The 2014 Journal-World All-Area Softball Team, from left, top row: player of the year Haidyn Bassett, Oskaloosa; Cassidy Berry, De Soto; Ashley Sparks, Wellsville; Brianna Brooks, Oskaloosa; coach of the year Lisa Braun, Oskaloosa. Bottom row: Emily Bermel, Free State; Shelby Dahl, Santa Fe Trail; Kenzie Garvin, Lawrence; Emily Byers, Free State; Morgan Byrn, Lawrence. Not pictured: Moriah Kayhill, Wellsville.

Player of the Year

Haidyn Bassett, Oskaloosa

Bassett dominated the Northeast Kansas League this spring, earning a 12-1 record in the pitcher’s circle with a 0.35 ERA. The Bears sophomore also hit .569 with 41 hits, 36 runs, 30 RBIs and 9 home runs.

Coach of the Year

Lisa Braun, Oskaloosa

Braun helped the Bears finish as Northeast Kansas League and regional champions to earn a trip to the Class 3A state tournament. Oskaloosa, led by Haidyn Bassett, Brianna Brooks, Madison Miller, Shyan Wright and Raegen Hamm, finished the spring with a 23-1 record.

First team

Haidyn Bassett, Oskaloosa — Bassett earned first-team All-NEK League honors as a pitcher for the second straight year. She struck out 155 batters in 79 2/3 innings while only walking seven, and tossed six shutouts, including four no-hitters.

Emily Bermel, Free State — The Firebirds’ leadoff hitter and center fielder earned first-team All-Sunflower League and 6A All-State honors after finishing second in the league with a .645 batting average. The Kansas University commit also scored a team-high 33 runs, had 15 RBIs, and eight stolen bases.

Cassidy Berry, De Soto — A second-team All-Frontier League and 4A All-State selection, the Emporia State signee batted .494 with 39 hits, 29 runs scored and 18 RBIs. Berry also hit eight doubles, six triples, three homers, helping De Soto to the 4A-DI state tournament.

Brianna Brooks, Oskaloosa — Brooks hit .507 with 34 hits, 28 runs, 9 home runs and 37 RBIs this spring. The Bears catcher and third baseman called her own games behind the plate, and only allowed three stolen bases with her strong arm.

Emily Byers, Free State — Byers led the Sunflower League with 10 doubles and also owned a .542 batting average. The Firebirds third baseman earned first-team All-Sunflower League and 6A All-State honors, drilling 32 hits, scoring 25 runs and driving in 30 runs this spring.

Morgan Byrn, Lawrence — A University of Missouri-Kansas City commit, Byrn topped the Sunflower League with 37 RBIs and was second with six triples. The Lions’ junior led the team with a .545 batting average, 42 hits and 4 home runs, while earning first-team All-Sunflower League and 6A All-State honors.

Shelby Dahl, Santa Fe Trail — Dahl was dominant in the pitcher’s circle and at the plate for the Chargers this spring. She owned a 2.38 ERA while striking out 89 batters, and also hit .597 with 3 home runs, 15 doubles and 25 RBIs, leading Santa Fe Trail to a 15-4 record and a spot in the 4A-II state tournament.

Kenzie Garvin, Lawrence — The Lions junior outfielder hit .500 this spring with 36 hits and 15 RBIs. Garvin also hit three doubles and two home runs as she picked up first-team All-Sunflower League and second-team All-State recognition, leading LHS to a 13-8 record.

Moriah Kayhill, Wellsville — Kayhill started every game in her four-year career for the Eagles, and in her final prep season, she set a few single-season school records with 42 runs scored, 11 doubles and 4 home runs. The Independence C.C. signee has earned Pioneer League MVP honors for the past two seasons, helping Wellsville win back-to-back league titles.

Ashley Sparks, Wellsville — The Eagles’ junior center fielder broke single-season school records with 47 RBI, 7 triples and a .887 slugging percentage this year. Sparks also hit .475 with 38 hits, 10 doubles, 3 homers and 23 runs scored, helping Wellsville to a 20-3 record and a regional title game appearance.

Honorable mention

Raegan Beckley, Wellsville; Briahna Beckman, Santa Fe Trail; Kylee Bremer, Baldwin; Hailey Cope, Baldwin; Abbi Folks, Perry-Lecompton; Abby Ford, Mill Valley; Shannon Greene, McLouth; Ashley Mars, De Soto; Lexie Meyers, Mill Valley; Madison Miller, Oskaloosa; Bailey Nelson, Ottawa; Konner Patterson, McLouth; Kaylynn Peacock, Wellsville; Whitney Rothwell, Free State; Rienna Schriner, Mill Valley; Sarah Salvini, De Soto; Jolona Shield, Lawrence; Megan Sumonja, Lawrence; Sophie Taylor, Lawrence; Dominique Tullis, McLouth.