Franklin Central has ingredients for another strong year

DeLaney Raters, third baseman Hanna LaMar, catcher Mariah Jenkins, and pitcher/first baseman Katie Back will help lead Franklin Central into the new season. Back hit .476 and was 16-7 on the mound; Raters will miss the season with shoulder injury.

Franklin Central (19-9) –  Graduated four seniors, including Claire Gilliland (.364, 32 hits, 31 RBIs, eight homers) at Butler and Taytum Schaney (.442, 42 hits) at DePauw … 40th year at helm for Hall of Fame coach Kathy Stricker … team MVP senior Katie Back headlines the Flashes on the mound (16-7, 3.17 ERA, 125 strike outs) and at plate (.476, 40 hits, 24 RBIs) … among top hitters: seniors, catcher Maria Jenkins, .356, 31 hits; utility Kayla Green, .357; second base Jaida Austin, 20 hits; Hannah LaMar, IUPUI recruit, at first; and outfielder Kenzie Hart, 24 hits … soph Emma Herron (.333) at third … freshmen and sophs will be counted on early … pitching depth comes from juniors Casey Matthews and Haley Pardue … injured senior DeLaney Raters out for season (shoulder) inspires Flashes from dugout … only one home game (April 4 Bloomington North) in first seven games.
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Coach’s comments: We have some kids to fill some holes and we do have holes to fill. Katie should come back strong. We will be counting on some younger players to get the job done; we have some talent. We could see some major changes or very few changes (positions), depending on what team we are playing. Senior leadership is our big key. These kids have done a great job all fall and winter hitting inside. The seniors have done a good job with the younger kids. We have some big games early. I think we will be solid.”

Franklin Central seniors Kenzie Hart, Jaida Austin and Kayla Green will roam the outfield.