Malvern junior Kendall “Noodle” Watson added to yet another breakout season over two games last week, finishing perfect at the plate and was named the TeamFunded Player of the Week for her efforts.
One of the state’s top hitters, the pitcher/outfielder finished 7-for-7 with 10 runs batted in, including scoring three of her own, with a triple and a two-run home run. She also threw nine innings and struck out three batters. Watson knocked her two-run homer in a 4A-5 South victory over Mills, then had seven RBI in Malvern’s 15-7 upset of 4A No. 3 Bauxite. Coming into this week, Watson is batting .762 with a .793 OBP and 11 home runs. Along with thriving on the softball diamond, Watson also plays volleyball for Malvern during the fall.
Additional finalists: Jalea Hawthorn (Cutter-Morning Star), Daylyn Osborne (Rogers)
Coaches or Athletic Directors, please send nominations to Kyle Sutherland – kyle@naturalstatesports.com
Previous winners:
Week 1: Sarena Myers, Hector (3/11)
Week 2: Kaylee McDonald, Des Arc (3/18)
Week 3: Lillie-Faye McWhorter, Woodlawn (3/25)
Week 4: Scarlett Owens, Calico Rock (4/01)
Week 5: Audrie Littlejohn, Gentry (4/8)
Kyle Sutherland is a journalist and podcast host (Arkansas Preps Weekly) for The Natural State Sports Network. His written work has been featured in outlets including the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Best of Arkansas Sports and Hooten’s Arkansas Football. He is also the color commentator for 103.7 The Buzz’s high school football Game of the Week. Email Kyle at kyle@naturalstatesports.com.