Following 26 wins, Bison put five on all-SWC diamond team

McCOOK, Neb. — Southwest Conference softball champion McCook put five on the all-league team along with “Coach of The Year” Easton Gillen announced this week.

Gillen led a Bison team that went 26-8 en route to its third consecutive Class B subdistrict tournament championship. The Bison were a Top 10-ranked team who earned home field in their district final against Scottsbluff.

Senior shortstop Brooklynn Gillen and third baseman Paige Bortner filled the left side of this all-SWC infield.

Senior Danika Havlicek often played first base but earned all-conference as a DP/utility player.

Senior Malia Hilker was an all-out force whether hitting, fielding or running from her center fielder position.

Hilker made the all-SWC first team as well as No. 1 pitcher and senior Briley Morgan.

Morgan won 19 games for the Bison this fall and finished among McCook High’s all-time strikeout leaders.

Other all-SWC players included:

Senior pitcher Addison Klabunde from Highway 6 (Holdrege-Adams Central); infielders in senior Brianna Houchin from Gothenburg, sophomore Aubrey Hammerlun of Cozad and sophomore Alexa Hale of Highway 6; outfielders in senior Beyonka Garcia of Highway 6, junior Clatyn Flaherty from Cozad and freshman MacKenzie Whinney of Gothenburg; utitlity players in senior Kinley Armagost from Cozad and senior Trinity Carr from Highway 6.