West Kentucky Sports March 2020

Volume 3, Issue 3

36 ON DECK

March 2020 • Page 3

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ADVERTISERS INDEX: Akridge Farm Supply — p. 25

Melissa Wynn, Realtor — p. 26

Buchanon’s Design Center — p. 17

WCCK/WCBL — p. 32

Lake Barkley CrossFit- p. 32

Wilson Law Firm — p. 21

Brehm Striping ­— p. 16

Magistrate Bobby Cummins— p. 26

Shop-O-Rama ­— p. 16

Williams Veterinary Clinic — p.25

West Kentucky Sports is made possible through the sponsorship of advertisers listed at left. These businesses help provide local coverage of youth sports and positive acts by local athletes. On behalf of our readers, the staff would like to say:

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Page 4 • March 2020

WRESTLING to runner-up:

Paducah Tilghman Middle School takes second in state match Staff Report The Paducah Middle School wrestling team earned a runner-up finish at the 2020 Middle School State Championships held on February 1 in Pikeville.

The team was second in state overall. Individual finishes included: Jack James (3rd), Jamie Lee (6th), Malachi Rider (1st), DJ Wilson (2nd), Jimmy Mooney (2nd), Uriah Virzi (1st) and Nick Fox (5th).

The Middle School State Wrestling Championship was sponsored by Kentucky USA Wrestling and the Kentucky Folkstyle Wrestling Committee.

March 2020 • Page 5

The Lyons and Lady Lyons swept the sixth ever Akridge-Ace Hardware Shootout in the Jason White Gymnasium in February. Special events were hosted throughout the afternoon.

Page 6 • March 2020

36 ON DECK

Spring Sports are here. Time for a look at the 36 area baseball and softball teams competing this season

March 2020 • Page 7

Allye Culp releases a pitch for the Lady Lyons (opposite page, below), while Brody Williams defends the plate at the Lee S. Jones Park (opposite page, above). Marshall County pitchers Gabbi Lovett (above) and Riley Harris (right) will likely lead their teams on the mound this season. All four squads are early favorites to take their respective district titles.

Staff Report From bunts to big hits, stolen bases to grand slams, the 2019 baseball-softball season gave western Kentucky fans plenty to get excited about.

That should be the trend in 2020, too.

Baseball and softball seasons across the Commonwealth get underway this month, with most local teams taking the field March 16 or 17.

Judging by preseason polling and early rosters submitted to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association, several teams look in prime position to repeat their success from last season, while others will continue to build up their programs.

In the First Region, loaded teams in Marshall County and Paducah Tilghman will look to dethrone McCracken County, which made it to the final round of the state baseball tournament last season. In softball, the Lady Marshals are also in a solid position, with most of last season’s talented roster returning. Their biggest obstacle could be in border rival Graves County, which brings back several key members from last year’s 21-14 team.

Hickman County’s Lady Falcons surprised a few teams last season. With seven middle schoolers on the roster, the Lady Falcons went 24-11 and have all the parts in place to build on last season’s success.

Down the road in Murray, the Tigers have an enviable mix of athleticism and experience. If the small school can stay healthy, they should be able to put together a solid season.

In the Second Region, small school Lyon County is in good position to sweep the district tournament for a second straight year.

If so, it will be a first for the program. The Lyons and Lady Lyons will have to compete against perennial regional favorites to make it to state, but both programs have enough talent to take it to the next level. The squads are also preseason picks to return the All A State Tournament, having swept the regional small school shootout in 2019 for the first time in school history. Crittenden County will likely be the biggest obstacle for each team to repeat that success.

In early March, the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association released their preseason players poll for teams across the state. Players for the First

and Second Regions are included below, while a look at western Kentucky’s 36 baseball and softball teams is included on the following pages.

Region 1 - Grant Davis (McCracken Co.) Truman Davis (Carlisle Co.) Jackson Fristoe (Paducah Tilghman) Kade Gibson (Murray) Corbin Hayden (Carlisle Co.) Riley Harris ( Marshall Co.) Billy Johnston (St.Mary) Daven McGee (Carlisle Co.) Justin West ( Paducah Tilghman) Colin Price ( Mayfield) Ben Higdon (McCracken Co.) Elijah Wheat (McCracken Co.) Grant Godwin (McCracken Co.)​ ​Region 2 - Landon Braden (Webster Co.) Nick Wimber (Henderson Co.) Seth Givens (Henderson Co.) Colton Evans (Henderson Co.) Tate VanHooser (Caldwell Co.) Cody Holub (Caldwell Co.) Brian Owen (Caldwell Co.) Caden McCalister (Crittenden Co.) Arlon Butts (Trigg Co.) Layne Jorgensen (Hopkinsville) Caleb Bapp (Hopkinsville) Ryan Myers (Hopkinsville) Preston Chaudin ( Hopkinsville) Jackson Shoulder (Lyon Co.) Brody Williams (Lyon Co.) Gunnar Bingham (Lyon Co.) Parker Mathis ( Madisonville North) Jon Cain ( Madisonville North) John Hogart (Madisonville N)

