wkysports February

Volume 2, Issue 1 • February 2019

Sparking healthy habits Page 13

Soccer moves indoors Page 32

Table of contents 2 To Be Recognizing Lyon County Page 2 High School’s Ashlyn Doom

By Jody Norwood WKS Editor Change — like bull riding — is best done in moderation.

On the other hand, every undertaking should be made with the ultimate effort, and steps in a new direction should be encouraged... even if off a cliff.

Or for those who like mixed metaphors: it’s good to go bull riding in a new direction... even if it’s off a cliff.

Which pretty much sums up the publication you’re reading.

For those who aren’t familiar with the mug shot at the top of the page, my name is Jody Norwood.

I started out in local news two decades ago, helping put together a sports section and covering stories in Lyon County. It’s been a bit of a journey since then, with stops in half a dozen western Kentucky counties covering everything from courts and crimes to faith and family.

But one of my favorite things to cover has always been sports.

Sports connect so many in a world disconnected by what they see on social media or on small screens.

Athletics teach teamwork and the value of a common goal at a time when youth are becoming more disengaged from the world around them.

More than that, media increasingly seems to focus on the negative. For me, I’d like to focus on the positive stories. Not necessarily stories about winning ­— scores speaks for themselves — but of the good things that come off the field. Such as the story on Valor Kids (page 3) where a Marshall County gym works to encourage healthy lifestyles. Or sprint car drivers at similar points on the track despite decades of age difference (page 13). Or celebrating student athletes continuing on (page 7).

So give it a read, and feel free to let us know what you like — or what you don’t — by emailing wkysports@gmail.com. Or, feel free to share your story ideas at the same address. We’re always looking for positive stories in our area.

And if you like what you read, the best way to see more of it is to take out a subscription through the Issuu app in your app store.

and Paducah Tilghman High School’s Lance Butler.

Valor Marshall County gym looks to Kids keep youth involved through Page 3 winter by offering variety of activities.

Student Multiple students from around Signings the area agreed throughout Page 7 winter to continue their respective athletic careers.

Determination Sprint car drivers from Lyon and Dedication and Caldwell counties take to Page 13 the road to race in Southern Illinois.

2018-2019 A look at the 2018-2019 Basketball basketball season so far Page 18 across the First through Fifth districts.

Indoor at Looking back at some of the Plex Paducah Sports Plex’s first Page 32 indoor soccer session of the winter season.

Regional Recognizing a golf sensation Sports Briefs from Central Elementary, the Page 33 NFHS Volleyball Coach of the Year and more.

Interested in submitting photos? Story to share? Advertising?

Email us at wkysports@gmail.com or phone 270-703-0307 West Kentucky Sports is a trademark of 25 Media.

All rights reserved. Reproduction of copyrighted materials is prohibited without expressed written consent.

February 2019 • Page 2

2To BE 1 2

Know a student athlete that deserves extra recognition? Let us know by emailing wkysports@gmail.com

Not every accomplishment comes on the court.These two competitors exemplify what it means to be student athletes.

Ashlyn Doom Lyon County The Lyon County High School junior has been a solid contributor to the Lady Lyons in recent years. In November, she was also recognized during the Educators Rising Conference at Murray State University. Doom placed first in resume writing and second in job interview. Seven schools took part in this year’s event, with 84 students competing in eight different categories.

She is the daughter of educators Jeff and Deanna Doom, both of Lyon County Schools.

Lance Butler Paducah Tilghman A four-year member of Paducah Tilghman’s Tornado football team, Lance Butler advanced as far as state finalist in the 2018 Wendy’s High School Heisman award.

A Governor’s Scholar, an AP Scholar and member of the National Honor Society, Lance is the son of Lori and Danny Butler.

Page 3 • February 2019

VALOR Benton gym keeps younger athletes active year-round

A nondescript building at the edge of Benton gets transformed regularly into a place of physical accomplishment and learning by local youth.

Healthcare advocates for years have watched growing ­— and possibly related — trends of increasing childhood obesity rates alongside shrinking opportunities for physical activity. Fewer healthy habits is a generational anchor pulling down a future where convenience and ease make products more marketable.

Owners and coaches at Valor Strength and Conditioning in Marshall County are working to put youth on the path for a healthier horizon.

