Makos Clinch Fourth 4A State Title with Victory Over Brooks
Makos defeats the Lions in the final matchup of the 2024 season - 4 for 4 in 24...
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach Makos Girls Softball team clinched their fourth state 4A championship title today when they defeated Brooks High School 2-1. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Lady Makos, who have now secured the state title four years in a row.
The game, held at Oxford, showcased the Makos' formidable skills and teamwork. Junior pitcher K.G. Favors delivered another outstanding performance, leading the team with her exceptional pitching. Favors, who has been pivotal throughout the season, earned the MVP title for her one-hit shutout in the 2023 championship game against Houston Academy, which the Makos won 5-0.
The Makos have had an extraordinary season, boasting a remarkable 45-1 record. Their only loss came in the Hoover Classic tournament's championship game against Class 6A seventh-ranked Hazel Green. Throughout the season, the team displayed impressive statistics, with Favors maintaining a batting average of .553 and Justine Henderson achieving an earned run average of 0.35.
Community support played a crucial role in the Makos' success, with fans, local officials, and school representatives cheering them on. Mayor Tony Kennon and Superintendent Randy Wilkes praised the team for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the significance of their achievements and the potential for future victories.
Coach Shane Alexander credited the team's work ethic and the exceptional coaching staff, highlighting the contributions of assistant coaches Jody Hodo, Katelyn Boyd-Carson, Sarah Hadder, and David McLain . With most players returning next season, the Makos are already setting their sights on a fifth consecutive state title, aiming to continue their legacy of excellence in Alabama high school softball.
Game recap by John Mullen
The Orange Beach softball team won its fourth straight state championship in only four years of having varsity softball, but in Mako fashion it was in dramatic fashion.
Orange Beach beat Brooks High School from Killen 2-1 to finish the 4A state tournament undefeated. Tournament MVP KG Favors was the winning pitcher for the fourth straight game in the tournament. Brooks did not go quietly.
Trailing 2-1 with only three outs remaining, Brooks pitcher Abby Herndon led off with a triple to the right field wall. The second batter in the inning drew a walk and on the first pitch attempted to steal second. She was caught in a run-down and a pinch runner for Herndon broke for home but was thrown out for the first out of the inning.
The next Brooks flied out to the center field warning track and the final batter had a shot pop-up to make the Makos champs again.
Orange Beach scored a run in the first when Katie King opened with a single, stole second and scored on a single by Teagan Revette. Brooks evened things up in the top of the second with a one-out double followed by a run-scoring single to make tie the game.
In the third inning, Revette walked to lead off, stole second and was singled home by Ava Hodo.
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