Page 8 • March 2020

Hickman County Falcons

Hickman County Lady Falcons

District 1, Region 1

District 1, Region 1

Coach: Billie Prince, Jr. 2019 Record: 22-9

Coach: Lisa Britton

2019 Record: 24-11

Opening Day: March 16 hosting Mayfield at 5 p.m.

Opening Day: March 17 on the road at Fulton City at 5 p.m.

Hickman County is in good position to repeat their 2019 success, which included a First District title after defeating Carlisle County 3-2. The Falcons had an 11-game win streak midway through their season as they outscored opponents 8719. Leading pitcher Sam Armbruster was a big part of that lopsided run. Armbruster finished the season with a 1.55 ERA, throwing 85 strikes across 63 innings.

The senior also had a .386 batting average. The Falcons also graduated Sam Gallimore, who threw 45 strikes across 29 innings while giving up just 21 hits.

Coach Prince look to replace some of that production with Walker McClanahan who finished the season with a 2.79 ERA as an eighth grader. McClanahan is part of a young Falcon team which includes four freshman and two eighth graders. JD McClanahan, a utility player who saw time on the mound and hit a .284, is the only returning senior.

Hickman County had a solid 2019 season, going 24-11 for the second best overall record in the First Region. Of their 24 wins, 13 ended in six innings or less. The team scored more runs (282) and gave up fewer (120) than any other regional opponent. The Lady Falcons won the First Region All ‘A’ Classic in April and had pair of close games at the state tournament. That team fielded seven middle school players and looked to then juniors Mallorie Hobbs, Gracie Lusk and Emma Whitlock as their most experienced leadership. Hobbs and Whitlock will return to lead a team likely to remain one of the youngest in the region as they look to build on last season’s success.

It will be a chance for junior Bella Batts and Lusk to keep piling up home runs. Last season, Batts had nine, while Lusk smashed 10, accounting for the bulk of the team’s 24 knocks outside the park. Jacey Rushing returns for her sophomore season after leading the team with a 2.09 ERA last season, striking out 133 batters through 1,852 pitches.

5Gracie Lusk | Hickman County

5Jacey Rushing | Hickman County

March 2020 • Page 9

Carlisle County Comets District 1, Region 1

Coach: Hunter T. Burge 2019 Record: 23-12 Opening Day: March 16 at Fulton County, 5:30 p.m.

With eight seniors on the roster, the Comets are one of Region One’s most experienced teams. They’ve also got a solid group of juniors, which includes Blake Elder, who finished 2019 tied for the second highest ERA on the team at .327. Fellow junior Truman Davis also hit that mark, while leading the team in home runs (four). Corbin Hayden will return for his senior season after leading the Comets on the mound, throwing 86 strikes across 57 innings. Davis also saw time on the mound last season, pitching in 11 games and finishing with a 1.40 ERA. Davin McGee and Lincoln Black are also likely to be called in to throw. The Comets will look to reclaim their district title from Hickman County, who edged Carlisle 3-2 in last year’s tournament.

Carlisle County Lady Comets District 1, Region 1

Coach: Kaleena Dowdy 2019 Record: 12-15 Opening Day: March 16 hosting Murray at 5:30 p.m.

6Hannah Draper | Carlisle County

5Karlie Gibson | Carlisle County

Taylar Owens — one of only two Lady Comets to hit one out of the park last season — returns as Carlisle’s only senior for 2020. But she will be joined by a talented young cast, which includes last season’s best batter, eighth grader Maddison Wright. Wright had 26 hits in 65 at bats, finishing with a .400 batting average. She was tied in that average with fellow eighth grader Karlie Gibson.

First year head coach Kaleena Dowdy will have plenty to build off of in the future, including Rhianna Thomason, a freshman who proved to be a capable pitcher with a 4.98 ERA. Fellow freshman Rorey Eddleman also saw time pitching in addition to earning a spot in the batting lineup.

The biggest postseason obstacle for the Lady Comets this season will once again likely be Hickman County.

6Corbin Hayden | Carlisle County

Page 10 • March 2020

Fulton City Bulldogs District 1, Region 1

Coach: Chris Mason 2019 Record: 5-12 Opening Day: March 19 hosting South Fulton, Tenn., at 5 p.m.

