-season doubles record in impressive fashion.

Cox reached the milestone just 14 games into the season, totaling 14 doubles while leading one of the area’s most productive offensive stretches. She is batting .627 (32-for-51) with 24 runs scored and 19 RBIs, ranking second in the SWBL in batting average. She has also posted a .661 on-base percentage and a .961 slugging percentage while striking out just three times all season.

The breakout builds on a strong freshman campaign in which Cox hit .493 with 12 doubles, four home runs and 26 RBIs. Through 41 career games, Cox is hitting .548 with 69 hits, 26 doubles and 45 RBIs, continuing to establish herself as one of the SWBL’s top hitters.

FRANKLIN SOFTBALL PHOTO

Adrian Allen turned in a milestone-filled week at the plate for Franklin. The senior shortstop hit .667 over six games, going 14-for-21 with four doubles, three home runs, 10 runs scored and eight RBIs. She posted a 1.981 OPS and 1.286 slugging percentage during the stretch. Allen also recorded her 100th career hit and tied the school’s home run record with 19. She is batting .511 on the season.

Edgewood Softball Photo

Madison Ferrell reached a major milestone Wednesday, collecting the 100th hit of her high school career in Edgewood’s 13-1 win over Bellbrook. The senior standout delivered a perfect 4-for-4 performance with two doubles, two RBIs and five runs scored, setting the tone in a dominant team effort.

A versatile infielder at second base and shortstop, Ferrell has been one of Edgewood’s most consistent offensive threats throughout her career. She owns a .383 career batting average with 100 hits, 87 runs scored and 66 stolen bases, showcasing a blend of contact hitting and speed. Ferrell’s breakout sophomore season saw her hit .484, and she has continued to produce as a senior, batting .395 through her first 10 games. 

Photo by Franklin Athletics 

History was made for the Franklin wrestling program this summer — and it came in a big way on the state stage. For the first time in program history, the Wildcats produced three state placers at the same tournament this past winter, marking a breakthrough moment for a program that continues to build momentum.

Leading the way were Blaine Napier and Aldin Short, who each earned sixth-place finishes in their respective weight classes, while Jack Berry added an eighth-place showing to round out the historic trio. Short’s performance carried added significance. The freshman became the first in program history to place at the state tournament — an early milestone that signals a promising future for Franklin. Napier capped off a strong run of consistency, finishing his career as a two-time state qualifier and state placer. Berry also closed his career on a high note, earning his second state placement to go along with two state tournament appearances. Dareyan Egner added to the program’s success as well, finishing his career as a three-time state qualifier and a state placer, further cementing his place among the program’s most accomplished wrestlers.

Together, the group delivered a landmark performance for Franklin — one defined not only by podium finishes, but by the continued rise of a program making its presence felt on the state level It was, by every measure, a historic showing for the Wildcats.

Provided Photo

Lily Shumate’s path from the soccer field to the golf course has led to one of the nation’s most prestigious scholarships. The Ross High School senior was awarded the Chick Evans Scholarship through the Western Golf Association, a full housing and tuition award valued at approximately $125,000 over four years.

Shumate earned the honor by meeting the program’s four criteria — strong caddie performance, academics, financial need and character — during her time at Clovernook Country Club. She completed more than 50 loops while maintaining strong grades. One of 21 Ohio recipients this year, Shumate is part of a national class of about 380 Evans Scholars.

A latecomer to golf after growing up playing soccer, Shumate joined Ross’ newly formed girls golf team and quickly excelled, earning first-team all-conference honors and finishing among the top five in the Southwestern Buckeye League. She plans to attend Miami University to study finance.