In high school softball it's common for teams to use only one pitcher once it's playoff time.

And while Central senior Megan McDonald has thrown most of the Tigers' big games this season, coach Amy Blattel has enough confidence in both McDonald and fellow senior Shana Wadlington that she has not decided which pitcher will start in Friday's Class 4, District 1 semifinal game. Central will face the winner of the Farmington-Sikeston game at 4:30 p.m.

"We've got, I firmly believe, two of the best pitchers in the state," Blattel said.

Central's pitching duo has handcuffed opponents much of the season in helping the Tigers to a 16-7 record. McDonald has continued her success from last season while getting more breaks on the mound with the addition of Wadlington, a transfer student from Scott City.

"It takes a lot of the pressure off," McDonald said.

McDonald is used to the pressure though, whether it's pitching the big game or taking the ball down the court as Central's point guard in basketball.

"I've always liked being in the middle of things. I'm not a stand back and watch person," she said.

For Wadlington, this is her first crack at making the state playoffs after playing at Scott City, which only offered softball in the spring.

"The expectations for a Central team are a lot higher," Wadlington said.

If the Tigers face Sikeston for a third time on Friday, they have a pitcher who has dominated the Bulldogs. Wadlington is 2-0 against Sikeston, including a 10-strikeout performance in a 3-1 win and a shutout.

"We've heard they've gotten better as a team," Wadlington said. "I just don't want to take anything for granted."

Whoever Blattel decides to start, the team will be heading into district play with a lot of confidence. Central is coming off a 2-0 shutout of No. 2 Hillsboro on Tuesday.

"It's always nice going into districts with a win," Blattel said. "We definitely executed better offensively."

With strong pitching and perfect regular-season record against district opponents, Central will once again be the team to beat.

"Our kids have really played well defensively and that's something we take pride in," she said.

Jackson looking to put best foot forward

Jackson enters the district tournament on a roll with wins over Kelly and Perryville earlier in the week.

The Indians (11-13), who will join Central in Farmington for the Class 4, District 1 tournament, are starting to hit the ball. Jackson, the No. 3 seed, faces Poplar Bluff today. The Indians beat No. 2 Hillsboro (16-9) in the regular season, but the Hawks received a higher seed due to a better overall record.

Jackson coach Julie Rushing said she thought her team deserved the second seed, but likes the extra motivation the snub provides.

"Our girls are fired up," she said. "Hopefully they can carry the momentum over and play."

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171