High school 5A softball: Tournament features many talented teams

Bingham head coach Mikki Jackson knows all too well that seeding means very little in the 5A state softball tournament.

After all, the favored Miners lost in the first-round of the 5A tournament last season only to become the first softball team in state history to win a state title after losing in the first round.

This year, she's hoping her players, many of whom were on last year's squad, understand the gravity of every game, every pitch.

"I just think… as I look at the bracketing," Jackson said, "that every one of these first-round games could go either way. … I am really hoping the kids have that confidence, and start off strong."

The Miners will rely on the same pitchers they did in last year's improbable run — senior Cienna Smith and junior Tori Almond. But they are not, Jackson cautioned, the same team that won a title last season.

"This is a very different group … even though we have Tori and Red (Cienna) back on the mound, a lot of people new to their positions," Jackson said. "Now it's just a matter of whether they're ready for state play."

The Miners will face Davis in the first round, a team that is coached by one of Jackson's former players, Mylei Zachman.

Syracuse is ranked No. 1 and hosts a dangerous Copper Hills club. Riverton is Region 3's second seed and has the unenviable task of hosting Viewmont. The Vikings have a tremendous offense and one of the state's best pitchers in Shelbi Tyteca. The Silverwolves are led by senior pitcher Sammi Powell and shortstop Kelsey Hoopiiaina.

Fremont won a coin toss with Viewmont for the second seed, which was critical as the Silver Wolves have played well at home. They are an experienced team with players like Angela DeVries, Maddi Hales and Vanessa Bodily to rely on.

Region 2's champion, Taylorsville, will host Weber, which is a tough draw for an undefeated season. The Warriors are playing well and have experienced players like Nicole Huntsman, Brita Noble and Sami Parry.

Another interesting first-round game should be Pleasant Grove at Alta, and Skyline at Lehi could also be exciting.

Today's first round

Skyline at Lehi, 4 p.m.

Copper Hills at Syracuse, 4 p.m.

Davis at Bingham, 4 p.m.

Pleasant Grove at Alta, 4 p.m.

Hunter at Fremont, 4 p.m.

Brighton at Spanish Fork, 4 p.m.

Weber at Taylorsville, 4 p.m.

Viewmont at Riverton, 4 p.m.

e-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com