Championship-caliber programs trek to Columbus in search of softball titles

Sixty-four of the best softball programs around the state will converge at the South Commons Softball Complex from Oct. 29-Nov. 1 to compete for one of eight state titles in the GHSA Fast Pitch Softball State Championships.

WE HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE

Each of last year’s eight defending champions have punched their ticket back to the championships. Returning to Columbus with hopes of defending their titles are East Coweta (6A), Creekview (5A), Harris County (4A), Heritage-Catoosa (3A), Morgan County (2A), Gordon Lee (A-Division I), Emanuel County Institute (A-Division II) and Wesleyan (Private).

HIGH-CLASSED RIVALRY

In the state’s highest class, yes, there are eight storied teams taking the field but it’s silly to say that all eyes will not be looking for – or expecting – a rematch of last year’s championship series between East Coweta and Buford.

In the eight seasons since East Coweta won its first-ever title in 2017, the champion of the state’s highest class has been either the Indians or the Wolves in six of them – 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023 and last season, with East Coweta claiming four to Buford’s two.

East Coweta is trying for its fifth title after upending Buford in last year’s championship series. The Indians entered the series from the winner’s bracket and lost the first game 1-0 before beating Buford 4-3 to win the title. East Coweta won titles in 2017, 2018, 2020 and last season, which ended Buford’s attempt at three-straight titles.

Buford enters the championship wanting its 13th trophy. The Wolves won 10-straight from 2007-2016 and back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. Archer (2012) and Walton (1998) each have one state title while Richmond Hill, North Paulding, Brookwood and North Cobb are trying for program firsts.

Defending champion Creekview is back in Class 5A and trying for its third title (2017, 2024). Lassiter (2007, 2020, 2021) and Loganville (2001) each know what it means to win a championship. Jackson County, Houston County, South Effingham, Effingham County and Veterans are trying for their first-ever title.

Harris County won its first title in 2000 in Class 3A before winning Class 4A last season and the team returns as a tournament favorite. Central-Carroll has two titles (2016 and 2021). Kell won back-to-back championships in 2003 and 2004. Union Grove won its only title in 2012. Eastside is trying for its third title, but first since back-to-back championships in 1998-99. Pace Academy, Cartersville and Wayne County are trying for program firsts.

In Class 3A, two programs have won championships before, while six will try for program first titles. Heritage-Catoosa has five titles since 2018– including three straight from 2018-20 – and will look to win a third-consecutive title again this year. West Laurens (2022) has one title and returns for a chance at a second. Monroe Area, Southeast Bulloch, Pickens, Cherokee Bluff, North Hall and LaFayette enter the tournament wanting their first-ever titles.

Morgan County won its first three state titles in four seasons from 2002-03 and in 2005, missing only in 2004, and the storied program is back, wanting its fifth. Only one other 2A program – Appling County – has won championships (2021, 2023). Cook, Crisp County, Pierce County, Callaway, Pike County and Sonoraville are each trying for their first-ever titles.

WE ARE GOING TO NEED A BIGGER TROPHY CASE

In Class A-Division I, Gordon Lee won 11 titles from 2004-2020 before winning its 12th last season. That streak included six-straight from 2015-2020 and leaves Gordon Lee favored entering the bracket. Dade County has two titles (2004, 2012) and Banks County has one title (2019). Thomasville, Armuchee, Bacon County, Toombs County and Bremen each want their first championships.

Emanuel County won its first Class A-Division II title in 2022 and its second last season and enter the bracket as a favorite. Lanier County (2023) is another returning champion. Wheeler County, Trion, Taylor County, Baconton Charter, Irwin County and Wilcox County enter the tournament wanting their first-ever championships.

Since 2017, three-time defending champion Wesleyan has won six state championships, including back-to-back titles in 2017-18 and the current streak of three-straight state titles. Prince Avenue Christian has one recent state title (2023) and could challenge Wesleyan’s dominance. Providence Chrisitan enters the bracket wanting its second overall, and first state title in 25 years. Whitefield Academy, North Cobb Christian, Holy Innocents’, Mount Vernon and Hebron Christian have never won a state championship, but will look to etch their names in the history books during this year’s competition.

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