Briarwood Academy's Anne Wills was the only Lady Buc named to the GISA AA All State squad and All Star team, and she demonstrated why in this year's North/South All Star game last Saturday at Stratford Academy in Macon.
"She played exceptionally well," Coach Robert Waller said of his starting shortstop for the past five years. "She played flawlessly in the field and ran the bases without any base running errors.
"The North had four shortstops, so, in typical Anne fashion, she volunteered to play second base," Coach Waller continued. "She batted number three in the batting order, which tells me the coach thought she was the best hitter he had."
Wills affirmed the North coach's confidence. On her first at bat, she drew a walk, stole second, and then took advantage of an infield error to score.
"She just did a great job of base running and scored," Coach Waller said.
The North won that game 2-1 and the second game 5-3.
"Anne made the defensive play of the series in that game," Coach Waller said of the second game in which she played her regular position of shortstop. "Late in the game, a slow line drive was hit into short left field. It looked like it was going to fall and score two runs, but she was able to track it down and catch it to preserve the win. She made a difficult catch look routine. It was an outstanding play."
Coach Waller is high on the player he's coached since the sixth grade and has started on the varsity since she was in the eighth.
"She's money in the bank," he said. "The tougher the game, the better Anne played. She always makes good decisions defensively, and she always makes good decisions on what to hit and what not to hit and base running. "
He said Wills worked to be the best one the diamond.
"She's one of the most coachable athletes I've ever played," he continued. "She's got a good knowledge of softball. "I'm going to miss Anne Wills. She's a joy and a delight to be around."