The Bulldogs went 5-12 in 2019, including 1-7 in the First District.

They will have to find a way to get on the board if they want to turn things around with a young roster, having lost by five shutouts last season.

Fulton County Lady Pilots District 1, Region 1

Coach: Billie Prince, Jr. 2019 Record: 5-16 Opening Day: March 23 at Christian Fellowship, 5:30 p.m.

The Lady Pilots finished last season 1-17 under first year head coach Lindsey Bridges. She lost last season’s two best hitters, Delaynee Cermak and Karlie Williams, to graduation. Cermak and Williams accounted for 25 of Fulton’s 63 runs. The duo also led the team in pitching duties.

Fulton County Pilots District 1, Region 1

Coach:Charles Choate 2019 Record: 5-16 Opening Day: March 16 hosting Carlisle County, 5:30 p.m.

Fulton County had a rough 2019 campaign, finishing 5-16 overall.

The Pilots have not filed a roster as of presstime, but are expected to return with a large class of juniors this year, which includes Massey Thorne, who pitched 111 innings in 2019, finishing with a 1.64 ERA. The Pilots’ biggest woes came in putting together scores, earning just 84 runs in 2019, second lowest in the First Region.

Fulton City Lady Bulldogs District 1, Region 1

Coach: Carnation Hart 2019 Record: 2-12 Opening Day: March 16 hosting Mayfield at 5 p.m.

For 2020, Carnation Hart takes over as head coach of last season’s 2-12 Lady Bulldogs. This year’s team will be one of the most experienced in recent years. That leadership will be needed as the Lady Bulldogs haven’t won five or more games since 2014.

Paducah Tilghman Tornado District 2, Region 1

Coach: Tremayne Donald 2019 Record: 25-9 Opening Day: March 16 versus Union County, 6 p.m.

Despite losing only nine games each of the last three seasons — and winning 24 or more games each other those years — the Tornado under head coach Chris Johnson were unable to advance beyond the regional tournament recently. First year skipper Tremayne Donald will look to turn that around with a talented roster and an aggressive schedule. The Tornado will face top talent in a pair of Tennessee tournaments and take part in the Louisville Invitational in April. Donald’s biggest hurdle may be in getting a young roster (Tilghman has four juniors to go along with senior Jackson Fristoe) up to speed quickly. Still, there’s plenty of talent on a team that featured a top 25 player in nearly every statistical category last season. Sophomore Justin West returns after posting a 1.31 ERA, which included 69 strikes and giving up just 27 hits across 731 pitches. Fristoe will also likely be called on to pitch, turning in a 2.57 last year.

March 2020 • Page 11

Paducah Tilghman Blue Tornado District 2, Region 1

Coach:Sarah Puckett 2019 Record: 14-19 Opening Day: March 23 at Crittenden County, 6 p.m.

Three of last season’s biggest hitters — Emma Massey, Rosie Minter and Keiler Belt — return to lead the Blue Tornado under coach Sarah Puckett, who enters her fifth season at the helm of Tilghman’s program. Tilghman will have to look for a new pitcher after losing Chesleigh Pugh to graduation. Middle schoolers Emma Tooley, Alexandria Cooper and Emma Durbin will likely see some time playing this season as Tilghman looks to field 12 players.

St. Mary Lady Vikings District 2, Region 1

Coach: Zane Smithson 2019 Record: 4-11 Opening Day: March 17 at Mayfield, 5:30 p.m.

Freshman Kaitlynn Burrus and sophomore Trinity Higgins both saw time pitching last season for St. Mary. Higgins also led St. Mary’s bats with a .614 batting average, earning 27 hits on 44 at bats, good enough for eighth overall in the state. Anistyn Thomas also was solid at the plate for the Lady Vikings. Thomas only had 18 hits, but drove in 11 runs, second highest on the team.

Outfielder Hannah Speis and first baseman Elizabeth Wells return for the senior campaigns.

5Jack Bell | St. Mary

St. Mary Vikings District 2, Region 1

Coach: Chris Haas 2019 Record: 10-15 Opening Day: March 16 at Murray, 5:30 p.m.

In 2019, Billy Johnston led St. Mary on the mound with a 1.58 ERA, striking out 43 batters and giving up 30 hits across 651 pitches. Juniors Bryce Haas and Jack Bell also saw time on the mound for St. Mary.

The trio also led the team’s bats, which was an area where the Vikings struggled to get consistent hitting. Haas led the team with a .348 ERA, but the Vikings scored just 94 all season.

