Portageville lands three on All-Bootheel teams

Aubrey Greenwell pitches during the semifinals of the MSHSAA Class 2, District 1 Tournament at Malden on Monday, May 6, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The Portageville community is celebrating the achievements of three outstanding softball players – Aubrey Greenwell, Ja’Niya Smith, and Mia Scherer – named to the All-Bootheel Athletic Conference team.

The selections reflect not only individual talent but also the strong support and dedication of the community to the Lady Bulldogs program.

Portageville concluded the season with a 19-9 overall mark, highlighted by a championship victory over Scott City in the Malden Invitational Tournament.

Ja'Niya Smith takes a swing during the semifinals of the MSHSAA Class 2, District 1 Tournament at Malden on Monday, May 6, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“[Greenwell] was dominant on the mound this year for us and we’re going to miss her next year,” said Portageville coach Kelsey Snider. “[Smith] was one of our key players on the infield and with the bats. [Scherer] was another key player on the infield and in the lineup. I’m excited to see what we accomplish next year.”

Greenwell was efficient in the circle, pitching 111.1 innings and recording a 12-4 record with 92 strikeouts and a 3.647 ERA. The seniors’ contributions extended beyond pitching, as she batted .371 with 33 hits, including eight doubles, two triples, and a home run.

Greenwell also tallied 15 RBIs and scored 36 runs, making her a valuable asset on both offense and defense.

Mia Scherer catches a foul ball for an error during the semifinals of the MSHSAA Class 2, District 1 Tournament at Malden on Monday, May 6, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Smith consistently produced at the plate, leading the team with a .488 batting average (minimum of eight at-bats). The junior shortstop also paced the Lady Bulldogs in hits (40), doubles (12), home runs (5), RBIs (36), and runs scored (52), proving to be a well-rounded offensive threat.

Scherer, a sophomore third baseman, also made significant contributions at the plate, finishing the year with a .403 batting average, 31 hits, six doubles, two triples, five home runs, 25 RBIs, and 30 runs scored. Her power-hitting and run production capabilities provided a nice spark.

The all-conference honors are not just a culmination of Greenwell, Smith, and Scherer’s hard work this season but a stepping stone to even greater achievements.

The recognition serves as a promise of a bright future, filled with continued success.