The 4A Kingco Crown Division is no stranger to fastpitch talent year in and year out. And this year is no exception as both Bothell High and Inglemoor High return a boatload of senior talent and look to make a big splash in league play this spring.

Led by longtime coach Jeff Skelly, the Vikings (9-7, 15-9 in 2009) return an extremely talented class of third-year starters at multiple positions, anchored by first-team all-Kingco centerfielder Jenna Rutherford (.370 batting average), shortstop Kaylee Hardin (.333, 10 walks, six stolen bases) and second baseman Katie Walvatne (.357, 11 runs scored).

“We’re looking for a big year out of Jenna Rutherford,” Skelly said. “And in my opinion, Katie is the best second baseman in the league.”

Inglemoor’s staff ace this year will be another third-year starter in Rosie Matsumoto, who posted a stellar 1.60 earned-run average last season while leading the team with eight complete games.

In addition, the Vikings were fortunate to turn out a solid new crop of athletes like sophomore Taylor Peacocke, a first-team all-league selection on the basketball court, who Skelly lauded as “a great hitter.” Junior Kiana Stroud impressed during tryouts and seeks to provide a strong backup to Matsumoto on the hill.

“She pitched real well the other day, did a real nice job,” Skelly said of Stroud. “But she has very little experience, so Rosie needs to stay healthy.”

With six returning starters, it’s no surprise to anyone that Inglemoor looks to be one of the frontrunners this season.

“We should be very competitive in every game we play,” said Skelly, who is in his 26th year of coaching. “Always our goal is to win Kingco. Moving on to the state tournament would be our No. 2 goal, but it is going to be a tough league. There’s a lot of talent here. I think this team’s going to play great defense, and I think they have the ability to be a good offensive team.”

But in 4A Kingco, veteran coaches are aware that the cream always rises to the top with the sheer amount of big bats and top-tier pitching to be found throughout the league.

“Bothell, Woodinville, Eastlake, Lake Washington, Issaquah…” said Skelly when asked to name the Vikings’ toughest competition this season. “They all have many returning starters from last year, and will all be very strong.”

BOTHELL

Just like the Vikings, the Cougars (10-6, 13-8 last season) return a number of two-year letterwinners with some impressive statistics.

Britta McOmber, who will play at Dartmouth College next year, looks to lead the way after an impressive 2009 campaign that saw her lead the team with a .407 batting average including six doubles and two triples.

Utility player Briana Kastning, who can play most any infield or outfield position, as well as behind the plate, is a luxury for a coach to have in case of injuries throughout the season. And she also swings a big bat, having gone 10-for-27 (.370) at the plate last season.

“She’s the glue that holds us together, very versatile,” said head coach Rob Luckey on Kastning’s ability to play multiple positions.

Rounding out a solid senior class for the Cougars are infielder Lacey McGladrey, an athlete Luckey describes as a “solid five-tool player,” and outfielder Amie Rippeteau.

McGladrey showed patience at the plate last year, tying for third in the league with 12 walks and was sixth with a .569 on-base percentage.

The biggest question mark for Bothell this season looks to be pitching, as the Cougars graduated their staff ace from last season (Ashleigh Carter, 86.2 innings pitched, 99 strikeouts).

Luckey, however, believes he has the answer.

On the hill for the Cougars will be another upperclassman, Rachel Lindberg, who has the work ethic and mindset to be successful, according to her coach.

“Hard work has made her a varsity pitcher,” Luckey said. “She’s a quiet competitor, nothing bothers her.”

Backing her up will be reliever Carmen Mowry, who had a fantastic 2009, going 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA.

Even with what appears to be a loaded arsenal, the Cougars look to take it one game at a time and try to claw their way into a playoff spot and eventually into Tacoma for the 4A state championships.

“Lake Washington, Woodinville, Inglemoor in our division have the most impact returners including pitching,” Luckey noted. “Kingco is the toughest league in the state. It is never easy against anyone.”

Pictured in order during Wednesday’s Inglemoor and Bothell softball practices are: Jenna Rutherford (IHS), Amie Rippeteau (BHS), coach Jeff Skelly (IHS), Lacey McGladrey (BHS), Amy Taylor (IHS), Britta McOmber (BHS), Taylor, McGladrey and Blair Lowman (IHS).