By DAN BISER

Junior shortstop Morgan Patrick, who batted .370 and provided the “glue” in the East Columbus High School infield this spring, has been selected the Columbus County Softball Player of the Year and heads the list of the 2006 News Reporter All-Columbus Softball Team.

Patrick, who batted third in the order all season, is one of 18 Columbus County players selected to this year’s all-county team. She is one of 11 players selected who earned all-county honors in 2005. She is also the third straight ECHS player selected for the Player of the Year honor.

Larry Williamson of East Columbus has been named the Columbus County Softball Coach of the Year for the third straight time. Williamson coached the young Lady Gators to a runnerup finish in the Waccamaw 1A-2A Conference and to the second round of the state 1A playoffs.

East Columbus, the only county team to qualify for the state softball playoffs this spring, also placed Jena Britt. Caitlin Lane, Kayla McLean and Hannah Proctor on the All-County team. McLean, a senior appeared to be on her way to Player of the Year honors until she received a season-ending knee injury in the 15th game of the season. She was batting over .500 and had not committed an error at her catching position prior to the injury.

Whiteville High, which enjoyed its best season since fast-pitch rules came into effect in North Carolina high schools, paced Emily Cole, Kim Hathway, Amanda Pope, Samantha Smith and Olivia Williams on the all-county team.

West Columbus, which rebounded from a slow start in non-conference play to finish runnerup in the Southeastern 1A-2A Conference had Caroline Newman, Jessica Hayes, Patrice Jenkins and Candace Walker selected.

Selected from South Columbus were Joye Buffkin, Ashley Hardee Courtney Long and Kelly Strickland.

2006 All-Columbus County
softball team

EAST COLUMBUS
Jena Britt
Caitlin Lane
Kayla McLean
Morgan Patrick
Hannah Proctor

SOUTH COLUMBUS
Joye Buffkin
Ashley Hardee
Courtney Long
Kelly Strickland

WEST COLUMBUS
Jessica Hayes
Patrice Jenkins
Caroline Newman
Candace Walker

WHITEVILLE
Emily Cole
Kim Hathway
Amanda Pope
Samantha Smith
Olivia Williams