Valor looks (and in most ways is) like many gyms scattered throughout western Kentucky. Visitors can spy machines and free weights from inside the front door, along with all manner of obstacles to climb, hurdle or swing from. Patrons are as diverse as one can imagine. Middle age men and women are deadlifting their weight (or more) right alongside retirees and college students.

And in the afternoons, the gym becomes something special.

Karson Johnson What that is depends on the distributes medals need.

During the fall it during Valor Fitness and was track practice, Conditionings first ever with elementary age children track season. Elementary age participants took part in the class last fall.

MONDAY Teen fitness (4th-8th grade) — 3:30 p.m.

TUESDAY Weightlifting (K-4th grade) — 5:30 p.m.

Dance (3-5 years of age) — 3:45 p.m.

(6-10 years of age) — 4:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Micro kids fitness (2-5 years of age) 4:30 p.m.

February 2019 • Page 4

KIDS

By Jody Norwood

setting the pace at sprints, or covering new ground in long jump.

As the weather turned colder, it’s becoming a place for soccer players looking to hone skills through the offseason. A few offerings — weightlifting, gymnastics and dance — are offered more regularly.

Owner Josh Hendrickson and youth coordinator Karson Johnson said the important thing is to offer children alternatives keeping them active and healthy.

“Every kid needs fitness in their life,” Johnson said. “Not every kid’s fitness is going to look the same. They all have different interests. We can’t expect their activities to be the same.”

Johnson is a Murray State University graduate with a degree in psychology. She’s taking steps to pursue a teaching career.

While she logs those hours during the day guiding elementary age students through a formal education, many of her afternoons are spent teaching the importance of physical fitness to children the same age.

The addition of a track team ­— as with many of the offerings at Valor — came from Johnson and Hendrickson attempting to fill a need.

“We don’t have track in the county for kindergarten through fifth,” Johnson said. “We try to fill in holes in the community where there aren’t other alternatives offered. We have people that play seasonal sports that just come in for the winter because they don’t have anything through the winter. It keeps them active for eight weeks or a semester.”

Continued on page 5

THURSDAY Valor kids fitness (1st-4th grade) 4:30 p.m.

Teen fitness (4th-8th grade) — 3:30 p.m.

Happy feet soccer (U6 and under) — 3:45-4:30 p.m.

Drills for skills (U8 and up) — 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY Defense-specific Soccer (U8 & up) 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Offense-specific Soccer (U8 & up) 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Valor Strength and Conditioning is located at 2649 Main Street in Benton.Visit their Facebook page for updates and future class offerings.

Page 5 • February 2019

(Continued from page 4) It also gives young athletes exposure to other activities outside of their primary interests.

Johnson works with Valor’s weightlifters (which includes power and Olympic lifting) and gymnastic students for kindergarten through fourth grade. Leiren Jackson teaches dance Tuesday nights. A 2014 graduate of Christian Fellowship, Jackson earned a bachelor of fine arts from Northern Kentucky University, studying singing, dancing and multiple forms of artistic expression.

Dance opportunities include tap, jazz and ballet.

Johnson said some of the gym’s offerings — like weightlifting — fit specific unanswered needs. Other programs, such as dance and track, have limited offerings in the county for students not yet in middle school.

February 2019 • Page 6

“We wanted there to be an option for parents that didn’t want to have to drive their kid to Mayfield or Paducah when their sport is in the offseason,” Johnson said.

Beginning in January, Marshall County High School soccer seniors Lindy King and Alli Chancellor began teaching classes.

Chancellor teaches ‘happy feet’ to U6 and younger players during hour long classes emphasizing foot skills.

King works on a split session from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Half the class focuses on general fitness, while the other half is on foot skills. On Fridays at 3:30 p.m., defense-specific skills are taught to U8 and up players.

Following training for defenders is offensive training from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

But the heart of Valor is still as iron as the free weights lining the racks.

And for youth

looking to test their individual limits, there is the gym’s weightlifting team.

The barbell team ranges from six to ten members depending on the season. Membership fluctuated some during the first year and a half since the team formed.

There’s also general fitness classes, too.

“The youngest kids’ class is called micro kids,” Johnson said. “We have the Valor kids fitness class. The older kids can learn how to start counting reps how to squat. It helps them learn how to do a circuit. We start working on a lot of body weight movements, like pushups or the dead hang.”

