Today’s edition of The Atmore Advance feature the 2011 Diamond Queens consisting of each player deemed worthy of being on The Atmore Advance All-Area Team.

Although there are only nine girls on the team, it was tough to choose which girls should be placed on the team and who should be named Player of the Year.

This year’s Player of the Year earned the designation as the top player in the area because of her leadership, character and abilities on the field.

Northview Lady Chiefs senior Shawna Montgomery proved to be a driving force behind her team’s run to a second consecutive district championship.

Montgomery posted a .458 batting average with four homeruns, 21 RBI, seven doubles and five triples.

She also worked as the defensive leader helping making plays from her position at shortstop.

Montgomery had tough competition for the distinction as Player of the Year especially from several of her teammates.

Her coach, Sammy Day, noted in an interview that Montgomery is the “a mainstay in the batting order” for the Lady Chiefs.

Along with Montgomery, Day’s Lady Chiefs boast two other players that helped the team earn a district championship. The first time the Lady Chiefs have accomplished the feat.

Emily Vickrey and Misty Doran were also vital in Northview’s success in softball this season.

These girls gave 100 perecent throughout the 2011 season and fought hard all the way with everything coming to a close with a tough loss in the state playoffs.

The notable strengths of this team were their defense and pitching. Offensively, they were also able to crush several of their opponents.

Showing off three of its own players is Escambia Academy with Amber Huskey, Tori Rodriguez and Niki Bryan.

These three players were the heart and soul of their team despite not performing as highly as last season.

Huskey was the leader of the team making sure that her teammates were always focused on what was happening on the field.

Atmore Christian School made its first appearance in the Diamond Queens with Kendra Beachy and Taylor West making the team. They helped the ACS softball team make it to the playoffs before being eliminated in the second round.

For Escambia County, Cha’Nae Lyles was the lone selection, but came close to setting a state record for steals. Lyles stole 49 bases out of 50 attempts.

So, there are your 2011 Diamond Queens.

Check the Atmore Advance next week for the 2011 Diamond Kings.

Chandler Myers is sports editor of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123 or by e-mail at sports@atmoreadvance.com