The Hive Sports

by James Tate

Box Elder Bees

2024 overall and region record (24-6) (12-2)

Head coach: Brian Merrill

The Box Elder Bees will look to capitalize on their incredible 2024 season, during which they finished with 24 wins and made it into the final four of the 5A state championship tournament. The Bees return a great group of veteran players who contributed to last year’s success.

The Bess finished last season ranked fifth in the final Max Preps rankings. Highlighting the Bees’ season was a ten-game win streak that included tournament victories over Cedar Valley and Taylorsville. The Bees also claimed a state tournament victory over the West Jordan Jaguars. Could this be the year the Bees bring home a state championship?

“This is a year where we are putting a lot of attention to, ‘Why not us this year?’ Head coach Brian Merrill said. “To go one step further than last year.”

Kennadie Blackmer

The Bees will bring back numerous players who played and contributed to the team’s success last season, led by sophomore Kennadie Blackmer. A Standard-Examiner All-Area First Team player, Blackmer hit .500 with four home runs and 46 runs batted in at the plate. In the circle, Blackmer was dominant with a 9-3 record, 2.61 earned run average, and 89 strikeouts.

Outfielder Kailee Hall had an outstanding freshman season for the Bees and adds a unique dynamic to the team with her speed in the outfield and on the bases. According to Max Preps stat leaders, Hall’s 34 stolen bases led the 5A classification. Hall garnered Standard-Examiner All-Area Third Team honors in 2024 and looks strong to have another outstanding season.

Returning senior Brooke Richards is back at catcher. Richards is quick, has a strong, accurate arm, and works well with her pitchers. A veteran on the Bees’ roster, Richards has played in over 70 games and will lead a fantastic defense.

“This team is strong on both sides of the game,” coach Merrill said. “We will have a strong offense and defense as well.  Pitching should be our strength as well.”

Seniors Alexis Hales, Jenna Marble, and juniors Lucy Braegger and Maclee Willard will be key contributors to the Bees’ season. Hales batted .446 and smashed two home runs last season. Marble has played in 85 games, scored 53 runs in her career, and is a solid outfielder. Braegger is a pitcher ready to team with Blackmer to form a dominant combination. Last season, Braegger had an outstanding outing against Woods Cross with 11 strikeouts and in the playoff against Cedar Vally, pitching five innings with six strikeouts in the Bees’ opening-round victory.

Players to watch

Maclee Willard, junior

Lucy Griffin, sophomore

Izi Mason, sophomore

Key losses

Kellie Malan

Stevie Checketts

Justy Pritchard

photos courtesy of James Tate