Younger students also do calisthenics and learn about body control. The activity transitions into hand stands and basic weightlifting for the Valor kids. Older fitness participants take part in workout circuits. But for all students, the emphasis is more on physical engagement and learning healthy habits.

The Centers for Disease Control recommend children participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Johnson said that becomes more difficult for children with reduced opportunities for physical education in schools.

To make it easier on parents, Hendrickson ­— a father to two young daughters himself — said classes are scheduled with families in mind.

“With our regular fitness classes, there’s a class at the same time [for youth] as adults,” Hendrickson said.

“We try to do that when we can. If you’re a parent and you’re bringing your kid here anyway, you’ve got the option to get a workout in as well.”

There are also opportunities for parents and youth to trade out times, with areas of the gym set aside for those not participating.

For more information on youth programs offered at Valor, phone Johnson at 270-205-1596.

Page 7 • February 2019

Caitlin Comerford Bethel University Senior at Lyon County Caitlin Comerford signed her letter of intent in December to take her racket to Bethel University. The Wildcats are set to open their 2019 tennis season hosting Lane College on Feb. 8 at home. This will mark the first year at the helm for coach Derrick Hubble (seated, left).

STUDENT SIGNINGS

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Chloe Murt UT Martin Senior at Marshall County Chloe Murt will join the University of Tennessee at Martin as part of the school’s equestrian program.

The daughter of Keith Murt Jr. and Heather Murt, Chloe has been an ASPCA finalist, USEF Hunt Seat Medal finalist and is a member of multiple jumper associations.

Brady Smith SouthEast Missouri State Senior at Mayfield Independent Brady Smith signed a letter of intent to continue his football career at Southeast Missouri State University. The 6foot, 3-inch senior scored touchdowns through the air and on the ground for the Cardinals this season, as well as earning two fumble recoveries and an interception on defense.

February 2019 • Page 8

Gracie Murt Murray State University Senior at Marshall County Gracey Murt will stay close to home while continuing her softball career. Murt has agreed to play for Murray State University. A multiple All District, All Region and All State recipient, Murt has been a key part of Marshall County’s postseason success in recent years. She was joined at the signing by coaches Mario Johnson, Cheyanne Ludovissie, Kara Hamby, Jordan Gilland, Mallory Newton, her mother Tiffany Murt and grandfather Keith Murt.

Hallie Riley University of Tampa Senior at Marshall County Hallie Riley has committed to the University of Tampa. The 2017 Region 1 Player of the Year was named to the KHSAA Golf All-State Second team twice. She is the daughter of Jill and Derek Riley.

Cameron Head Southeastern Illinois College Senior at Livingston Central Cameron Head has been one of the Second Region’s most consistent pitchers in recent years, helping the Cardinals to a Fifth District title in 2017. He’ll keep his talents close to home at Southeastern Illinois College. The Falcons are part of the Great Rivers Athletic Conference, a Division 1 member of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Page 9 • February 2019 Jaxon Allard Kentucky Wesleyan College Senior at McCracken County Jaxon Allard will continue his soccer career at Kentucky Wesleyan College.

Allard was second overall in scoring for the Mustangs in 2018, leading the team in assists (18). He scored McCracken County’s lone goal in a season-ending loss to First Region champs Calloway County on Oct. 16.

Raychel Mathis Murray State University Senior at Graves County Raychel Mathis, multi-sport athlete, committed to play soccer at Murray State University. Mathis led the state in assists for 2018 with 34. She helped the Lady Eagles to the No. 4 spot in state-wide scoring.

February 2019 • Page 10

Alli Chancellor Lindsey Wilson College Senior at Marshall County Alli Chancellor is expected to contribute close to home for Lindsey Wilson College. The senior led Marshall County’s defense, which allowed the fewest goals in the First Region (29).

Marshall swept both the district and regional titles in 2018.

Austin Rainey Georgetown College Senior at Mayfield Independent Austin Rainey helped Mayfield to one of its best soccer seasons in years, and the Cardinals’ first post season win since 2013 (coincidentally, both victories were 3-2 in penalty shootouts against Murray). Rainey scored twice during the contest.

Page 11 • February 2019

Sadie Fulcher Brescia University Senior at Mayfield Independent Sadie Fulcher helped Mayfield to a 1211 overall record in 2018 and 16-13 the previous season. It was the first time for consecutive winning seasons since the program began.

