When Jake Harris joined the Broken Bow staff a year ago, he was new to fastpitch softball.

However, when veteran leader Jimmy Wyrick left for Durant. Harris was elevated to the top job.

He is doing quite well, Thank you. His club enters the stretch run of the season with with a 23-8 record

“We’ve got a great group of girls, ” said Harris, who talked with me during a 4-0 run through the Durant Fastpitch tournament.” They really work hard. They want to win and work for each other and care about each other.”

Experienced players lead the way

Veterans Kale Bray, Jaxie Glasson, Caitlynn Hammer, Maliyah Carney, Haylie Brantley, and Raylee Gaston,(top, pictured left to right) have made the transition somewhat smoother.

The emergence of junior Maliyah Carney in the circle has been crucial in the team’s success.

She’s had a whole different outlook this year,” Harris said. “She has been an absolute animal in the circle and has come along way since last year. She’s cut down on her walks and has really good body language this year. I’m really proud of her growth.”

It’s Never Easy

Despite the 20-plus wins there have been some potholes along the road.

The Lady Savages will have to travel for the upcoming regionals after finishing 9-3 in 4A-6 play behind 26-6 Poteau and 20-7 Stigler. Recent decisive losses to the district frontrunners will make the usual state tournament appearance more more difficult.

Still, Harris is confident his girls have the moxie to keep the tradition going.

“First and foremost, they care about the program,” he said. “They really want to continue the legacy of Broken Bow softball. They don’t want to be that team that lets it go.”

Don’t be surprised if you see the rookie coach and his veteran team back in the hunt at state.

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