Lady Trojans looking to take that next step

Mar 17, 2024

Senior Jordan Prestridge fires across the diamond while her head coach Wes Land looks on at practice Monday.

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Second fiddle. Taking a backseat.

John Milledge Academy softball has been oh so close to that coveted state championship in recent years only to finish just shy of the ultimate prize. The Lady Trojans ended last season with a 22-8 record and wound up among the final four teams vying for the GIAA Class AAA state title before losing to Strong Rock Christian. It marked the eighth consecutive time JMA finished at least in the Final Four. There have been a few state runner-up finishes mixed in during that stretch where Westfield School has largely reigned supreme.

The Lady Hornets of Perry capped off their 28-0 ‘22 campaign with a sixth-straight championship in defeating Tattnall Square.

But the playing field may be leveling, meaning the top prize could be there for the taking. No more watching other teams be happy on the biggest day of the season. No more second fiddle. The Lady Trojans want to jump into the driver’s seat, and they have the talent to do it.

It’s year 3 for head coach Wes Land at John Milledge. The program has a new scoreboard to go along with its batting cage built last year. Not new though, is the Lady Trojans’ starting lineup, two-thirds of which is made up of seniors.

“There’s a lot expected of those girls,” Land said of his six-senior class. “They’ve been the anchor and the base of this thing, and it’s theirs for the taking. They’ve got really high expectations of themselves and this team.”

His daughter Ana Land and Jordan Prestridge, both part of that senior group, make up an incredibly potent left side of the infield. Both were All-State selections a season ago as Ana Land led the team in both doubles and RBI. It’s not uncommon for her to send opposing infielders running with her high-70s exit velocity off the bat.

Prestridge was the team leader in homers last year and finished right behind Land in the RBI race.

“We’re looking for them to keep that going and get some others to contribute as well,” coach Land said. “If we get runners on with Ana in the 3-hole and Jordan in the 4-hole, we’re going to be good.”

Senior Ashley Tyson and sophomore Addie Latimer both carried averages over .300 for the Lady Trojans a year ago. Senior centerfielder Ella Hudgins provides a ton of speed near the top of the lineup.

The third-year head coach feels really good about his defense too, including his five-arm pitching staff led by Tyson and Latimer, each of whom saw time inside the circle last season.

“Ashley’s got experience in big games and a basket full of pitches,” Land said. “Good speed, good velocity. Addie being a lefty gives the opposing offense a different look. Addie’s not as fast, but a lot of her pitches have a ton of bite on them.”

The three additional arms will provide depth and hopefully keep anyone’s arm from turning into a rubber hose by season’s end.

Put all of that together and Land hopes it’s enough for the team to land a berth in the GIAA state championships being held in Columbus for a second consecutive year. The format brings the final eight teams to the Georgia softball mecca for a double-elimination weekend tournament to determine the champion.

“If we’re not in the dance, I’ll be upset,” Land said, meaning Columbus when he said dance. “This group is chomping at the bit and ready to go. For a long time they’ve been the bridesmaid. I’m hoping this group of seniors can lead us there and give us a chance to be the bride.”

The Lady Trojans began what they hope to be a march to the altar at Crawford County Tuesday night, winning 10-2. The team is set to have their home opener versus Loganville Christian Academy Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

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