If there is a frontrunner in the South Puget Sound League 3A fastpitch season, it is undoubtedly Bonney Lake.

A return journey to the 2011 state tournament will be spearheaded by senior shortstop Taylor Watkins.

Watkins, who will be heading to Ohio State University next year on a full-ride scholarship, was an all-state team selection and player of the year in the SPSL 3A last season, finishing the 2010 campaign hitting well over .650.

“Taylor works hard, sets a great example for her teammates, is humble, accountable, coachable and just one heck of a player,” offered Bonney Lake coach Andrew Sage.

While Watkins is certainly the straw that stirs the Panther drink, it isn’t as though she is the solitary weapon.

Returning to the mound is junior pitcher Rendi Johnson, who helped the black and teal win the South Puget Sound League 3A title and arrive at its overall 2010 accounting of 21-8.

Also returning to the scene are sophomores Kayla Wells and Kali Patterson, both all-SPSL 3A selections last year.

Also excelling as freshman last season were Chantay Courneya and Bailey Ahem.

The youngest Courneya will most likely be joining sister Jacqui and holding down one of the infield stations, while Ahem and Wells have been mentioned as possible candidates to round out a speedy outfield that includes Chloe Beal.

Beal is well documented as being one of the fastest players in the SPSL 3A and is an excellent leadoff hitter.

Adding to the mix are versatile freshmen farmhands Madie Lowery and Madie Adams plus a polished pair of transfers. The transfers are sophomore centerfielder/catcher Michaela “Mickey” Blad from Skyline High School and Christian McKone from Issaquah.