Harrison Central softball must 'power' through loss of All-Ohio third baseman

Coach Darrin Young enters his 12th season at the helm of the Harrison Central High softball program with a roster defined by youth, opportunity and early adversity.

The 2026 campaign begins without one of the program’s cornerstone players. All-Ohio third baseman Kelsey Powers is sidelined for the season due to injury, leaving a significant gap both defensively and offensively. The Huskies also graduated five seniors — Olivia Tonkovich, Emma Skinner, Kaylee Banal, Haley Toker and Lorelei Manbeck — from last year’s squad that finished 19-10 and advanced to district play before falling to Meadowbrook.

Despite those losses, Young returns a core group of letter winners, including Kara Blackburn, Jaylin Ward, Jaiden Pelegreen, Kamryn Crothers, Mikayla Pelegreen, Bailey Smith, Cameron Campbell and Powers, who remains part of the team during her recovery.

Young is supported again by a large and experienced coaching staff: Robbie Davia, Benji Roski, Tom Kenny, Kara Kenny, Kobe Cool, Scott Porter, Joe Thomas, Madison Cool and Mark Touville.

Replacing Powers at third base is freshman Lillian Thomas, part of a sizable group of underclassmen expected to contribute immediately. Fellow freshman Denali Stull is slated to start at shortstop, while senior Jaiden Pelegreen anchors second base and will also see time in the outfield. Senior Kara Blackburn leads the outfield from center field, with Jaylin Ward holding down left field.

Crothers returns at first base, while Emma Jarvis and Maddie Johnson are expected to rotate in the outfield and contribute in the pitching circle. Mikayla Pelegreen leads the pitching staff after a strong outing to open the season, with Johnson and Jarvis providing additional innings. Behind the plate, Bailey Smith and Kate Cumings share catching duties.

Young acknowledged the challenge of replacing a player like Powers but remains optimistic about the group’s potential.

“It is real hard to start the season when you lose your all-state third baseman,” Young said. “We have a big hole to fill, but I’m very excited about the young talent. It’s a long grind, and we learned a lot in our first game. We just need to make adjustments and keep doing what we do.”

With limited numbers, the Huskies may struggle to field a full junior varsity schedule, but Young emphasized the importance of development and maximizing playing time.

The team will face an early test at the Valley of Thunder Tournament in Ironton. The event features five state championship programs from three states, offering a high level of competition early in the season.

“I’m excited about the trip and this group,” Young said. “We’re going to experience a great environment and atmosphere. With a young team, we’re working through early growing pains and trying to be where we need to be by tournament season.”

The roster reflects that youth movement. Seniors include Ward, Blackburn and Jaiden Pelegreen. Juniors are Smith, Crothers, Mikayla Pelegreen, Campbell and Halei Sweeney. Sophomores include Emma Palmer, Cumings, Ava Huffman, McKynze Bryant and Powers. Freshmen round out the squad: Jarvis, Sophia Sedgmer, Destinee Robinson, Sophie Sullivan, Thomas, Johnson, Stull, Mercedez Riley and Regan Applegarth.

For Young, the formula is simple: develop quickly, compete consistently and peak at the right time.