Husten Lancaster Murray State University Senior at Mayfield Independent Husten Lancaster was a freshman in 2015 when he became the KHSAA Region 1 golf champion, something he repeated his senior season. Lancaster’s father played for the Racers from 1992-96.

Bryce Ladd Brescia University Senior at Marshall County Bryce Ladd has been a four-year fixture for Marshall County’s track and field program. Now, he will take his talents to Brescia University. Ladd has competed at the state level twice, both times finishing in the top 10 in individual events.

Page 13 • February 2019

Determination over distance Two drivers find common ground on Illinois tracks

Kinship doesn’t keep track of age differences. Two western Kentucky racers found themselves going down the same road during successful sprint car seasons in 2018 despite different starting points, and building friendships along the way.

Sprint car racing may not be familiar to dirt track fans in western Kentucky where opportunities to compete are scarce. Competitors Brian Jones and Cale Goodwin each trekked more than 100 miles on a near weekly basis from late April until mid-October to compete.

The distance was just one of the hurdles each had to overcome, serving as their own pit crews and car builders.

Between them, they finished with 14 wins and a slew of top five finishes among three different divisions.

Jones, of Eddyville, raced both winged and nonwinged sprints. Goodwin — a student at Caldwell County Middle School — faced younger competition in junior sprints.

About three times the younger racers age, Jones said he sees a similar history in Goodwin.

“I started racing young, like [Cale], but once it gets in your blood it’s hard to get out,” Jones said.

Jones recommends younger racers work on their own equipment to better learn and understand what they’re doing.

Goodwin, 11, agreed, spending his free time with father Jason and mother Tami, who serve as both pit crew and supporters. Both parents have a racing background.

Tami said Cale’s grandfather Kent Goodwin also helps with competing.

“You get out of it what you put into it,” Jones said.

“The guys who make it look easy are putting on a lot of effort you don’t see.”

Jones and Goodwin competed on tracks in southern Illinois, in towns like Marion and Wayne City. Nearly every Saturday during racing season — which stretches from April through October depending on weather conditions — gets spent loading up cars, tools, extra parts, different tires and all the other gear needed to compete.

Cale Goodwin, 11, stands next to the sprint car that helped guide him to 11 dirt track wins this season, along with second overall in points standings at Southern Illinois Raceway in Marion. At right, Goodwin poses with Brian Jones, of Eddyville. Jones also competed in southern Illinois this year, finishing second overall in winged and non-winged sprints.

— Photos furnished

February 2019 • Page 14

Page 15 • February 2019 At left, Brian Jones, of Eddyville, returned to racing in recent years after a break from dirt track. He’s fared well in southern Illinois, finishing second in winged and non-winged sprints.

At right, the green line follows more than 100 miles along Interstate 24 and multiple highways between Princeton, Kentucky and Marion, Illinois. Below right, points standings listing both Jones and Cale Goodwin, Caldwell County middle schooler.

Goodwin said he started racing go-karts and ATVs. He progressed into racing Junior Sprints after watching his father.

“I thought maybe I should do it,” Goodwin said. “I tried it one time and from there I was like ‘let’s do it.’”

Goodwin has been racing in one form or another since before he was 4-years of age. This year marked his fifth year in a sprint car. Despite his young age, that makes him a veteran at some events. He hopes to move up to a 600 cc motor next season from the classrestricted 18-horse motor that allows him run between 60 and 65 miles per hour.

For Jones, returning to the track has taken a few years after a prolonged break. He raced more than a decade ago, but had to step away for a time to take part in real life. Being an adult — and accepting the responsibilities that come with it — are part of life. Now able to

fund his passion, Jones said racing is a part of that life, too.

He returned to racing in 2015. As he was getting back into the driver’s seat, Goodwin was settling into one. As two of the only Kentucky drivers competing in southern Illinois — and the proximity to each other — Jones and Goodwin got to know each other off the track.

Before making his current run in sprints, Jones also raced crate late models for a time.

“For those cars, you’ve got to have a big pit crew. But for me, it’s mostly just me and my wife,” Jones said. “It just wasn’t any fun doing that. [Sprint cars] are a lot more manageable with one or two people.”

Hoping to stay in racing, he traveled to Marion to check out Southern Illinois Raceway. He’s been a standout at the track since then, one of 80 to 100 racers competing on any given weekend. The

races consist of heats to determine order and competitors. When the field is set, racers compete for prize money and placement in points standings.