Page 12 • March 2020

McCracken County Mustangs District 2, Region 1

Coach: Zach T. Hobbs 2019 Record: 33-8 Opening Day: March 16 at Calloway County, 5:30 p.m.

Last year was one of McCracken County’s best, advancing to the state championship final. The Mustangs had one of the best pitching stables in the Commonwealth, with eight arms posting a 2.90 or better ERA. As a team they averaged 1.76, giving up just 215 hits on 4,089 pitches.

But the Mustangs graduated five of their best pitchers, leaving depth at that spot as their biggest obstacle on a return to state. Junior Ben Higdon and senior Reese Hutchins will return as two of McCracken’s most experienced on the mound. Some of McCracken’s best hitters will return for 2020, including last season’s home run leader Grant Godwin and infielder Elijah Wheat.

5Reese Hutchins 6Ariel Fox | McCracken County

McCracken County Lady Mustangs District 2, Region 1

Coach: Tony W. Hayden 2019 Record: 23-14 Opening Day: March 21 at Massac County, Illinois, at 6 p.m.

McCracken County posted wins over Second Region runnerup Lyon County and First Region champions Marshall County in 2019. The Lady Mustangs struggled at times with consistency, including in their final game as they were routed 10-0 by Graves County. But when things were clicking, the Lady Mustangs were able to compete with just about anyone. Ariel Fox returns after leading the team in ERA (.450) and home runs (seven) her freshman year. Ashby Murt was also a solid slugger for McCracken Count, finishing with a .346 and four shots over the fence. Both hitters had multiple perfect games at the plate last season, but the Lady Mustangs will need to add base runners around them to advance in 2020.

March 2020 • Page 13

Ballard Memorial Bombers District 3, Region 1

Coach: Jimmy E. Long, Sr. 2019 Record: 8-19 Opening Day: March 16 hosting Christian Fellowship at 5:30 p..m.

The Bombers didn’t have any problem scoring in 2019, but gave up the second most runs in the First Region (248). Most of those woes came on the mound, with only three pitchers throwing for 20 or more innings, with their combined average ERA 13.5. Sophomore Hayden Buchanan led the Bombers on the mound, striking out 36 batters across 45 innings, but ending with a 5.25 ERA.

Ballard Memorial Lady Bombers District 3, Region 1

Coach:Bobby O’Connor 2019 Record: 10-20 Opening Day: March 16 hosting Christian Fellowship at 5:30 p..m.

Bobby O’Connor will take the helm of Ballard Memorial for 2020.

O’Connor inherits a young roster, with six seventh and eighth graders who could see playing time this season. Madison Nichols, last season’s most consistent hitter with 42 hits at 95 at bats, returns for her senior season, along with freshman Abby Cooper who drove in 16 runs on 31 hits. Cooper split time pitching with junior Katelyn McKinney, which was where Ballard Memorial struggled last season. The duo combined for a 5.76 ERA as Ballard Memorial gave up the third most runs in the First Region.

5Bella Presson 6Katelyn McKinney | Ballard Memorial

Page 14 • March 2020

Mayfield Cardinals District 3, Region 1 Coach: Richard Collins

2019 Record: 11-23-1 Opening Day: March 16 at Hickman County at 5:30 p..m.

The Cardinals may be short on experience heading into 2020, but they’re deep on athletes. Colin Price returns for his senior campaign after leading the Cardinals last season on both sides of the plate. Price’s .490 batting average and four home runs helped earn 37 RBIs in 2019 while leading the state in doubles (23). He also posted a 2.33 pitching ERA across 54 innings. Price was also a big part of the American Legion’s Post 68 state championship team during the summer, and leads a team of dual sport athletes looking to improve on last season’s record. The first step will likely be on defense Mayfield gave up 266 runs in 2019, second worst in the First Region. Entering his eighth season, coach Richard Collins has a stout schedule which includes state runnerup McCracken County and small school standouts Murray and Lyon County.

Mayfield Lady Cardinals District 3, Region 1

Coach: Todd A. Hatchell

2019 Record: 4-15 Opening Day: March 16 at Fulton City at 6:30 p..m.

The Lady Cardinals won four games last season, sweeping double headers against both Fulton County and Fulton City.

But Mayfield’s future could be bright.

As a seventh grader, Jo Jo Fox was the team’s third best batter, hitting three home runs and posting a .361 ERA, while driving in 15 runs. The middle schooler could be one of the team’s best hitters this year, along with senior Desiree Thomas. Thomas earned four doubles and earned 19 runs in 2019, while handling the Cardinal’s share of pitching duties.

Mayfield also features a more experienced team this season, rostering six seniors and seven juniors.

