BLOG: Which local teams will leave their mark in 2015 LHSAA softball playoffs

2014 brought softball state championships back to Ouachita High School and Cedar Creek School.

Who among the field of teams in the 2015 LHSAA Softball Playoffs could be the next to hoist the gold?

Here are a few to keep in mind, and really it will always be an incomplete list because any in the field could make a magical run that is hard to pinpoint.

1. Ouachita (5A)

The Lady Lions are two-time defending District 2-5A champions and have a wealth of returning talent. The team also has reigning softball coach of the year Tim Whitman. The combination of returning talent with State tournament experience and solid coaching could lift the Lady Lions back to the top in Sulphur.

2. Cedar Creek (1A)

Also looking for a repeat of their title dreams is the No. 3 Cedar Creek Lady Cougars. Again, returning experience that knows how to act when they get in tight playoff situations is key. Cedar Creek, the District 1-1A champions, certainly have that. Julie Riser is back as CCS head coach and the 2014 LSWA Class 1A state coach of the year has her program in a position.

3. NELA loaded with 1A talent

No. 2 Mangham and No. 11 Ouachita Christian have a long history in Sulphur and the goals are the same. Both have deep rosters with experience. No. 18 Delhi Charter also has high hopes. Will this be the year another 1A program represents the area in the finals?

4. Quitman already in second-round

In Class B, Quitman not only won the district title, but are the top-seed and earned a first-round bye. Will the first-round bye be a good resting period for Quitman or a rusty layoff? Only time will tell.

5. No strangers to success

We already discussed teams that have plenty of experience at the state tournament in Sulphur. Class 4A No. 3 West Ouachita and No. 8 Neville are in that category.

West Ouachita has a huge senior class that has one thing on its' mind: Winning state.

The Lady Chiefs had a thrilling win over top-seed Cabrini last season before coming up short at the state tournament in 2014. The added talent of transfer senior McKenzie Simmons who was one of the top players at OCS the last three seasons.