Young pitchers bring optimism to Lady Lions softball
July 24, 2008

By DAVID CLAYBOURN
Herald-Banner Staff

GREENVILLE -- Three young pitchers are making Greenville coach Glenn Banker very optimistic about the future of Lady Lion softball.

Freshman left-hander Rachael Cook, sixth grade right-hander Anna Morgan and sixth grade right-hander Courtney Johnson are dedicated pitchers who work hard at their craft.

“All them play year-round,” said Banker. “That’s the key thing.”

All three of the pitchers also pitch for select teams. Cook throws for Greenville Kaos and the Texas Spice. Morgan pitches for the Texas Rage. Johnson throws for the Allen Extreme Eagles and the Texas Elite.

All three pitchers are also seasoned veterans though still young. Cook and Morgan have been pitching for four years each and Johnson is in her third year of softball.

All three have picked up a big variety of pitches. Johnson and Morgan both throw five different pitches. Morgan’s best pitch may be a drop curve, according to Banker.

Cook throws seven different pitches.

“Her best pitch is a screwball,” said Banker.

When they’re not playing, the three spend a lot of time throwing on their own. Johnson throws 200 pitches per day, according to Banker.

All three were throwing inside the Roy “Q” Traylor Indoor Practice Facility on a warm Monday.

Banker, who’s entering his second season as head coach of the Lady Lions, is no doubt happy to see young players who want to work hard and are playing for select teams.

“The number of players from Greenville playing select ball is amazing,” he said.

Pitching was one of the weaknesses of the Greenville Lady Lions’ 2008 varsity softball team, which had to replace a three-year starter lost to graduation. But though the Lady Lions claimed only one district victory, Banker expressed much optimism after the season finale.

“I came to Greenville because of the potential in the area,” he said. “I feel Greenville has a unique opportunity to be something special. We will be better next year and the year after that.”

Banker’s counting on three young pitchers to help with the Lady Lions’ improvement in the future.