5Ben Gloyd 6Colin Price | Mayfield

March 2020 • Page 15

Graves County Eagles District 3, Region 1 Coach: Andrew Ford

2019 Record: 17-16 Opening Day: March 16 at Webster County at 6 p..m.

A 15-0 streak helped carry Graves County to a 17-16 record in 2019. Their season included a 12-2 six inning championship game to capture their third straight Third Region title. But that run was thanks, in part, to a talented class of 2019 carrying the brunt of the load. The Eagles will need to look for replacements while facing a fairly daunting schedule that includes Marshall County, Murray, Christian County and rival Mayfield.

Graves County Lady Eagles District 3, Region 1 Coach: Scott L. Tucker

2019 Record: 21-14 Opening Day: March 17, hosting Marshall County, 6 p.m.

With Marshall County, Caldwell County and crosstown rival Mayfield on the slate for the first two weeks, March will test if Graves County is ready to repeat last season’s success. The Lady Eagles were 4-0 in district play for 2019 and blew out McCracken County 10-0 in the First Region tournament. Graves County is capable of repeating their district dominance in 2020 with several returning players, including Laney Shoulta and junior Memphis Lassiter. Eighth grader Bailey Wimsatt is the team’s lone middle school player.

5Carson Travis 6Laney Shoulta| Graves County

Page 16 • March 2020

Marshall County Marshals District 4, Region 1

Coach: Robert McDonald

2019 Record: 28-8 Opening Day: March 15 at Lyon County, 5 p.m.

Marshall County had plenty of hits last season, tallying the second most runs in the First Region, but fell short in the regional tournament to Paducah Tilghman. Marshall has a good core of seniors in Ty Buchmeier, Riley Harris, Connor Johnson, Isiah Neeble, Tanner Renfrow, Dawson Smothers and Clay Sutton. Buchmeier posted a .315 with 30 runs last season, while Harris led all pitchers with a 1.38 ERA in eight starts. Harris fanned 62 batters across 873 throws. Marshall County’s schedule isn’t as aggressive as last season’s, but includes plenty of competitive teams, including Caldwell County, McCracken County, Tilghman and a slate of Missouri teams.

5 Ty Buchmeier 6Isiah Neeble | Marshall County

5Brady Ives | Marshall County

March 2020 • Page 17

Marshall County Lady Marshals District 4, Region 1

Coach: Mallory S. Newton

2019 Record: 27-14 Opening Day: March 16 at Calloway County, 5:30 p.m.

Defensively, it’s hard to find a First Region team capable of competing with the Lady Marshals. Marshall County was as strong in the diamond as it was at the fence last year, allowing the fewest runs during the regular season of any team in the region. Marshall graduated only two pieces of that puzzle, which featured a core group of sophomores as Marshall County advanced as far as the state tournament. In 2020, those juniors will look for a third 5Presley Jezik6Riley Piercefield 5Cayson Conner6Charley Pursley | Marshall consecutive postseason bid. Juniors Cayson Conner, Cayson Conner, McKenzie Elkins, Savannah Hairgrove, Presley Jezik, Gabbi Lovett, Layne Pea, Riley Piercefield, Sarah Stokes and Sarenna Tomassi will join lone senior Zoie Swoope as the team’s most experienced players. Jezik (.429), Conner (.388) and Pea (.361) led Marshall County’s bats last season, joined by sophomore Charley Pursley (.369). As a team, Marshall was 12th in hitting in the state with 384, and seventh in triples (22). On the mound, Lovett placed eighth in the state for pitching saves last season with four and eighth in total innings pitched.

Page 18 • March 2020

Murray Tigers District 4, Region 1 Coach: Sam Rushing

2019 Record: 13-19

5Damon Boyd | Murray

Opening Day: March 16 hosting St. Mary at 5 p.m.

Despite solid innings on the mound at times last season, the Tigers struggled to close the gap in tight games. Ten of the team’s 13 losses came by three or fewer runs. In half of those, the Tigers gave up three or fewer runs. Still, the Tigers didn’t have a problem getting on base, posting 193 hits. At the plate, Murray was led by returning juniors Kade Gibson who posted a .392 with 20 RBIs and Reese Wilson. Wilson averaged .261 at the plate and earned 15 RBIs. Seniors Bradley Dawson and Hunter Utley return as Murray’s possibly best options on the mound. Fellow senior Damon Boyd provides Murray with a big hitter, as well as flexibility throughout the infield. Experience and athleticism are the Tigers’ best assets.

