By HARVEY SIMPSON
Dispatch Sports Editor
CORDELE — Back in the Final Four for a third straight year, Crisp Academy’s Region 2-A champion Lady Wildcats start GISA state playoff competition Saturday at the Southern Pines Complex in Dublin.
Their foe in a best-of-three series that gets under way at 10 a.m. will be Region 1A’s No. 4 seed, the Georgia Christian Lady Generals who bring a record of 4-8 into action against the 13-6-1 Lady Wildcats.
“I really don’t know anything about GCS other than their record and order of finish in their region,” said Bill McWilliams who’s in the first year of his second stint as Crisp Academy’s head softball coach.
“They’ve made it this far, though, and won their share to get here so despite their losing record there’s no way we can afford to take them lightly.
“And, too, we’ve already had our share of close games with teams we sort of underrated and the way it is today you can’t take any team for granted in any sport.”
McWilliams said his players are excited about reaching the Final Four three years in a row and after finishing as the state runner-up in both 2006 and 2007 are determined to go all the way this season.
“That’s especially true in the case of (senior southpaw pitcher) Brandi Brewer who the closer she gets to the end of her high school career the harder she seems to pitch both in velocity and determination,” McWilliams said.
“She’s the type player who thrives on a challenge and our other girls are feeding off her attitude. She’s a compliment not only to our school but also to the prior coaches — particularly Sherrie Leverett — who have helped make her what she is today —a solid college prospect.”
McWilliams also had verbal pats on the back for Crisp’s two other seniors — outfielders Whitney Rawlins and Tiffany Arnett.
“Both of those girls have developed incredibly strong arms that have helped them make some all-star type throws after first coming up with some really good catches.
“Our seniors and the rest of our team members are showing an increase in excitement and anticipation.
“Each win just seems to ratchet up their desire to end the season on a winning note and there’s only one way a team can do that (by walking off the field a state champ).”
