Legacy Maricopa Softball Champions

Three players from Legacy Traditional School led the Western Division All-Star softball team to a 9-5 victory May 13 for the AZCAA (Arizona Charter League Association) Middle School title.

Tailor Goods, Isabelle Gonzales, and Jordan Turpen were instrumental is producing the win for the western division team managed by Chris Turpen. With close to 100 schools participating in the charter school league, competition has never been more competitive.

“Our Maricopa players had a significant impact on the outcome of the all-star game,” Coach Turpen said. “It was a magical scene; it was amazing for me as a coach to see.”

The Legacy Traditional team won the 2011 junior high softball AZCAA championship on May 7 when they destroyed top seeded Dobson Academy, 9-4.

Shay Barney was voted MVP for the tournament and Legacy finished the year 13 – 1 with 4 wins in the playoffs completing the season with a 17 -1 record. The team was led by eighthgraders Tailor Goods, Isabelle Gonzales, and Shay Barney who took this team to the top.

“We had outstanding pitching by Yasmin Santa Cruz and Jordan Turpen – the team had the highest runs scored per game average and the lowest runs allowed average in the league,” Turpen said. “Although we had solid pitching throughout the whole year and quality hitting; it was our defense the routinely stood out and made the difference throughout the year. The defense was amazing – the umpires repeatedly commented that Legacy was the best team they had ever seen at the junior high level.

“It was an exciting game against Dobson Academy, the girls pulled through and won the state championship,” said Ysenia Gonzales, mother of one of the players. “Congratulations to the girls for their hard work and incredible achievement, and special thanks to Coach Turpen for his commitment and dedication to the girls. I also would like to thank Tom Blevins, Paul Suriel and Danielle Latronica for their help and support.”

 “I would take that team anywhere, to compete against any junior high team in the nation,” Turpen said. “Our team surprised me. There are a solid core group of girls returning next year and I am confident we will make a strong effort at defending our state championship.”