FORT GIBSON TIGERS
Coach: Jerry Walker
OUTLOOK
Young but talented might be the way veteran coach Jerry Walker would describe the outlook for his Lady Tiger fast pitch team for the upcoming season. “After losing five seniors to graduation we’ll be a very young team this year with only a couple of upperclassmen in the starting lineup, but we have a talented group of freshmen and sophomores,” said Walker. Senior Miley Wafford will be the leader of the team as she returns to her centerfield spot for the Tigers. “Miley will be a four-year starter that plays centerfield but could also play pitcher, catcher or any infield position,” said Walker. “She’s very heady, an excellent hitter, and a great leader by example.” The other upperclassman back for Fort Gibson is junior third baseman Alyria Smith who wields a great glove and strong bat. There will be experience in the circle with the return of sophomore pitchers Karsen Pemberton who shut out state qualifier Broken Bow last year and the speedy Skyla Oden who Walker describes as a clutch defender and a tough out at the plate. Also back for the Tigers with some varsity experience are Camden Tapp, catcher Laura Kate Howe who Walker says possesses great leadership skills and is very active in FFA, infielder Morgan Adney who Walker cites as a great role model who embodies the “team first” attitude and athletic newcomer Izy Jones. The freshman class possesses good talent and will provide depth or fight for a starting spot according to Walker. That group includes infielders Jada Wood who comes from a strong program at Woodall and has already attracted some D-1 attention, Bristol Green who was the MVP of state championship softball and basketball teams at Zion school and Halle Hogan, pitcher Baylor Rouse who had an excellent junior high career and will be counted on to throw some varsity innings this year, and catcher Leila Lone. “We’ll be young, but I like our pieces, speed and athleticism,” said Walker.
Photos provided by Michelle Spears Photography