Both racers fared well this season.

Out of 20 races, Goodwin finished with 11 wins. Competing in a NASCAR-style playoff system at Marion, Goodwin finished second in overall points in the “Chase for the Chasis.”

He also had three second place finishes at Southern Illinois Raceway.

“At Wayne City they keep up with the points through the season,” Goodwin said. “At Marion, points are kept up, but then the Chase comes in the last five nights. They even it out and change the points. That sometimes can mess it up. I was leading in points, but then the Chase came up and I fell back because I didn’t make as many races.”

Some of the Chase nights were rained out, which made every date count.

get out of it what you put into it. The guys who make “Youit look easy are putting on a lot of effort you don’t see.

“

— Brian Jones, Eddyville

February 2019 • Page 16

Running both a winged and non-winged sprint car, Jones competed in 26 races.

“I ended up second in the championship in both classes,” Jones said. “This was the first year I had ran two cars.”

It was Jones’ first year racing non-wing sprints. In the non-wing, he finished with two wins, seven top three finishes. He was in the top five in 10 of the 12 races he competed in.

In his 14 winged sprint car races this season, Jones finished with one win and seven second places. He also had fie heat wins.

“The previous year I was the winged outlaw champion,” Jones said. “I think running the nonwinged took just a little bit away from my wing car. It was just a second place kind of year.”

The downforce created by the wing increases corner speeds, allowing the car to adhere to the track better. Jones said it results in a very different driving style despite the similarities in the chasis.

“The non-wing, you’re on the edge of outof-control the whole time,” Jones said. “It’s easy to crash and when there is something in front of you, you can’t stop or turn as quick as you can in a winged car.”

February 2019 • Page 18

FIRST FIVE Photos by Jody Norwood & Marley Norwood

The 2018-2019 basketball season has reached the midpoint. With about a third of games still to play, several teams have already established themselves with athletes setting individual milestones along the way. In McCracken County, the Mustangs started with an 11-0 run. The Region 1 powerhouse lost only one game to a Kentucky team (Graves County) through the first 16. Down the road in Lyon County, a seventh grader is making waves in the Fifth District. Girls teams throughout Regions 1 and 2 have swapped games throughout season, with Murray, Marshall and Calloway all having streaks of success. Here’s a look at Kentucky’s first five districts.

First District Fulton County • Fulton City • Carlisle County • Hickman County BOYS Reigning First District champions Fulton County (7-8 as of midseason) loaded their schedule with out-of-state competitors (six from Tennessee and two from Illinois). The main opposition to repeating a title run in 2019 is likely Carlisle County (11-8), which won their first meeting of the season Jan.11 with a 68-55 margin.

Trey Wilson (16), Reese Anderson (16), Trace Hook (15) and Blake Elder (11) all broke double digits in the contest.

When Carlisle needs to find a scorer, they’ve been able to.

The Comets have had a rotating cast of scorers this season, winning only one game with less than two in double digits. For Fulton, Caleb Kimble leads the team in scoring with 205 points across 15 games thanks to a dominating inside attack and fast reflexes. Fulton has been consistent in free throw shooting, with eight Pilots hitting 50 percent or better.

At 5-11, the future looks good for Hickman County, with two sophomores as leading scorers, Jackson Midyett (234) and Cameron Johnson (99). The 3-13 Fulton City Bulldogs are in a similar boat, led by juniors Cameron Madding (178) and Brennen Walker (122) and sophomore Amire Hobbs (123) GIRLS Carlisle County is 17-1. Six wins on a spotless district record. They’ve also swept Hickman County, the only other team in the First with a winning season. Mollie Henderson (244) and Landry Crider (315) are a dual threat. Crider has been consitent at a distance, hitting 41-of-94 3-pointers. She’s also been one of the most consistent free throw shooters in the First Region, sinking 52-of-63 attempts for 83 percent. Only Marshall County’s Presley Jezik (86 percent) has ranked higher, but on half as many attempts (25-of-29). With no seniors on the roster, Hickman County has been led by juniors Akacia Taylor (174) and Leigh Ann Jones (148), along with sophomores Kadey Wilkey (139) and Alexis Bartolo (113).

At left, Caleb Kimble puts in two points for Fulton County. At right, Mollie Henderson has been a force in the First District for Carlisle County.

