The state of Ohio continues to produce high-quality high-school softball players who will put their talents on display this spring.
As a preview to this season, the high school sports staff of the USA Today Network’s 21 Ohio newspapers and websites compiled a who’s who of the Buckeye State’s prep softball players.
This is part of a series that included boys and girls basketball’s top 24 players this winter and, in fall, included football , volleyball , boys soccer and girls soccer .
How they were ranked
USA TODAY Network Ohio staff across the state researched and compiled a list of its respective area’s top players. The journalists voted on these players using a point system. Those points were tabulated to determine the top 24 players.
1. Haley Ferguson, Beavercreek
The senior pitcher was first-team all-state in Division I last year with a 0.95 ERA and 224 strikeouts in 147 â…“ innings. Ferguson batted .539 with 41 hits, 24 RBI and four home runs in 76 at-bats. She has signed with Michigan.
2. Carsyn Cassady, Watkins Memorial
The senior pitcher was first-team all-state in Division I after a 20-win season in the circle, despite missing some time with an injury. Cassady had a 0.62 ERA and three no-hitters in 112 innings. Cassady, who plays club ball for Thunder Elite, has signed with Michigan State.
3. Kat Meyers, Whitehouse Anthony Wayne
The senior pitcher earned first-team all-state in Division I last season after leading Anthony Wayne to the state championship game. Meyers had a 1.20 ERA with 113 strikeouts in 56 innings. She has signed with Michigan.
4. Sydnie Watts, Austintown-Fitch
The junior pitcher was the only underclassman to earn first-team all-state in Division I a season ago. Watts had seven no-hitters and a 0.38 ERA in finishing 21-0 for the reigning state champions. As a batter, Watts had a .492 average in 61 at-bats with 30 hits, 23 RBI and six home runs. She has committed to Georgia Tech.
5. Gabby Gradishar, Warren Champion
The junior pitcher was first-team all-state in Division III last year with a 17-5 record and 0.94 ERA in 134 â…” innings with 249 strikeouts and 12 shutouts. At the plate, Gradishar batted .629 with 61 hits, 46 RBIs and 18 home runs in 97 at-bats. She is committed to Penn State.
