Most discussions on High School softball, at the 4A Level, want to focus on teams and players. I like to watch what regions in this SCState are doing. If your team is from a strong region, the chances of a state champion for a team from those regions is quite a bit greater than from a less successful region. Mostly because the strongest regions play better teams day in and day out. Tight tough games become the norm, and to get the ultimate goal, a 4A team, regardless of the team or players names, must figure out how to win the tough games on a regular basis.
Last year Region III-4A showed to be the dominant in the SC State. The previous 2 years before that, Region II-4A was dominant. For all of those three previous years, Region VIII-4A, produced an extremely competitive opposition team in the State Championship series.
In that vein, the highest expectations for a 4A State Champion is most likely to come from Region III, II, and VIII. Until another Region, or specific team storms the gate, like Region III did last year. Or a very special team from a different region with a dominant pitcher, or player simply takes over.
One other factor, if you observe recent history, is who has a Senior pitcher. In the last half decade or so, the 4A teams with senior pitchers have won the 4A state title. There is something about a veteran pitcher, during crunch time, elevating and putting her team over the top. So for those with senior pitchers, and tell all who you are. Take note about what history is telling us.
The national story for SC high school softball at present remains however with the nationally ranked 3A Union County Yellow Jackets. Discussions for how they may fare on the 4A level is for another day. Because at this early stage it can be important for the SC State to embrace, respect, what Union County has done. For promotion of that accomplishment is good for all the softball players in South Carolina to have a team in the national discussion.
