Softball: There are lots of top players for 2013 season

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Southern California is home to the best youth softball in the nation. That means the high school ranks will be loaded with talent in 2013.

The best news is that junior catcher Maddy Jelenicki is finally eligible at Saugus. She was a freshman phenom two years ago at Valencia. She transferred to Saugus and had to sit out last season. She was so good that she played for the baseball team. The UCLA commit should be ready to make up for lost time this season in softball.

Outfielder Amanda Lorez of Moorpark was the state freshman of the year as selected by Cal-Hi Sports.

Catcher Sahvanna Jaquish of Redlands East Valley is headed to LSU. Pitcher Samanatha Cordova of Huntington Beach Edison signed with Utah. Infielder Kylie Reed of Norco is headed to California.

Infielder Angelica Felix of Los Angeles Lincoln might be the best player in the City Section. She’s committed to UCLA. Junior shortstop McKenna Arriola of El Camino Real is committed to Oregon State.

Infielder Delaney Spaulding of Etiwanda is a UCLA signee. Outfielder Hannah Cookson of Crescenta Valley is a top junior prospect.

Pitcher Heather Morales of Indio hit .479 with 20 home runs and had an 0.69 ERA as a junior. She’s headed to Hawaii.

Pitchers Courtney Cuzick of Nipomo and Michelle Floyd of San Marino were all-state underclass honorees last season.

-- Eric Sondheimer