​Keller enjoys final high school game as all-star

by Michael Smith
 
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Grain Valley 2023 graduate Mackenzie Keller had one last high school game before she begins her career at Moberly Area Community College.
 
She was the lone representative of the Eagles in the Mo-Kan All-Star game Monday at the Urban Youth Academy in Kansas City.
 
The game featured some of the best high school softball players in the Kansas City metro area from Kansas and Missouri. Team Kansas topped Team Missouri 7-5.
 
Keller had a solid game as she had a hard-hit ball that was caught by a Kansas first baseman. But her highlight play came in the fourth inning when a Kansas batter got a base hit. Keller, who was in left field, gathered the ball and used a strong and accurate throw to get an outfield assist as a runner was tagged out at third after trying to retreat to the bag
 
Overall, Keller said she had a positive experience.
 
“It was a blast,” Keller said. “It was fun to see the different types of athletes out there. I was kind of nervous at first because I didn’t get to play with any of my Grain Valley teammates, but I got to have the experience and everyone was nice and welcoming.”
 
The game gives players the opportunity to play with others who would normally be opponents during the fall season. For Keller, she was stoked to be able to team up with Ashton Ardnt of Blue Springs.
 
“We used to play in little league together,” Keller said. “It was kind of fun to play with her. Everyone else was a new face to me. It was fun to play with new people.”
 
Keller will now move on to play for Moberly Area Community College, where she will be an outfielder and pitcher for their softball team.
 
“I am excited for that as well,” Keller said.

Grain Valley 2023 graduate Mackenzie Keller played in her final high school game at the Mo-Kan All-Star softball game Monday at Urban Youth Academy. She will play softball at Moberly Area Community College this fall. Photo credit: Michael Smith