Mt. Spokane Wildcats, Led by All-Time Great Addison Jay, Eye Elusive 3A State Fastpitch Crown

LACEY, WA - The air crackles with anticipation, and for the Mt. Spokane Wildcats, this weekend isn't just another tournament, it's the culmination of four years of grit, talent, and unwavering dedication. Led by pitching phenom and slugger Addison Jay, the second-seeded Wildcats, sporting a formidable 22-1 record, are poised to make their deepest run yet at the WIAA 3A State Fastpitch Softball Championship. This senior-laden squad, a dominant force in the Greater Spokane League (GSL), arrives at the Region Athletic Complex with one goal: to bring the state title back to Mead, a feat that has eluded GSL teams for two decades.

Jay's Dominance and Team Resilience

Addison Jay has been nothing short of spectacular throughout her prep career, earning all-league first-team honors every season. Her coach, Carl Adams, and teammates like catcher Quincy Schuerman, know her prowess intimately. "I just tell her that there is nobody better," Schuerman confidently states, a sentiment backed by Jay's school records for wins, now at 57, and strikeouts, a mark that eclipsed 650 earlier this season. But beyond the individual accolades, it's the team's collective spirit and resilience that truly defines this Mt. Spokane squad. Last year, after a shocking opening-round loss to 18th-seeded Inglemoor, the Wildcats clawed their way back to a fourth-place finish.

That experience, Jay believes, forged an unbreakable resolve. "To lose that game and still fight back to earn a trophy showed us how resilient this group was," Jay reflected. "There are times when we are going to get punched in the face, but we showed that we fight back. That has carried over into this year and I think it has allowed us to have a better mindset going into this weekend." This mental toughness, combined with their undeniable talent, makes Mt. Spokane a formidable opponent for any team in the 3A bracket.

A Senior Class United for Glory

With eight other seniors joining Jay, including the reliable Kaydin Bradeen, this group understands the weight of the moment. They've tasted success, securing fourth place in two of the past three 3A state tournaments, but the top prize remains just out of reach. Coach Adams is quick to praise not just Jay, but the entire roster's contributions. "Addi hasn’t really changed much in her time here," Adams noted. "She came in as a freshman laser focused and that has continued to today, but she is also the first person to deflect credit to her teammates and that’s just how they all are as players and leaders."

The depth and belief in one another were on full display in the recent District 6 title game against Kennewick. In extra innings, with a high state seed on the line, Schuerman delivered the game-winning RBI, knocking in Jay. "We have a ton of confidence in one another, that if you have a terrible game a girl behind you is gonna have a great game and pick you up," Schuerman explained. This camaraderie makes their competitive spirit feel "easy and lighthearted, yet super competitive at the same time."

The Wildcats, who will open their WIAA 3A State tournament play against either 18th-seeded Southridge or 15th-seeded Gig Harbor, know they carry a target as the #2 seed. Yet, there's a different energy this year, a sense of calm determination born from experience and an unshakeable belief in each other. This senior class has poured their hearts into the Mt. Spokane fastpitch program, and now they stand on the precipice of achieving their ultimate dream. Washington high school sports fans will be watching closely as these dedicated athletes aim to write a championship ending to their remarkable prep careers.

This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.