By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Whether speaking of the 2010 season or the last four seasons under Coach Ty Monica, it’s been a memorable run for the St. Charles Comets.

Six seniors — Monica’s first class — established themselves as the winningest class in school history. They’ve been to the state tournament in Sulphur for four straight seasons, peaking with a state championship in 2008 and ending with a run to the Class 2A state championship game in 2010 (resulting in a loss to Evangel).

SCC’s latest strong season results in that senior class – and the team as a whole – being well represented on L’Observateur’s 2010 All St. John Parish team.

Five Comet players make the team after their 28-5 season, headed by the parish’s three-time Most Valuable Player, Courtney Western.

Western left little doubt as to who would garner MVP status after an incredible senior season. The Comet ace went 15-1 with an 0.78 ERA and an 0.82 WHIP while striking out 144 batters in 99 innings.

But her value extended to the batter’s box, where she hit .543, got on base at a 60-percent clip, scored 40 runs, knocked in 34 more, hit three home runs and stole 17 bases.

Even a significant knee injury didn’t stop her. After suffering a torn ACL and meniscus on April 12 against Lutcher, she returned in Sulphur atop the batting order and contributed in a major way with her bat.

“You name it, Courtney dealt with it,” said SCC coach Ty Monica, speaking about Western’s injuries over the past two seasons. “To see what she’s accomplished is really an amazing thing. She’s been a true leader for us.”

Monica joins her atop the team, earning honors as the parish’s coach of the year once again. So far in his four year career, he has guided his team to Sulphur each time, with finishes in the quarterfinals (2009), semifinals (2007), as runner-up and as champion.

Comet seniors Meg Gustafson, Dominique DiCarlo, and Kadie Levatino as well as junior Megan Louque join them.

Louque stepped up after Western was injured to pitch her team into the state final, winning four playoff games, including a shutout of Winnfield in the state semifinals.

Gustafson, DiCarlo and Levatino each had strong seasons in the field and with their glove.

Gustafson drove in 28 runs, Levatino 23, and DiCarlo scored 33.

Destin Vicknair, Taylor Terrio, and Shea LaFountain represent quarterfinalist Riverside.

Though Western boasts the MVP, noone else could boast a stronger season than Vicknair, who hit .545, drove in 21 runners and went 17-10 on the mound (88 strikeouts in 92.2 innings).

Terrio and LaFountain were a deadly one-two punch atop the Rebel order, with Terrio reaching base at a .573 clip and LaFountain following with a mark of .456.

Ormoni Favorite helped West St. John continue its recent tradition of reaching the postseason, playing all over the field and leading the high-scoring Rams in most offensive categories.

Jasmine Brown excelled for East St. John, even as the Wildcats stumbled in district play.

Brown led East St. John in RBIs, hit .270 and was a major plus for the Wildcats behind the plate.