Coleman named MVP after leading Cubs to breakthrough title

By barstoolfanatics on June 13, 2025 • ( Leave a comment )

Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Mackenzie Coleman

By Ray Hamill — The future appears bright for the South Fork Cubs, who could dominate the Little 4 in softball for the next few years.

This season, the South Fork players ended a long wait for a conference championship, claiming their first pennant since 1990, and a young roster with plenty of talent should only continue to improve next season.

That roster includes sophomore Mackenzie Coleman, who has already established herself as one of the best all-around players in the H-DNL and has been named this year’s Little 4 MVP after playing such a key role on the path to success.

“Kenzi is a great player all the way around,” South Fork head coach Lisa Todd said. “She is always thinking ahead, smart on the bases, strong both defensively and offensively, and can play any position.”

The statistics back that.

Coleman hit a co-team high .507 — as did her younger sister, freshman Leila Coleman — and she also led the team in doubles (11) and triples (two), as well as driving in 30 runs, which was second best on the team.

She also dominated in the circle and was arguably the best shortstop in the Little 4.

But that wasn’t all she brought to the team.

“She always keeps a positive attitude,” Todd said. “She is a player that when she got up to bat you knew she was going to get on and she was going to be smart getting around.

“On defense she always knew what she was going to do before the ball was hit to her.”

Mackenzie also has developed into a key team leader with both her play and approach to the game, and it’s something her coaches and teammates have taken notice of.

“As a sophomore she already has great leadership skills,” Todd added. “She knows the game well. She will research her opponents before a game.

Leila Coleman

Hailey Shepherd

“She works well with her teammates. Not very often you will see her get down if she makes a mistake. She learns from it and works harder the next time.”

The standout sophomore was one of seven South Fork players to receive all-conference recognition.

Leila Coleman was also named to the all-conference team, along with Hailey Shepherd and Molly Perkins, while Anora Blackwell, Kendall Kercher and Aubrey Young all received an honorable mention.

In addition to averaging .507 at the plate, Leila had 28 RBIs, seven doubles and two home runs and was also a dominating force in the circle.

Shepherd, meanwhile, hit .375 with team-highs in RBIs (31) and home runs (four), as well as eight doubles, while Perkins hit .295 with 12 RBIs, three doubles and a home run.

All four Little 4 teams were represented on the all-conference team.

The Hoopa Warriors, who overcame a slow start to the season and were one of the hottest teams in the entire H-DNL down the stretch, had three all-conference selections.

Madison Gossi

Logan Tallman

Juniors Angela Hern, Kalia Mitchell and Monteya Colegrove all were included after helping to lead the Warriors to second in the final conference standings.

Hern batted an incredible .739 with a team-high three triples, according to MaxPreps stats, while Mitchell was an inspirational team leader with her stellar play behind the plate and aggressive base running, and she also averaged .528.

Colegrove grew in stature in the circle and has established herself as one of the most consistent pitchers in the H-DNL, finishing with an ERA of 1.60.

St. Bernard’s standouts Makinsey Lemley and Logan Tallman also made the all-conference team, along with Ferndale sisters Madison and Olivia Gossi.

Lemley and Tallman both had breakout seasons for the Crusaders, who tied with Ferndale for third in the Little 4, and each was a consistent threat at the plate, seemingly getting better as the season progressed.

Likewise with Madison and Olivia Gossi, who led the Wildcats to their first North Coast Section playoff appearance in eight years and their first postseason win in eight years.

Madison was particularly clutch at the plate and averaged .362 with 25 RBIs and four home runs, while also impressing behind the plate after switching to catcher during the season, while Olivia grew in stature in the circle as the season progressed and helped set the tone for her teammates.