After a dominant, 14-0 run through Class 6A District 4, the Mustang Broncos are being rewarded.
Nine Broncos were named to the All-District team this week, including Southern Nazarene-commit Eden Anderson (Sr.), who was named the 2023 District 4 Player of the Year.
Arionna McElroy (Sr.), Amelia Mason (Jr.), and coach Lacy Darity also highlighted the list of All-District Broncos.
McElroy, a McNeese State-commit, was named District 4 Co-Defensive Player of the Year after moving from the outfield to catcher in 2023, while Mason was named District 4 Pitcher of the Year after her first season at the head of Mustang’s rotation.
Darity was named District 4 Coach of the Year after leading the Broncos to a second straight district title and a fourth straight trip to the Class 6A State Tournament.
Emerson Pegram (Sr.), Riley Hannon (Sr.), and Lexi Kierstead (So.) were named to the All-District First Team while Shaye Rowe (Sr.), Kenzie Sessions (Sr.), and Reese Poage (So.) were named All-District Honorable Mention.
EDEN ANDERSON
Anderson led the team with a .523 batting average during the regular season as well as home runs (9), doubles (18), hits (46), RBI (38), On-base percentage (.552), slugging percentage (1.057), and OPS (1.609).
She continued her power surge in the state tournament, cranking a three-run home run to give the Broncos a late lead against Edmond Memorial.
“That’s something she was aiming for,” Darity said of the team’s third baseman and one of her goals for the season. “She had a special season, especially at the plate. This was by far her best season and it’s really cool to see her be rewarded for her hard work.”
ARIONNA MCELROY
McElroy was one of the best catchers in the state in 2023, offensively and defensively. She made the transition back behind the plate after playing outfield in 2022.
She finished the season with a .993 fielding percentage, including just one error on 141 total chances. She totaled two assists and 138 putouts while handling a stout pitching staff that included the District Pitcher of the Year.
Arionna McElroy (Sr.) was named Class 6A District 4’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year after helping lead the Broncos to a second straight district title, this year from behind the dish. McElroy is set to play at McNeese State in college. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
McElroy also finished with a .376 batting average, racking up 12 doubles with 21 RBI. She also hit one home run and walked seven times.
“She was really good behind the plate, especially for a kid who had not caught a lot for us prior to this season,” Darity said of McElroy. “To move back there and handle three pitchers shows her versatility and athletic ability. For us to have her back there was a luxury.”
AMELIA MASON
Mason stepped into the starting role for the first time in 2023 and impressed with 10 wins and one save in district play.
She finished with 112.1 innings pitched over 21 games, including 18 starts, producing a 1.682 earned-run average with a .917 WHIP. She totaled 103 strikeouts with just 33 walks while allowing 27 earned runs.
Amelia Mason (Jr.) was named the Class 6A District 4 Pitcher of the Year after winning 10 games in district play with one save. Mason helped guide the Broncos to a district title, a regional title, and a trip to the state tournament in her first season at the head of the team’s pitching staff. (Photo by Shelly Holinsworth / Freelance Action Photography)
“She pitched some really big games for us this season, not just in district or conference,” Darity said of the junior hurler. “For her to not have any varsity experience and then to shoulder the load as the go-to pitcher was huge. She earned a high honor that we think she can build on even more.”
EMERSON PEGRAM
Pegram earned All-District First Team honors after hitting for a .323 average in 2023. She also recorded a .385 on-base percentage while finishing with 21 hits, including two doubles and seven walks.
She was also played superb defense at first base, finishing with a .944 fielding percentage on 54 total chances. She totaled seven assists with 44 putouts and committed just three errors.
RILEY HANNON
Hannon was selected to the All-District First Team after finishing with a .366 batting average at the top of Mustang’s lineup.
Her .423 on-base percentage was exactly what Mustang needed to set the table each game. She led the team with nine sacrifices and eight stolen bases, going a perfect 8-for-8 on steal attempts. She also totaled three triples and played outstanding in the outfield, finishing with a .920 fielding percentage with just two errors.
LEXI KIERSTEAD
Kierstead brings home All-District Utility honors after hitting .432 with a .480 on-base percentage and a .802 slugging percentage.
The team’s primary second baseman finished with a team-high seven triples while also racking up 10 doubles and two home runs. She tallied 29 RBI, good for second on the team, and tied Hannon for a team-high eight stolen bases. She also went 8-for8 on steal attempts.
Kierstead finished with a .920 fielding percentage on 87 total chances. She totaled 14 assists.
SHAYE ROWE
Rowe was named All-District Honorable Mention after hitting .373 with a .400 on-base percentage. She racked up 25 hits with seven stolen bases while finishing with a .969 fielding percentage on 32 total chances.
Shaye Rowe (Sr.) was named All-District Honorable Mention after hitting .373 with seven stolen bases in 2023. She helped guide the Broncos to a 14-0 record in Class 6A District 4. (Photo by Shelly Holinsworth / Freelance Action Photography)
KENZIE SESSIONS
Sessions brought home All-District Honorable Mention honors thanks to a .365 batting average, .405 on-base percentage, 27 hits, 13 RBI, 16 runs scored, and five stolen bases. She finished with 32 putouts in the field and four sacrifices at the dish. She also finished third on the team with two triples.
REESE POAGE
Poage was named All-District Honorable mention after a stellar sophomore season.
She hit .341 with a .417 on-base percentage and a .573 slugging percentage. She finished second on the team with three home runs while also producing four doubles, three triples, and 18 RBI. She also led the team with 11 walks and stole seven bases.
LACY DARITY
Darity helped guide the Broncos to their second straight district title and the team’s first undefeated run through district play in her four years. The Broncos also reached state for the fourth straight season.
Darity credits the team’s assistant coaches and players for her being named District Coach of the Year. The team won 23 games overall, the most in her four seasons.
“It’s exciting, but I received the award because I have HC next to my name,” she said. “Our entire staff has poured their all into this team and program. It’s fun to be recognized, but it’s the assistants and players that really put in all the hard work.”
