DARKE COUNTY – Many Darke County baseball and softball players have had great starts to the season.
There are several county athletes hitting the ball well, but perhaps none as well as this week’s Daily Advocate athletes of the week.
This week’s Daily Advocate athletes of the week are Greenville baseball player Colton Nealeigh and Greenville softball player Paige Wolter.
Nealeigh has been strong all year at the plate, putting up a Darke County best .500 batting average. He also has 20 RBI through the first 12 games of the season, which also puts him near the top in the county.
“He’s been strong,” Greenville baseball coach Eric Blumenstock said. “Every time he comes up to the plate, if not a hit, he’s going to put it into play.”
Nealeigh has a good eye for the ball and a good approach at the plate to go along with his pretty swing, Blumenstock said. He makes things happen at the plate, Blumenstock said.
Through the first 12 games of the season, he’s scored 16 runs, had three doubles, had five triples and stolen eight bases. His on-base percentage is .540.
“Him and (Tyler) Zimmerman are just tearing the cover off the ball,” Blumenstock said.
The sophomore normally plays second base, but he’s also filled in at short stop, catcher and in the outfield, which is great versatility to have, Blumenstock said.
“He can play just about anywhere,” Blumenstock said.
Just like Nealeigh, Wolter has been tearing the cover off the ball this year. She’s hitting .560 and has 12 RBI through the Lady Wave’s first 16 games of the season.
“She just does it the right way,” Greenville softball coach Jerrod Newland said. “Every day I know that Paige comes out and gives it everything she’s got.”
Wolter has eight doubles and four triples on the season. She’s also stolen four bases and has a .613 on-base percentage. Overall, she’s seeing the ball well and just having a great senior season, Newland said.
“Just an awesome young lady,” he said. “Does good in the classroom and just sets a great example for tomorrow’s leaders. Neat kid. Works hard.”
Wolter, who is Greenville’s catcher, is a four-year starter for the Lady Wave. She can play any position and leads by example, Newland said.