Introducing the 2024 The Daily Reporter Softball Dream Team

BRANCH COUNTY – The 2024 prep softball season here in Michigan is now firmly in our rearview mirror, and what a season it was.

The Bronson Vikings swept through the Big 8 conference to claim another conference crown before going on to win their second straight Division Three district title. The Vikings went on to drop a heartbreaker in the regional semifinals to see their tremendous season come to an end. Bronson was led this season by five Big 8 Conference First Team honorees, including the conference Most Valuable Player (MVP) in sophomore Ashlynn Harris, and another two who earned honorable mention.

The Quincy Orioles finished third in the conference standings and had three Big 8 All Conference First Team honorees and another three named to honorable mention squad while Union City finished in fifth place in the conference standings and boasted two All Conference honorable mention players.

The Coldwater Cardinals saw their roster overhauled from last season, as the top returnees for the Cardinals were a group of sophomores who all saw time at the varsity level last year. There were a few growing pains for the young Cardinal team, however the future looks very bright for coach Bill DeBeau and the Coldwater softball program.

Tekonsha had an up-and-down season and finished at 4-14 overall with some big bright spots taking place on the diamond this season.

With all that in mind, we here at The Daily Reporter are proud to release our Softball Dream Team for the 2024 season. The Dream Team is our attempt to recognize the best of the best in Branch County, those who rise above and beyond and lead with both their efforts on the field and their demeanor off.

The following 16 players represent just that, the best that Branch County has to offer on the softball diamond. Now, it goes without saying that this is not an exact science, choosing All Area teams. There are so many great athletes in the county and unfortunately some who may deserve to make it will not, and some who you may think do not deserve it will. For any questions or comments on the team please contact sports editor Troy Tennyson at ttennyson@thedailyreporter.com.

So, as for the Dream Team, each prep season, The Daily Reporter sports staff selects its Dream Team members, those area players that we believe have shown great ability, leadership, and drive. Those athletes chosen are athletes who finished out the season in good standing with their respective teams and showed integrity and hard work all season long. Coaches were consulted in the choosing of these teams, both First Team and Honorable Mention.

This year’s Dream Team consists of 16 student-athletes from all five of Branch County’s schools, with another handful of players earning honorable mention honors.

So, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, so hello to the 2024 The Daily Reporter Softball Dream Team.

The 2024 The Daily Reporter Softball Dream Team-

Coldwater Cardinals-Rylie VanAken, Maren DeBeau, Mya Porter, Coley Burkhardt

Bronson Vikings- Ashlynn Harris, Brealyn Lasky, Mya Webb, Lydia Wells, Roni Bir, Ciara Blankenship

Quincy Orioles- Alyssa McCavit, Deziray Skirka, Payton Gross

Union City Chargers- Aislynn Phelps, Emily DeLisle

Tekonsha Indians- Reagan Henry

Honorable Mention-

Coldwater Cardinals- Mackenzie Searing, Maddie Moore, TK Boyd

Bronson Vikings- Braelynn Gimenez

Quincy Orioles- Kaylee Modert, Josie Mescher, Miley Pointdexter, Makiya Feltner

Union City Chargers- Calli Wilkinson, Gracie Phelps, Lauren Tundevold

Tekonsha Indians- Angel VeenKant, Caterina Bruce

For questions, comments, or concerns regarding the 2024 Daily Reporter Baseball Dream Team, please contact sports editor Troy Tennyson at ttennyson@thedailyreportercom or you can also send an email to sports@thedailyreporter.com.