The Record Searchlight has announced its 2026 baseball and softball players of the year, naming Colton Douglas of Foothill and Madison Pemberton of West Valley as the top honorees. Their selections were decided by a combination of local voting and expert evaluation, underscoring the impact each athlete had on their respective programs.
Douglas’s Dual‑Threat Dominance
Douglas finished the season with a .355 batting average, a .416 on‑base percentage and a .632 slugging percentage, compiling 27 hits, 20 RBIs and 17 runs scored. He also paced the team with nine doubles and four home runs, two of which came in a single game against Hoover on March 30. As a pitcher he posted a 0.99 ERA over 42.1 innings, striking out 63 batters while maintaining a 1.02 WHIP and a 35% strike‑out rate.
Pemberton’s Clutch Heroics
Pemberton batted .473 with a .496 on‑base percentage and a .782 slugging percentage, delivering 52 hits and 46 RBIs throughout the campaign. Her most memorable moment arrived in the section championship, where she launched a walk‑off two‑run homer to secure the victory. The shortstop’s consistency helped her earn a spot on the All‑Northern Athletic League team and a first‑team All‑Northern Section selection.
Both athletes will be featured in upcoming Record Searchlight publications and will receive additional accolades from regional coaches’ groups. Their performances not only highlight personal excellence but also reflect the growing competitiveness of high school sports in the Redding area.