Three Lady Cats Named To 2021 Pennsylvania High School Softball Coaches Association Class-A All-State Team

(Photo by Theresa Forrest) Noel Anthony

The Pennsylvania High School Softball Coaches Association (PaHSSCA) has announced their 2021 All-State Teams and three Clarion Area Lady Cats, Noel Anthony, Jordan Best and Kylee Beers, all juniors, have been selected to the Class-A Squad.

Lady Cats’ Head Coach Dan Shofestall said, “It was nice to see that we had three players recognized at the state level for their fine seasons. I want to Congratulate Noel, Kylee and Jordan on the accomplishments and honor of being named to the All-State Team.” 

Noel was selected to the First Team selection at second base. She had a .544 batting average. She delivered 15 doubles and a home run for the Lady Cats, while driving in twenty-two runs. Noel also scored 34 runs and stole eleven bases. She had a .618 on base percentage.

Coach Shofestall had this to say about his second baseman, “Noel was our leadoff hitter and she brought everything to the table that we look for in our leadoff hitter. After watching her hit in fall ball last year, I had the mindset that I would take a good look at her as our leadoff hitter in the spring. My only concern was how disciplined she would be at the plate for that leadoff role and if she would be willing to take a walk, if need be.

‘Well, she filled those two criteria well, as she led the team with 14 walks with an on base percentage of .618. She also led the team in hits (41), doubles (15) average (.554) and stolen bases (11). Like many of our players, she would put in extra practice time taking ground balls or hitting extra buckets of balls from coaches or her dad Rob. 

“Noel played second base well for us. She understands our priority-communication system and runs it well. She’s tough and she’s gritty and we love what she brings to the team each and every day.”

Jordan, who was selected as a Second Team catcher, carried a .432 average, with 8 home runs, 9 doubles and a triple. She drove in 35 runs, scored 37 times and stole seven bases. Jordan had a .495 on base percentage.

Coach Shofestall had these thoughts on his ‘backstop,’ “Jordan was our catcher and she grew stronger and stronger as the season wore on, especially with her mental game. We turned over the pitch calling duties to her early in the season and she did a nice job with it. She has a very good throwing arm and continued getting better in all facets of her game, throughout the season, as she spent many extra hours with her dad Matt working on her throwing, footwork and hitting among other things. 

“Speaking of hitting, Jordan set a new Bobcat record as she pounded 8 home runs this season, breaking the old mark off 7 that Ashley Hummell set in 2011. She also led the team in runs scored by touching the dish 37 times.” 

Kylee, who was selected at first base on the Second Team, had 35 hits in 75 at bats for a .467 average. Her on base percentage was .512. Kylee had 5 home runs, 11 doubles and a triple. She drove in 38 runs, scored 21 times and stole three bases.

Coach Shofestall said this about his first baseman, “This was the first full season Kylee played for us. As a freshman in 2019. Kylee missed a good portion of our season due to some injuries.

“We were eager to get her back in the lineup this year and she didn’t disappoint, as she hit with good power and average. Her 38 RBI’s led the team. She kept getting better as the season progressed, as she saved her best for last in the playoffs, where she hit 3 home runs, 3 doubles and drove in 11 runs.

“She played a solid first base and ran the bases well. 

“Kylee also puts in a lot of extra work during the season and off season, as she was seen at the ball field in the blistering heat, fielding ground balls and throwing the ball around the diamond, just hours before she learned she had been named to the All-State Team.”

Coach Shofestall had these final words for his All-State Trio, “Once again congratulate Noel, Jordan and Kylee on the honor of being named to the Pennsylvania All-State Team and your great seasons.”

In addition to Noel, Jordan and Kylee, three other players from the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference were named PaHSSCA All-State. Keystone’s Natalie Bowser was name to the Class-AA First Team at first base, Clarion-Limestone’s Kendall Dunn was named to the Class-A Second Team at shortstop and A-C Valley’s MacKenzie Parks was selected as a shortstop on the Class-A Second Team.

Other District Nine selectees include in Class-AA: DuBois Central Catholic’s Chelsea Busatto – First Team outfielder and Shyanne Lundy – First Team at first base; and Curwensville’s Joslynne Freyer – First Team designated player and Abby Pentz – First Team outfield ; and in Class-AAAA: St. Marys’ Kara Hanslovan – First Team designated player, Olivia Eckels – First Team at second base and Kendall Young – Second Team pitcher; and Clearfield’s Lauren Ressler – First Team at first base and Emma Hipps – Second Team pitcher.

Congratulations Noel, Jordan, Kylee and all of this year’s PaHSSCA All-Stater’s!!!!

(Thanks to Theresa Forrest for her images.)