Talent + Team Chemistry Equals Wins for Kellam
The Lady Knights of Kellam are in full swing, proving to their coaches that they are ready to have a winning season. And varsity softball coach, T.J. Jones believes that this could be one of the finest seasons yet.
"This team is not only talented, but we also have maturity and experience."
Coach Jones, a graduate of Kellam High School - who holds many softball accolades of her own, such as 1st Team All-Beach District in the late '80's - is opening her 10th season with the Lady Knights. "Kellam has had several talented teams with experience. This team is in the top three of the experienced," says Jones.
Four lead players who share captain responsibilities for Kellam include Tamra Griffin, senior catcher, Stephanie Kemp, senior pitcher, Kelly Kemick, senior second baseman, and junior short stop, Kelli Porter.
Tamra Griffin described this season as, "Intense and competitive! All of the Beach schools are equal with talent but with different strengths and weaknesses." Griffin adds, "It's going to come down to who wants it more."
Coach Jones appreciates the leadership that Griffin provides to the team. "She has dominated as a catcher since her tenth grade year," says Jones.
As a junior, Tamra was earned 1st Team All Beach District honors and this season, she should continue to intimidate. To top off her resume, Tamra has stayed focused on her academics, finishing off her high school career with a respectable GPA. All of these qualities have awarded her full scholarship to play Division I softball at Morgan State University.
Stephanie Kemp, a star pitcher for the Knights, also earned 1st Team All Beach District honors last year as a junior. Her other accolades consist of being honored with the Coach's Award in 2005 and Most Valuable Player for the 2006 season. "I have had some amazing coaches who taught me a lot," Kemp says, "They have all led me to where I am today."
Jones compliments the Kellam underclassmen as providing "good, young talent."
The outfield consists of top ball players from the 9th and 10th grade. Among these are ninth graders Janelle Fittro, Marian Guidry and Melissa Zitt and tenth graders Krystal Brenneman and Kalin Allen.
Jones is also expecting her experienced infield to "make all of the right decisions at crucial times." These girls are mentally fit and, "ready to contain the runners," according to Jones. The infield will consist of Jessica Sinnett at first base, Kelly Kemick at second, Kelli Porter at shortstop and Kelsey Bruan at third.
Coach Jones feels that these athletes could pull together for a very successful season. "An attainable goal for our team is to win the Beach District."
Griffin says that the support and dedication received by Coach Jones and assistant coach, Angie White means a lot to the team. "Angie wants the best for us in every way, in all aspects of our life," Griffin says. "Coach Jones really believes in us. She knows we have the talent. We just have to want it more that the other teams, having no errors."
Having such great support of one another, these dedicated student athletes should meet the high expectations of their season. Jones expressed, "If the girls could put all of their talents together and create good chemistry within the team," Kellam will finish the season at the top.
