Scouting Notes: PG Softball Griffon Indoor 14U

February 18, 2023 

Kai Lane, @scoutlane11

Teams are dusting their cleats off as the winter weather slowly turns into spring, they enter the Griffon Indoor tournament to see where they are at as a unit to gear up for the upcoming outdoor season. Although softball is best played on dirt, these athletes do not let the turf hinder their ultimate goal…victory! The Louisville Lady Sluggers 09-VB came to play, winning 3 of 3 games in the single-day competition. The Sluggers had 21 runs scored, with only 9 runs allowed. Finishing behind The Sluggers was Top Gun 08, with 2 wins and 1 tie, they scored 14 runs and allowed 6. 

Kaelyn Thomas (2027 Ofallon, MO) right-handed pitcher for the Louisville Sluggers 09-VB standing at 5 feet 10 inches has a lot of height that she uses to her advantage in the circle, pitching a combination of 5, she can throw each for a strike. In her 2 innings pitched she allowed 2 hits, and 2 walks but struck out 3 batters. Working in the 55-58 MPH range, topping out her velocity at 60. Not only a pitcher but Thomas plays first base, shortstop, and is an outfielder. At the plate vs Kansas Elite-Hays, Kaelyn went 1-3 with 1 double and 2 runs scored. Thomas is hitting .400 through 3 games. 

Cadence Dearing (2026 Shawnee, KS) of the KC Rebels Mixed 08/09, is in the 3-hole for a reason, she shows time after time that she is a solid hitter. She makes hard contact at the plate, and with great pitch selection, she waits for strikes. Dearing hit .400 throughout 3 games. She went 2 for 3 vs Kansas Elite-Hays, she hit not one but two triples and scored twice. She is in control of herself at the plate, hits the ball hard, and is a spark in the line-up. 

Abrianna Scott (2028 Grain Valley, MO) shortstop and middle infielder for the Louisville Sluggers 09-VB, utilized an aggressive approach at the plate to play a major role in her line-up this weekend. Wide stance, hands high, she keeps her hands tight to her body as she travels with a beautiful bat path to the ball. The production Scott had on Saturday is a reflection of her technicality in the box. Abrianna had 4 doubles,  6 runs scored, 4 RBIs, throughout 3 games. 

Oliva Peaches Fraley (2026 Spring Hill, KS) is a strong, well-rounded athlete. Fraley is quick around the bases, a supportive teammate, and able to play any position on the field. She has a lot of potential to continue to grow into an even better softball player! Olivia had 3 hits, 3 RBI 2 doubles and 2 runs, and a stolen base. Her height is 5 feet 1 inch but the power she packs is very much present. She has a wide stance, she is able to battle in the box, taking pitchers into long at-bats with her, not only working deep into counts but being a team player and allowing her teammates to get looks at the pitcher. She is a spunky young athlete who is fun to watch compete. 

Aryana Roberts (2027 Belton, MO) is so quick her nickname should be lighting, being at the end of the line-up she is just another lead off, the lefty slapper is going to make you work if you are the pitcher. She is not an easy out, she has great pitch selection on- top of making solid, middle-of-the-barrel contact with the ball. Good luck getting her out when she is on the basepath; she has the speed to steal second, third, and home.