Small sample size to be sure, but we’ve got enough games in to deliver our BLITZ Softball Rankings, Mid-August edition.

#1 BANKS CO LADY LEOPARDS

RECORD: 6-1
PREVIOUS RANKING: #1
REASON(S): The Lady Leopards have shown no reason why they should be moved from this top spot. They just keep winning, and until that changes this probably won’t change either.

#2 JEFFERSON LADY DRAGONS

RECORD: 10-3
PREVIOUS RANKING: #4
REASON(S): The Lady Dragons have one of the most elite pitching teams in our area, easily. 23 runs allowed in 13 games (1.8/game) and 11 of those came in two games combined. The offense is great, too (6.1 runs/game; 79 runs total).

#3 LUMPKIN CO LADY INDIANS

RECORD: 11-2
PREVIOUS RANKING: #6
REASON(S): These girls just keep on rolling along! Only losses to White County and East Hall, so those hurt a tad, but only at #3 because of how good 1-2 are.

#4 HABERSHAM CENTRAL LADY RAIDERS

RECORD: 8-4
PREVIOUS RANKING: #5
REASON(S): The Lady Raiders have done very well, taking wins over some great programs. The girls now hit the critical part of the region schedule. We think they’re up for it. This team is well-rounded with pitching, defense and offense.

#5 UNION CO LADY PANTHERS

RECORD: 8-4
PREVIOUS RANKING: #6
REASON(S): Started the season at #9 in our rankings and have moved back near the top. Union County has an incredible lineup (103 runs) that averages 8.6 runs per game scored. That’s ridiculous!

#6 STEPHENS CO LADY INDIANS

RECORD: 6-5
PREVIOUS RANKING: #2
REASON(S): Look, the record isn’t flashy…but you can throw that right out the window. Point blank, this team plays in one of, if not, THE, toughest region in the state. Nevertheless, for now Stephens has hit a bit of a lull in the schedule. There’s still plenty of time to get back on track.

#7 WHITE CO LADY WARRIORS

RECORD: 6-5
PREVIOUS RANKING: #7
REASON(S): The Lady Warriors have a timely four-game win streak going, in which they’ve outscored opponents 31-13. Let’s see if this momentum continues to give them more Ws.

#8 COMMERCE LADY TIGERS

RECORD: 5-5
PREVIOUS RANKING: #8
REASON(S): Commerce had heated up with a string of four straight wins, but back-to-back losses by a combined three runs has hurt just a bit. This is a decent team though, so no one should take them lightly.

#9 DAWSON CO LADY TIGERS

RECORD: 4-6
PREVIOUS RANKING: #9
REASON(S): The Lady Tigers are very much in the hunt for a state playoff spot, but they continue to score less than they allow. The fare better at home (3-3) than away (1-3), so there’re a couple areas they can improve on for the stretch run.

#10 RABUN CO LADY WILDCATS

RECORD: 3-6
PREVIOUS RANKING: #11
REASON(S): The 21-game losing streak ended with a 14-1 win over Johnson a few weeks ago, and Rabun won against Towns (12-0) and Putnam (11-3) to show that this team is on the up and up.

#11 TOWNS CO LADY INDIANS

RECORD: 1-7
PREVIOUS RANKING: #10
REASON(S): The Lady Indians are seeking to snap a 6-game losing skid.