Mt. Spokane's Senior Class, Led by Ace Addison Jay, Aims for Elusive 3A State Fastpitch Title

Lacey, WA - The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) 3A fastpitch softball state tournament is upon us, and the air crackles with anticipation, especially around the powerhouse Mt. Spokane Wildcats. For this exceptional senior class, including pitching sensation Addison Jay, steady catcher Quincy Schuerman, and versatile Kaydin Bradeen, this weekend represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and an unyielding pursuit of the one prize that has eluded Greater Spokane League teams for two decades, a state championship.

Ranked as the second seed with an impressive 22-1 record, the Wildcats are ready to unleash their collective talent at the Region Athletic Complex. Their journey begins Friday morning against either 18th-seeded Southridge or 15th-seeded Gig Harbor. After securing fourth place in two of the last three 3A state tournaments, this year feels different, fueled by the resolve of a veteran squad.

A Legacy Forged in the Circle

At the heart of Mt. Spokane's dominance is senior Addison Jay, a player whose name is synonymous with excellence in Washington prep softball. Jay has been a force both on the mound and at the plate, earning all-league first-team honors every single season of her high school career. Her statistics speak volumes, she holds the school records for wins (57) and recently eclipsed the 650-strikeout mark, a testament to her consistent mastery. Catcher Quincy Schuerman knows firsthand Jay's prowess, often needing only to offer simple, profound encouragement, telling her, "there is nobody better."

But while Jay's individual brilliance is undeniable, the team's strength lies in its collective spirit. Head Coach Carl Adams, who has guided Jay since her freshman year, commends her laser focus and humility. Adams notes that while Jay has physically evolved into a superior player, she is "the first person to deflect credit to her teammates, and that's just how they all are as players and leaders." This unwavering team-first mentality was on full display in last week's District 6 title game against Kennewick, where, in extra innings, Schuerman delivered the game-winning run to score Jay, sealing a crucial top-four state seed.

Unwavering Trust and Drive

The Wildcats’ journey to Lacey hasn't been without its trials. Last year, as a high seed, they faced a shocking opening-round defeat to 18th-seeded Inglemoor. Yet, they fought back with incredible resilience to still earn a trophy. Jay reflected on that experience, stating, "To lose that game and still fight back to earn a trophy showed us how resilient this group was. 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."

That mindset is built on deep trust. Schuerman articulates the team's philosophy perfectly, "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. So it feels easy and lighthearted, yet super competitive at the same time." This blend of camaraderie and fierce competitiveness makes the Wildcats a formidable opponent. With the target firmly on their backs as the number two seed, Addison Jay and her fellow seniors are ready to showcase how much work they have poured into their careers. They are eager for their effort to finally culminate in the ultimate prize.

The entire Washington state high school sports community will be watching to see if this incredible Mt. Spokane senior class can cap their illustrious prep careers by finally bringing home that coveted 3A fastpitch state championship trophy.

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