Hamilton softball coach Keith Householder figured many opposing teams would take the Huskies lightly this season.

That happens when a program has not qualified for state since 2003 -- the only year since the school opened late in the 1990s that it advanced to state.

Taking Hamilton softball for granted has ended now. Or least it should have.

Hamilton finds itself No. 5 in the 5A-I power -point rankings behind Fiesta Region rival and defending state champ Red Mountain with two games remaining this week before state  begins on April 30. Hamilton is 12-4 in power-point games and 21-8 overall.

Senior pitcher Abigayle Kohler has improved her game, one of the reasons Hamilton is on the rise. Kohler, the workhorse of the staff, posted an 11-11 record and 3.76 ERA last year. She is 17-7 with a 1.79 ERA this year. The Huskies have given up 64 fewer runs than last year, hitting better and have been blown out in just one game. 

All four of the Chandler district  high schools are destined for the playoffs. Basha, 5A-I state champs two years ago, is currently No. 2 in the 5A-I power rankings and a win away from clinching the Central Region title. Chandler High is at No. 11 in 5A-I. Perrry is No. 7 in 5A-II and is on the verge of clinching its second consecutive 5A East Valley Region title with one more region win.