Kinston Post 43 has three softball players to play in All-Star Game Friday
Kinston Post 43’s Rebekah Howard is one of three players to represent the team in Friday’s All-Star Game at UNC. Photo by William ‘Bud’ Hardy / Neuse News
By Junious Smith III
A trio of Kinston Post 43 softball players will represent the American Legion Eastern All-Star Team Friday.
Dawn Anderson, Rebekah Howard and Summer Mercer were all invited to the event to represent the East, which will be held Friday at 7 p.m. on the UNC campus. The coaches across the region voted and Kinston Post 43 coach Jody Turner said it was great to see them get their respect.
“All three of them are deserving and I’m glad I didn’t have to make the decision for our players,” Turner said. “Coaches weren’t allowed to vote on their own players and I’d have to draw from a hat for ours. For us, Rebekah was a force on the mound this season and was consistent hitting her spots. Having someone doing that pitching helps us defensively, and she was great at bat.
“Summer can do it all — she played shortstop in school, but had great range in the outfield, and played catcher a couple of games. Then, Dawn was so consistent at the plate. She has great at-bats to where if she gets two strikes, I’m not nervous at all. She had great discipline and pitched some great games for us as well.”
Howard, a rising sophomore at South Lenoir, said it was a great feeling.
“It’s an accomplishment and I’m honored to be selected for the Legion All-Stars,” Howard said. “Being picked is really amazing.”
Mercer, a rising junior at East Duplin, said she was thankful to be a part of the team.
“It feels great to be recognized by the coaches and have the chance to play in the big game,” Mercer said. “It means the hard work throughout the year paid off.”
Anderson, who graduated from Southern Wayne and will play next season at Brunswick CC, said she is excited for the opportunity.
“It feels good and it’s a blessing,” Anderson said. “I want to set a good example for the upcoming players at Southern Wayne because not everyone gets this opportunity.”