5Hunter Utley | Murray

Murray Lady Tigers District 4, Region 1

Coach: Kimberly Pidcock

2019 Record: 11-17 Opening Day: March 16 at Carlisle County at 5:30 p.m.

Kimberly Pidcock takes the helm of the Lady Tigers for 2020 with a team that struggled to earn runs last season.

The Lady Tiger went 2-5 in the Fourth District, falling 6-5 to Calloway County in the first round of postseason play. Angela Gierhart and Livy Bogard lead a talented junior class as the Lady Tigers look for their first winning season since 2016.

3Livy Bogard | Murray

March 2020 • Page 19

Calloway County Lakers District 4, Region 1 Coach: Travis Turner

2019 Record: 11-20 Opening Day: March 16 hosting McCracken County at 5:30 p.m.

Calloway County started strong last season, posting an 8-3 record through the opening three weeks of the season. But an 0-14 skid through the middle of their schedule was a rough run for the Lakers. Still, Calloway kept it close in the district finale, falling 5-2 to champion Marshall County. Senior Ellis Stubblefield neared the 900 pitch mark last season, and will lead a group of young pitchers this season that includes sophomores Gage Bazzell, Matthew Ray and Will Duncan, along with freshman Cadwell Turner. If the Lakers look to improve their record, they will need some help at the plate. Sophomore Karsen Starks (.289 batting average) and junior Isaac Ward (.270) were among last season’s most consistent hitters.

Calloway County Lady Lakers District 4, Region 1 Coach: Kady A. Arant

2019 Record: 16-18 Opening Day: March 16 hosting Marshall County at 5:30 p.m.

Consistent hitting by Paige Kramer, Adison Hicks, Ellie Jackson and Jaelyn Phillips helped Calloway County stay in just about every game through their 2019 campaign. The four accounted for 77 of the teams 167 RBIs. Junior Kylie Stallings could also help lift the team’s bats after earning a pair of blasts over the fence last season. In home runs, she tied Kramer, who also had 10 doubles for Calloway.

5Colby White | Calloway County

Page 20 • March 2020

Christian Fellowship Eagles

Christian Fellowship Lady Eagles

Coach: Matt Fletcher

Coach: Trevor Jackson

2019 Record: 1-18

2019 Record: 13-17

Opening Day: March 16 at Ballard Memorial at 5:30 p.m.

Opening Day: March 16 at Ballard Memorial, 5:30 p.m.

Despite only picking up one win last season — 12-4 in their season opener against Fulton City — the Eagles saw wins in sight through several contests last season. They were also on the wrong end of a few blowouts last season. Andrew Allen and Andrew Zabawa return as the Eagles best hitters.

The Andrews combined for 27 of the team’s 61 runs, while senior Michael Bivin led the team in RBIs with 10. Pitching was the team’s biggest area of need, averaging a 13.07 among at the mound. Beau Wilson (7.82 ERA) and Andrew Allen (5.48 ERA) had solid innings for the Eagles.

Defensively, the Lady Eagles struggled to stay in games last season, giving up the most runs in the First Region (277). But offensively, the small school stood out, earning 226 runs. In all, CFS posted nine double digit wins and picked up respectable sweeps over St. Mary and Mayfield. Three of their top four hitters return for 2020: Jayden Jackson, Edie Little and Jaycie Jackson. Jaycie Jackson was also the team’s top pitcher last year, but the Lady Eagles had a major issue at depth there last year with the next three pitchers behind her averaging a 20.9 through 31 innings.

District 4, Region 1

District 4, Region 1

5Edie Little | Christian Fellowship Schools

March 2020 • Page 21

Livingston Central Cardinals District 5, Region 2

Coach: Jerrod Quertermous

2019 Record: 10-14 Opening Day: March 17 hosting Madisonville-North Hopkins at 5:45 p.m.

2019 was the first losing season for Livingston Central since 2015. The coming season could be rough for the Cardinals as they graduated their best pitched from last season (Cameron Head). Josh Wilson and Dakota Lamb were both solid options last season, averaging a 2.34 ERA across a combined 942 pitches, but Livingston’s numbers fell off steeply after the duo. Wilson and Carson Kitchens were two of the most consistent hitters returning for 2020, but as a team the Cardinals averaged just .243 at the plate.

5Tate Quertermous | Livingston Central

Livingston Central Lady Cardinals District 5, Region 2 Coach: Eric W. Wring

2019 Record: 14-11 Opening Day: March 17 hosting Christian Fellowship at 5:30 p.m.

The Lady Cardinals went 14-11 in spite of not winning a Fifth District contest. And their schedule didn’t include many easy games, sweeping St. Mary by a combined 21-6, besting Hopkinsville and beating Paducah Tilghman. If Livingston can overcome their Fifth District foible, they should fare even better in 2020 with last season’s best hitter (short stop Lauren Wring) returning, along with pitcher Sydney Lasher having another offseason under her belt to improve.

