High-school softball: Detroit News’ top 10 players
Morgan Overatis put herself on the radar during her sophomore season at Plymouth Salem — hitting a hefty .602 with 55 RBIs and 59 runs scored.
Overatis continued her strong play last season when she hit at a .641 clip with seven home runs and 56 RBIs to help Plymouth to a 24-11 record.
Overatis is The News No. 1 player in the Metro Detroit area and arguably the state as a senior shortstop, trying to put together another impressive season before moving down the road to Ann Arbor to play for legendary head coach Carol Hutchins at Michigan.
Overatis fine-tuned her skills during past summers while playing for the Beverly Bandits based out of Columbus — which of course is the home of Michigan’s top rival Ohio State.
“Morgan’s batting average is an unheard of .600-plus all three years of her career,” Salem coach Bonnie Southerland said. “She is one of six females nominated for the Detroit Athletic Club athlete of the year and is signed to play at Michigan.”
More: High-school softball: Detroit News' top 10 teams
2. Grace Cheleman, Sr., SS, Riverview: A standout shortstop, Cheleman hit .480 during her junior season with 61 hits, including eight triples while stealing 23 bases and scoring 54 runs. She will play at Michigan.
3. Melina Livingston, Sr. 3B, Warren Regina: An outstanding fielder, Livingston hit with power, hitting .632 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs to lead her team to the Catholic League championship. She will play at Penn State.
4. Paige Blevins, Sr., SS, Clarkston: She has good range and a strong arm at shortstop and hits with power. She hit .486 with 14 home runs and 67 RBIs last season to help Clarkston reach the Division 1 state semifinals. She will play at Central Michigan.
5. Anna Dixon, Sr., C, Farmington Hills Mercy: Has started since her freshman season, hitting .491 for her career while helping Mercy earn a Division 1 state championship her sophomore season, in which she hit .500. She hit .565 last season with 70 RBIs and 73 runs scored. She will play at Hillsdale.
6. Corbin Hison, Sr., SS, Macomb Dakota: She hit .410 from the leadoff spot last season, striking out just two times in 146 plate appearances to help her team win the Division 1 state championship. She also is an outstanding fielder, showing great range and a strong arm. She will play at Canisius.
7. Sydney Pezzoni, Sr., CF, Howell: She covers a lot of ground in the outfield and has a strong arm. She hit .440 from the middle of the lineup last season to help her team to a 38-3 record and KLAA championship. She will play at Eastern Kentucky.
8. Hannah Cady, So., C, Clarkston: Outstanding behind the plate with a strong arm, she hit .489 last season with 29 RBIs. She is committed to Northwestern.
9. Sierra Kersten, So., 2B, Clarkston: Has size (5-foot-10) and range at second base, showing the ability to make all the plays. Already committed to Michigan, she hit .358 her freshman year with five home runs and 33 RBIs.
10 (tie). Grace Nieto, Fr., SS, Farmington Hills Mercy: Yes, just a freshman, but one with a ton of talent and sure to bring a lot of excitement in the years to come for state power Mercy. She is already committed to Northwestern.
10 (tie). Olivia Patton, Sr., CF, Macomb Dakota: Hitting first or second in the lineup, the left-handed hitting Patton can slap hit or hit with power. She hit .488 with 62 hits, 56 runs scored and 19 stolen bases while covering a lot of ground in the outfield. She will play at Indiana State.
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