MARION (WSIL) — Another high school softball season has come and gone, but before the off-season can officially begin, the best of the best in southern Illinois will meet one final time for the SI Select High School All-Star game.
It was quite a successful year for the Goreville Lady Blackcats. The team won their second state softball title in three years.
"That’s what every high school senior wants whenever they finish, having a chance to go back to the state tournament, and for the third time, that’s great," said Goreville senior, Cheyenne Walker.
Walker now turns her focus to one final game: the SI Select High School All-Star game, featuring some of the area’s best softball players.
"I think it’s a great experience to be able to play against some of these girls, and play with them again for one last time, you know, in high school," said Walker.
"It’s just exciting to be around like the best players in this area. It’s great to see them compete all season, and know, that at the end of the season, you may get a chance to play with them and compete against the best players from around here," said Elverado senior, Allie Whittington.
With the Canadian Wild starting their first year in southern Illinois, the Teal and Purple All-Stars are looking forward to the professional atmosphere when they take the field at Rent One Park.
"It’s a dream come true, just being able to share a field with such amazing athletes, who worked their whole lives just like these girls have," said Walker.
"Knowing that you’re stepping onto a field that professionals have played on, knowing that you’re a good athlete from around here, and good enough to play there," said Whittington.
And for some, like Elverado pitcher Allie Whittington, this will be the last time they take the field, meaning they’ve got leave it all out there, and give it all they’ve got.
"It was emotional playing my last high school game, so this is definitely going to hit hard knowing this is for sure the last game of my career. It tells me that I need to, it’s the best players from around here, so I have to be on my game, I have to throw the right pitches, and make sure I know how to pitch each player," said Whittington.
The Teal team takes on the Purple team Tuesday night at Rent One Park.