5Madeline Norton | Livingston Central

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Page 22 • March 2020

Crittenden County Rockets District 5, Region 2 Coach: Denis Hodge

2019 Record: 18-17 Opening Day: March 16 at Caldwell County at 5:30 p.m.

The Rockets struggled with both Lyon and Trigg counties last season, but finished with a solid winning record, posting wins over Caldwell County, Trinity (Whitesville) and Hopkins Central. Returning sophomore Maddox Carlson led the team in RBIs last year (25) and was a serviceable option on the mound, posting a 3.27 ERA across 25 innings.

Junior Caden McCalister posted the team’s highest batting average with a .423, driving in 22 runs. Fellow junior Ian Ellington led things on the mound with a 2.36 ERA in seven starts. The Rockets open the season again against Caldwell County with a slate of opponents nearly identical to last year’s.

5Jenna Potter 6Jada Hayes | Crittenden County

Crittenden County Lady Rockets District 5, Region 2

Coach: Stephen M. Smith

2019 Record: 16-14 Opening Day: March 16 hosting Hopkins County Central at 5:45 p.m.

Crittenden County’s 264 runs last season was good enough for third highest in the Second Region. The Lady Rockets were able to keep most of their losses close while putting up big numbers at the plate consistently, helping them to a 16-14 record. Primary pitcher Jenna Potter threw 101 strikes across 2,517 pitches, giving up just 214 hits. She also joined juniors Ashlyn Hicks and Mathia Long as three of the most consistent hitters. Senior Ellie Sith was also a force at the plate, finishing the season with a .380 and scoring the second most home runs with four.

Smith also had seven doubles.

March 2020 • Page 23

Trigg County Wildcats

Trigg County Lady Wildcats

Coach: Tyler Magan

Coach: Ashley L. Denfip

2019 Record: 14-15

2019 Record: 17-17

District 5, Region 2

District 5, Region 2

Opening Day: March 17 versus Fort Campbell at 5:30 p.m.

Opening Day: March 17 at Logan County at 5:45 p.m.

Trigg County went 2-5 in the Fifth District last year, but returns a talented infield that will change up depending on pitching duties. The cast includes seniors Hayden Cunningham, Colton Sumner, Colton Sumner and catcher Jude Hunter.

Butts returns as last season’s leading pitcher, having posted a 2.53 ERA in eight starts. Butts struck out 48 batters across 869 pitches. Butts was also one of last season’s best returning hitters, earning a .338 at the plate with 27 hits and 32 RBIs. Cunningham was second in RBIs with 23 as part of a .346 ERA. Cunningham will likely see time on the mound after six starts last season resulted in a 5.32 ERA.

Last season’s biggest strength for the Lady Wildcats is 2020’s biggest question mark.

Trigg County graduated pitcher Hannah Colbert, who led the state in innings pitched (247, 46 more than second place), compiling 231 strikes (12th best in the Commonwealth), and posting a 14th best 1.50 ERA. Of the top 25, Colbert was the only pitcher to play in more than 181 innings. Freshmen Kara Hyde and Emma West played a combined four and a half innings last season. Taking over playcalling this season, coach Ashley Denfip will need to find colbert’s replacement if she hopes to get back to the Fifth District championship game. Trigg also lost five of its top six hitters, so the Lady Wildcats will need to work on their batting order, too.

5Kinizah Grubbs | Trigg County

Page 24 • March 2020

Lyon County Lyons District 5, Region 1 Coach:Ricky Baker

2019 Record: 24-11 Opening Day: March 16 hosting Marshall County at 5 p.m.

Despite not having a senior on the roster, it would be hard not to pick Lyon County to repeat last season’s success, which included a trip to the All ‘A’ State tournament for the program’s first time, a program setting 22-win record and their first district title since 1997. The success included an 11-0 run with a two-run win over eventual Second Region champion Hopkinsville and defeating Caldwell County 10-9. Now in his second season at the helm, head coach Ricky Baker knows his roster, which is has plenty of years ahead of it. The Lyons graduated five from last year’s team, including several pitchers. The Lyons will likely overcome some of that loss with pure athleticism. Lyon County’s numbers on the mound weren’t great last season (posting a 4.31 ERA between eight pitchers) but the Lyons overcame it by creating plays and making good decisions. Lyon also excelled at moving runners last season without relying on big hits, resulting in 216 runs with only three home runs and a triple.

