Scarborough senior center fielder Jenn Colpitts has been a dominating force at the top of the Red Storm batting order

In last week’s 8-3 win over previously-unbeaten Thornton Academy, Colpitts had four singles — two bunts, a slap single past the shortstop and a liner to left — stole four bases, scored three runs and knocked in another.

That’s becoming a typical game for Colpitts, who injured her hand during the basketball tournament and missed out on playing in the state championship game.

She’s taking her contributions in stride.

“As a leadoff hitter, my role is to get on base,” she said. “If I get on, I know the rest of the team will get me in.”

The move of the pitching rubber from 40 to 43 feet was expected to produce more offense this year, and it has.

The speedy Colpitts said it not only aids hitters, but also base stealers.

It’s definitely good for base runners,” she said. “You’re getting a couple more steps and that helps a lot.”

Scarborough has won Class A state championships in field hockey and girls’ basketball during the current school year. And the softball team is favored to win its second in a row and third in four years.

“We just want to make sure it’s a good season and a memorable one,” said Colpitts.

“And win our last game,” said senior pitcher Melissa Dellatorre.

AFTER A SLOW START to the season, Danny Place of Lake Region has boosted his average to .565, although his power numbers are down, according to Coach Dan Leland. Leland said Place is hitting more to the opposite field.

Leland can gain his 100th career win at Freeport today.

PORTLAND HIGH all-state football player Imadhi Zagon has been nominated to play in the 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 8 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Bangor quarterback Joe Seccareccia also was nominated. Zagon and Seccareccia are two of 400 nominees from around the country. Ninety players will be chosen to play in the game, which will be broadcast live on NBC.

Zagon, 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior, is a running back who also takes snaps in the Bulldogs’ Wildcat formation. He also is one of the state’s top track athletes.

– Staff Writers Mike Lowe and Tom Chard contributed to this report.