Florida's top high school softball players: Meet the state's Top 10 power hitters heading into 2024

Who are the top power hitters in Florida high school softball this season?

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking a look at some of the top high school softball players in Florida.

Next up we go to the top power hitters heading into the 2024 campaign.

There are hundreds of outstanding pitchers in Florida, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive. Tag us on Twitter or Instagram @SBLiveFL and let us know about other power hitters worthy of fans’ attention. 

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TOP 10 POWER HITTERS IN FLORIDA SOFTBALL 

Shelby McKenzie, Pace: The junior was among the leaders in home runs last season and should be once again this spring. In 2023, McKenzie hit 13 home runs along with driving in 42 RBIs and a batting average of .577. 

Nicole Mergen, Park Vista: The future University of West Florida Argonaut displayed her power on a weekly basis last spring. Mergen batted .514 with 16 home runs and driven in 48 runs. 

Lydia Berent, Cardinal Gibbons: One of the top freshmen softball players in the state last season was also one of the best power hitters at the plate. Berent batted an impressive .516 with nine home runs, scoring 24 and driving in 26 RBIs. 

Morgen Talley, Clearwater Calvary Christian: The sophomore pitcher was tremendous on the mound and the plate. Talley, playing for the 2023 Class 3A champions, had a 1.11 earned run average and hit 10 home runs and driven in 31 runs. 

Kerra Clarida, Middleburg: Clarida was arguably the top power hitter in Northeast Florida and possibly the state as well last spring. The sophomore knocked 11 home runs with a batting average of .397. She also drove in 40 runs and had seven doubles. 

Emilie Ching, Windermere: Ching didn’t just developed into one of Central Florida’s top power hitters, but one of the best in the state overall statistically. The junior shortstop batted a team-high .468 with 11 home runs and 32 runs batted in. 

Ana Roman, Hagerty: Of all the sophomores in 2023, the centerfielder led the class in the long ball department. Roman hit 16 home runs along with batting .408 and driving in 32 RBIs. 

Jacey Reed, Gulf Breeze: For the Florida Panhandle, the first baseman is as good as they come at the plate. As a sophomore last season, Reed belted nine home runs, notched 48 RBIs and batted .419. 

Sophia Kardatzke, University Christian: Whether Kardatzke was pitching or hitting for the Christians, she was excelling either way. The power hitter batted an impressive .662 at the plate with seven home runs, 13 doubles, four triples and 50 RBIs. 

Tarrin McCrone, Altha: It’s hard to ignore the kind of numbers McCrone put up at the plate last season. As a freshman, McCrone batted .662, hitting 11 home runs and driving in 50 RBIs. The sophomore will be a player to watch in 2024. 

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl