School may no longer be in session but the accolades for the best of Idaho’s high school softball athletes are still ringing.  The votes have been cast and it’s no surprise that a number of Malad’s own Lady Dragons were at the top of the list.  Their grit, determination, skill and love of the game was so great that coaches, athletes, and fans across the state can’t help but call them the very best.

Junior pitcher and shortstop Riglee Peterson was once again named as the 2A All-Idaho Player of the Year.  The award came as a surprise to Peterson saying, “I am very surprised I got it again.  There are so many athletes that are amazing and seriously are so talented. So I wasn’t expecting it again. I’m extremely grateful.”

Winning the award three years running is an incredible feat of its own, but especially as she had to work back from a torn ACL.  In nearly 111 innings, Riglee pitched 154 pitches with an ERA of 2.72.  In addition, Peterson led the team from behind the plate with a .531 batting average with a .977 slugging percentage, and tallying 44 RBIs and six home runs.  If anything, this year of softball has proved to Peterson and the world that with enough determination and work, a great athlete can rise above anything.

Making the All-State first team for the fourth year in a row from the Lady Dragons was first baseman Hallie Horsley.  The senior ended her high school softball career with a hitting average of .462, 12 home runs and 48 RBIs.

Senior left fielder Adley Kimberling ended her final season named to the All-State first team as well.  Kimberling had a number of clutch hits this season, including five home runs, two of which were grand slams.  Her final stats included a hitting average of .431 with 28 RBIs.

Rounding out the Lady Dragons selected for the All-State first team was centerfielder Bostyn Combs.  The junior led the MHS softball team in steals this season with eleven bases stolen, a total of 40 runs, had 28 RBIs and hit .321.

Junior outfielder Teagan Daniels was named to the Idaho All-State second team.  Daniels stepped up big in the Lady Dragon’s state games, including a home run in their win over Declo in their quarter-final game.  Throughout the season, Daniels’ hit with an average of .431.