Four McCook Central/Montrose Players Shine in Class B All-State Softball Honors

SALEM, S.D. — The remarkable season of McCook Central/Montrose’s softball team was celebrated on Wednesday as four players were named to the South Dakota Class B all-state softball team. With a record-setting finish of 22-3, the Cougars had the highest representation among local teams with their standout athletes earning recognition.

Infielders Ashtyn DeKnikker and Ella DeKnikker, outfielder Josalyn Traupel, and pitcher Zaidee Huls were all honored for their contributions during the Cougars' historic run. Ashtyn boasted an impressive .634 batting average, along with 37 RBIs and a .952 fielding percentage. Ella followed closely with a .608 average, 26 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. Traupel led the team with a .657 batting average and 41 RBIs, while Huls contributed significantly with a .597 average, 22 RBIs, 16 stolen bases, and a remarkable .977 fielding percentage.

This stellar group played a crucial role in guiding McCook Central/Montrose to its inaugural state tournament and a runner-up finish, marking the school’s most successful season to date. Avon also made its mark with two players honored: catcher Brielle Voigt, who hit .516 with 40 RBIs and four home runs, and infielder Rilyn Thury, who recorded a .553 average with 44 RBIs and four home runs.

Additionally, Jozlynn Tegethoff from Hanson earned accolades as a catcher after showcasing one of the top offensive seasons in the state, achieving a .577 batting average with 30 RBIs, two home runs, seven triples, and 14 stolen bases. Scotland/Menno pitcher Kylie Guthmiller was recognized for her significant contributions in the circle, having logged 112 1/3 innings with a 12-8 record, striking out 187 batters throughout the season.

Leading the Class B all-state selections was state champion Castlewood, which had five players recognized following their championship victory, solidifying their second title in program history. The Warriors featured catcher Lilly Jacobsen, infielders Sophia Kudrna, outfielders Cydni Kudrna and Katalie Akin, and pitcher Claire Horn in the all-state line-up.

Here’s the complete list of the South Dakota Class B all-state softball team:

**Catchers**
* Lilly Jacobsen, Castlewood
* Brielle Voigt, Avon
* Claire Loofbourrow, Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy
* Jozlynn Tegethoff, Hanson

**Designated player**
* Jolie Westrum, Gayville-Volin
**Honorable mention designated player**
* Kennedy Alverson, Chester

**Infielders**
* Ashtyn DeKnikker, McCook Central/Montrose
* Delta Pies, Alcester-Hudson
* Jacy Wolf, Chester
* Sophia Kudrna, Castlewood
* Rilyn Thury, Avon
* Adalyn Krull, Flandreau
* Ella DeKnikker, McCook Central/Montrose
**Honorable mention infielders**
* Katelyn Schut, Chester
* Maia Achen, Gayville-Volin

**Outfielders**
* Cydni Kudrna, Castlewood
* Paisley Dimmer, Gayville-Volin
* Katalie Akin, Castlewood
* Kadee Frankfurth, Clark/Willow Lake
* Graclyn Nielsen, Deuel
* Josalyn Traupel, McCook Central/Montrose
**Honorable mention outfielder**
* Hayden Gall, Redfield

**Pitchers**
* Claire Horn, Castlewood
* Aubrey Lanners, Deuel
* Zaidee Huls, McCook Central/Montrose
* Kylie Guthmiller, Scotland/Menno