Sophomore Brody Williams returns as last season’s most consistent hitter, posting a .350 in 2019. Infielders Travis Yancy and Jackson Shoulders will also provide solid depth in the batting order. Yancy led the team with 10 RBIs last season, while Shoulders had seven. Three players (Shoulders, Williams and Gunnar Bingham) were named to the KHSBCA preseason watch list for good reason. Lyon will also roster eight middle schoolers as Baker looks to keep building on success.

5Brody Williams 6Gunnar Bingham | Lyon County

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March 2020 • Page 25

5Travis Yancy 6Aidan Rush | Lyon County

5Austin Long

| Lyon County

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Page 26 • March 2020

Lyon County Lady Lyons District 5, Region 1 Coach: Jason Collins

2019 Record: 26-13 Opening Day: March 16 at Union County at 5:30 p.m.

Expectations are high for the Lady Lyons in 2020 after going 9-1 and taking the Fifth District title last season, along with the Second Region All ‘A’ trophy, earning a bid in the state tournament. Lyon made their run with only two upperclassmen, then juniors Allye Culp and Nelli Walker. The duo returns for their senior campaign as part of a squad that was one the state’s top home run hitters early on. Lyon benefits from a few options on the mound, with Culp and junior Kaelyn Conger combining for 3,427 pitches, 205 strikes and combined ERA of 3.28.

Junior Tori Schenk also gave Lyon a nice change up, maintaining a 3.78 ERA through 16 innings. Conger’s two saves placed her in a 10-way tie for 16th in the state. The Lady Lyons were consistent defensively with Hadlie Butler, Calista Collins, Sydney Melton, Walker and Gracen Wynn keeping the bases clear. Conger also saw time in the infield, along with Kerstin and Kyra Craft. Near the fences, Schenk, Jaiden Capello, Rachel Coursey and Wynn gave head coach Jason Collins solid options. At the plate, Calista Collins was in the state’s top 25 in nearly every batting category. For the season she compiled 15 home runs, driving in 54 runs and earning a .566 batting average. Melton had eight more shots over the fence, finishing with a .432. A year older now, Lyon stands a good chance of building on their 2019 success with all the pieces still in place.

Bobby Cummins

5Rachel Coursey | Lyon 3Calista Collins 6Sydney Melton | Lyon

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March 2020 • Page 27

3Hallie Butler 5Allye Culp | Lyon 6Gracen Wynn | Lyon

It’s

FUTSAL

y’all

Shaking off the cold weather, Pumas Futbol Club held a futsal play day in Mayfield during February to keep area soccer players active and playing during winter months. The event brought competing teams from western Kentucky and the Nashville, Tennessee area.

Page 30 • March 2020

Coach Beth court named at Marshall Staff Report

Marshall County honored one of it’s most prolific coaches in February, renaming the court in Reed Conder Gymnasium after long-time head girls basketball coach Howard Beth.

Beth posted a record of 794-149, a record that still stands at the top of girls basketball coaches in Kentucky, and is one of only two coaches to have passed the 700 win mark He led the Lady Marshals to 23 District Championships, 10 Regional Championships, 19 appearances in the Sweet 16 and State Championships in 1982 and 1984. His 1984 team won 34 straight games, the last undefeated team to win a state title.

He was inducted into the KHSAA Hall of Fame in 1994, and was named to the Kentucky High School Basketball Coaches Association’s Court of Honor. He was inducted into the Marshall County Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.

“A lot of people get courts named after them but they aren’t Marshall County High School,” Beth said during a recognition on Feb. 11.

“It’s a great honor to have this court named after me.”

Marshall County School’s Superintendent Trent Lovett presented former coach Howard Beth with a plaque recognizing the naming the court in Reed Conder Gymnasium in his honor.

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THE BACK PAGE

By Jody Norwood | Editor

It’s baseball (and softball) season here in western Kentucky.

In honor of that, we’re dedicating this space to some of the most quotable quotes from one of the most quotable baseball movies: Major League.

Many of the following come from announcer Harry Doyle played by Bob Uecker, but there are a few other notables.

“This guy threw at his own son in a father son game.”

-Harry Doyle

“Heywood leads the league in most offensive categories, including nose hair. When this guy sneezes, he looks like a party favor.”

-Harry Doyle

“Alright, Vaughn. They tell us you’re a pitcher; you’re sure not much of a dresser. We wear caps and sleeves at this level.”

-Lou Brown

it?”

“It was out of my reach. What did you want me to do, dive for Roger Dorn

“In case you haven’t noticed, and judging by the attendance you haven’t, the Indians have managed to win a few ball games, and are threatening to climb out of the cellar.”

-Harry Doyle

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March 2020 • Page 31

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