Holcomb Lady Hornets athletes tapped for prestigious teams, coach honored

HOLCOMB, Mo. - The Lady Hornets and their coach are on a post-season roll.

The Holcomb High School softball team's successful 2024 spring season not only found the hard-hitting, scrappy squad placing third in the Show-Me State at the MSHSAA Class 1 Finals at Springfield, but a number of team members also were chosen Class 1 District 1 All-District players and for both the Class 1 Division 1 All-Region team and the Tri-County All-Conference team.

Tri-County Conference Coach of the Year Matt Casper watches over his team.Photo by Tom Davis

Holcomb softball head coach Matt Casper was voted Tri-County Conference Coach of the Year.

All District, All Region, Tri-County Conference Player of the Year, Maleigh Lemings at state.Photo by Tom Davis

And Tri-County Conference Player of the Year honors were again awarded to Holcomb Lady Hornet No. 44, Maleigh Lemings.

Casper led the Holcomb softball program to three District titles, as well as a few trips to the MSHSAA State Finals, finishing third this year, third in 2022 and second in 2021, Semoball's Tom Davis reported.

Holcomb Lady Hornet Kaetlyn Danley at bat.Photo by Steve Hankins

In the six springs prior to Casper taking over the Hornet softball program, Holcomb won a total of 41 games and no District titles. Since he was hired prior to the 2018 season, the Lady Hornets won 132 of its 151 games, Davis noted.

Not much can be said about senior Maleigh Lemings' game that hasn't been said before.

Holcomb High School Lady Hornets' shortstop and Tri-County Conference Player of the Year Maleigh Lemings (seated, second from left) with members of the Holcomb softball program as she signs to play for East Central Community College.Photo by Christian Johnson

The success she's seen on the diamond continues since she committed to play softball for East Central Community College at Decatur, Miss.

Lemings put pen to paper in November 2023 and officially becomes a Warrior in August.

Holcomb Lady Hornet catcher Ella Jane Lemings strides home. Photo by Steve Hankins

The shortstop's power at the plate might be the best in all of Southeast Missouri. One exciting home run this season was a righteous grand-slam blast against Malden's Lady Green Wave.

“I don't know how many grand slams Maleigh has hit in her career,” Casper said postgame. “But that was just her fourth home run of the year.”

Lady Hornet Jules Gurley connects at the plate. Photo by Steve Hankins Photo by Steve Hankins

Throughout her high school career, Lemings played basketball, volleyball, softball and cheered, former DDD sports editor Christian Johnson reported. When it came to deciding what she wanted to play in college, softball was her top choice.

“It was always softball,” Lemings said. “I always knew I’d want to play softball in college, and I’ve really worked hard over the years to reach that level.

“I know that a lot of people don’t reach that level,” she continued. “So, I wanted to put in the work to make my dreams come true.”

Holcomb's Ava Gurley laser focuses in the circle. Photo by Steve Hankins

In addition to being named this season's Tri-County Conference Player of the Year, Lemings was chosen Tri-County Conference Player of the Year in 2023 and earned Class 1 All-State and All-District honors in Class 1 District 1 that season.

In total, Lemings was a part of the Holcomb softball program that made three Final Four appearances in the last four years.

Lady Hornet Jaden Bowen in the circle for Holcomb. Photo by Steve Hankins

Holcomb's players dominate the All District, All Region and All-Conference rosters with five players chosen for the Tri-County Conference first-team honors, two added to the second team and three more received honorable mentions.

Uber-talented athletes all, seniors Kaetlyn Danley, who overcame an injury in the fall and also scored more than 1,000 career basketball points this year, and the aforementioned Maleigh Lemings; junior Chloe Hendrix, also a 2024 fall Semoball volleyball finalist; sophomores Ava Gurley, who plastered two hits, one run, one walk and two RBIs at the MSHSAA Class 1 District 1 championship game against South Pem and Ella Lemings, who was good for one hit and a stolen base at the state semifinal match against Concordia, all were tapped for the All-Conference first-team.

Lady Hornet Addi Elliott collects five from shortstop Maleigh Lemings.Photo by Steve Hankins

In her debut season with the Lady Hornets, freshman Addi Elliott, who served the Lady Hornets as starting pitcher more than a time or two, was chosen for the All-Conference second team.

Seniors Jaden Bowen, who closed the state semifinal game in the Lady Hornets' circle against Concordia; slugger Jasmine White, who posted two hits, one run, one walk and one RBI in the third-place state game against Bernie; and sophomore Katelynn Sweaney, who scored one hit, one run and knocked in one RBI at state, all were awarded Tri-County Conference honorable mentions.

Lady Hornet Chloe Hendrix at bat.Photo by Steve Hankins

If Holcomb's Tri-County Conference honors aren't enough, just wait. The Spring 2024 Class 1 Region 1 All-Region Softball Team roster is flooded with Lady Hornets.

Maleigh Lemings and Kaetlyn Danley, both powerhouses offensively and defensively on the diamond, were picked for infield duties.

Holcomb Lady Hornet slugger Jasmine White celebrates.Photo by Steve Hankins

Chloe Hendrix, another Lady Hornet with a hot glove and long reach was tapped for the outfield.

Ella Lemings, whose talent behind the dish really is beyond compare, shares catching chores.

Holcomb Lady Hornets' Tri-County Coach of the Year Matt Casper awards bronze to Tri-County Conference Player of the Year Maleigh Lemings at the MSHSAA Class 1 State Semifinal game at Springfield.Photo by Tom Davis

Designated Player/Utility Player Regional honors went to Ava Gurley; and Addi Elliott was chosen for an At-Large award.

In addition, All-District honors were bestowed on Maleigh Lemings, Kaetlyn Danley, Chloe Hendrix, Ella Jane Lemings, Ava Gurley, Addi Elliott and Jaden Bowen.

Lady Hornet Katelynn Sweaney threatens a steal. Photo by Christian Photo by Christian Johnson

Despite facing teams with larger pools of talent and some with more affluent programs, the feisty Holcomb Lady Hornets walk away from the 2024 spring season with heads held high, Class 1 third place at state, a 26-5 record, boasting the Tri-County Conference Player of the Year, multiple All-District and All-Region awards and the Tri-County Conference Coach of the Year.

"I'm so proud of this team," Casper said. "And all of their accomplishments. I am blessed to be a part of their success."

The Lady Hornets, a high school softball team from a humble town of 642 people, performed this season like champs.