Platte County’s recent characteristics have included an ability to quickly reload a lineup and produce postseason results.
Platte County senior outfielder Anna Crowell makes a catch during a game last season at Platte County High School.
Last fall, the playoff magic came to a crushing end in the final game for five senior starters. Now, the Pirates want to use the returning pieces and a pair of talented freshmen to seek out a third playoff in four trips and make last year’s conclusion a blip for one of the area’s most consistent programs.
Platte County seniors include Avery Webster, Avery Webster, Anna Crowell, Kallie Hitzelberger and Morgan Shields, and all should have a big role, even if not necessarily in a familiar spot.
“Our five seniors have all had quite a bit of playing time and experience,” said Platte County coach Callie Peoples, who has rolled up an impressive 88-44 record in five seasons. “I am looking forward to seeing them be leaders and mentors to the rest of our younger players.”
Webster brings the most experience as a fourth-year starter but will likely move from the outfield this season to help make up for the loss of Platte County’s entire infield from a year ago — third baseman Mackenzie Shields, shortstop Demi Riechers, second baseman Ava Carter and first baseman TK Lawson. As a junior, Webster hit .347 with a .468 on-base percentage thanks to a tie for the team-high in walks with 17. She two doubles and two triples and scored a 24 runs — also joint most for the Pirates in 2022.
Platte County senior Avery Webster prepares to swing at a pitch against Kearney in the Class 4 District 8 title game last season.
In addition to Webster, Reed steps into a full-time middle infield position after extensive playing time at both second and third base the past two years. She played in 25 games as a junior and hit .343 with four doubles, two triples, 17 runs scored and 14 RBIs.
Platte County also brings back Crowell in the outfield after she hit .217 in 17 games as a junior — her second year of consistent play. Having lost centerfielder and four-year contributor Abby Reynolds in center field and Webster shifting to the infield, the Pirates have spots open alongside Crowell, and one should be Hitzelberger, the main pitcher in a 2020 run to the Class 4 state semifinals and one of three to see the mound last year. She threw 45 innings in 10 starts with a 3.73 ERA, striking out 19 and walking 22.
With Hitzelberger potentially out of the pitching rotation, Platte County sophomore Danica Salisbury can build on her experience from last fall. She started 15 games and led the Pirates in wins, innings pitched (81), strikeouts (53) and ERA (3.20).
Platte County sophomore Danica Salisbury delivers a pitch during a game last season at Platte County High School.
In addition, Salisbury should see more at-bats and some playing time at first base as Platte County looks to replace the middle-of-the-order production from Lawson — a three-year starter and the main source of power the past three seasons. Lawson and Mackenzie Shields were Missouri High School Fastpitch Coaches Association all-state selections in 2021 when the Pirates made their second straight run to a third-place state finish in Class 4.
Mackenzie Shields split time between third base and pitcher.
In addition to Salisbury, Peoples expects freshman Bryli Seifert to also see time in the pitcher’s circle in addition to a chance to contribute in the middle infield alongside Reed and Webster. The Pirates will lean on senior catcher Morgan Shields to provide stability for the pitching staff after a breakout first year as a stater. She hit .388 with four doubles, two triples, 21 runs scored and 15 RBIs.
The biggest issues for Platte County last year were inconsistent defense that contributed to 35 unearned runs. Overall, 10 of 14 losses were by three runs or less, and the Pirates’ offense averaged nearly seven runs per game.
Platte County senior Morgan Shields looks to the dugout from her catcher spot during a game last season at Platte County High School.
“Solid defense and pitching will be keys to our success this year,” Peoples said. “The hitting will come as we find our groove. They will have to capitalize on opportunities given and pick each other up.”
Platte County freshman Allison Riggs appears to be a future catcher, but versatility should allow her to see regular playing time this season at first and third base. Evie Thrasher, a sophomore who mostly received pinch-running time as a freshman, could also push for a starting spot.
The new faces on the roster and new places for some of the players could lead to some uncertainty early against an always-difficult schedule. Last fall, the Pirates end up 13-14 overall and never could produce a lengthy winning streak despite clear flashes of potential.
Platte County lost a regular season meeting to Kearney 7-6, and in a rematch, the Pirates held leads of 4-1 and 5-2 in the Class 4 District 8 championship game. The Bulldogs responded with 11 runs in a decisive bottom of the sixth inning. They went on to win the state title.
Having played in three straight district title games, Platte County must replace not only a lot of production but a lot of experience and stability. Lawson started three years as a dominant power hitter in the middle of the lineup, while Reynolds started portions of her freshman and sophomore years — taking back over in the outfield in the 2020 playoffs due to a teammate quarantined with COVID-19 — before finishing her career as a mainstay in the lineup. Mackenzie Shields earned the majority of her time as a junior and senior utility standout. Carter carved out playing time in recent years and forced her way into the lineup her senior year as an effective slap-hitting lefty who could play multiple positions. Riechers moved around the infield from second to third base to shortstop as a steady three-year presence.
Platte County also had its first losing record in more than 15 years, meaning there’s plenty of motivation to turn the page and return to the program’s usual winning ways.