District 2

Second District Community Christian Academy • Paducah Tilghman • McCracken County • St. Mary BOYS McCracken County started the season with 11 straight wins. By Jan. 14, the Mustangs were 15-2, with their only loss to an in-state opponent coming at the hands of Graves County. Jackson Sivills — McCracken’s 6-foot, 6-inch leading scorer — averaged 22.3 points per game during that stretch.

Balanced play and consistency from the free throw line have been a staple for the Mustangs. At the stripe, the Mustangs are shooting around 70 percent as a team.

McCracken County’s biggest obstacle will likely be cross town rival Paducah Tilghman. Tilghman came up two points short of the district title when the two teams met last year.

On Jan. 11, the Mustangs had a more sound victory, winning 59-42 at home. But the Tornado have shown versatility this season. They’re the only team in the district with four players — Rodriguez Thomas, Michael Laster, Avery Strayhorn and Tyrus White — averaging double digit points per game.

St. Mary can’t be counted out either, with solid scoring duo

At left, Ronnie Jones lifts off for McCracken County. At right, Michael Laster is averaging 12.6 points per game for Paducah Tilghman. Below, CCA’s Lilli Clinard defends the ball against CFS. Clinard leads CCA in rebounding with 116 through Jan. 15.

Page 21 • February 2019

Colin Doss (237 points) and Joey Eggemeyer (236).

Community Christian Academy topped Christian Fellowship in the opening round of the Class A Tournament 55-45, but fell to Mayfield Jan. 14, ending their run in the state small school tournament.

GIRLS McCracken County defeated Paducah Tilghman 79-38 in their first meeting this season.

Meagan Hayden led that effort with six treys en route to a 24-point performance, tying her single game record (so far) for the season. The 41-point deficit was the largest Paducah Tilghman had given up all season.

Juniors Tay Scott (156 points) and Marlee Morehead (154 points) have stepped up for the Mustangs on a young team. Hayden is the only returning senior this year after losing five to graduation.

Paducah Tilghman is even younger, but making the most of it. Scoring this year is lead by a pair of eighth graders, Destiny Thomas (307) and Diamond Gray (192). Thomas’ ability to control tempo on the court is impressive considering her age.

Alaya Murphy leads Community Christian in scoring with 237 points. Murphy is second in rebounding (114) behind Lilli Clinard (116). Keeping

At left, 8th grader Diamond Gray lays in two points for Paducah Tilghman. Below, Trinity Higgins has shown good handling skills for St. Mary this season.

with the theme of the district, the junior and sophomore have stepped up as leaders for a very young Lady Warrior team, which features four juniors, three sophomores, and two freshman.

St. Mary rounds out the competitive Second District.

Through Jan. 15, the Lady Vikings had tallied eight wins, two more than they did through all of their 2017-2018 campaign.

St. Mary, likewise, could be building for a bright future, as their four top stat leaders in nearly every category represent four different classes. Brianna Doran (senior), Chiara Doran (junior), Lillian Brown (sophomore) and Trinity Higgins (freshman) consistently top the Lady Viking stat sheets. All four have broken into triple digit scoring.

At right, Noah Dumas drives into the key for McCracken County against Ft. Campbell.

February 2019 • Page 22

Third District Graves County • Mayfield Independent • Ballard Memorial BOYS Graves County has owned the Third District title since 2013. The march to a seventh consecutive title started strong for head coach Josh Frick, going 11-1 through Dec. 28.

The Eagles only bump in the road came at the hands of Briarcrest Christian from Tennessee.

Mayfield — with eight seniors and a 69-64 win over the Eagles during their first meeting — will try to claim their first title since 2007. This could be their year with solid play coming from both their starters and their bench. Averaging in the double digits in points per game scoring are Connor Guthrie (15.6), Desean Jones (14) and Carson Guthrie (13.6). They’ve all broken triple digit scoring for the season, along with Kent Trey Matthews (140) and Kade Neely (132).

Connor Guthrie is hitting 45 percent outside the arc, a rate that puts him in the top six state-wide of 3-point shots made.

The Guthrie brothers lead a varied Cardinal attack. Through Jan. 15, Mayfield had scored a team total 1,321 points. The tally was 156 points higher than the next closest team, which — maybe fittingly — was Graves County (1,165 points).

The bulk of Graves County’s scoring, meanwhile, has been shared by Ryan Mathis (292), Jordyn Naranjo (271) and Jacob Savage (262).

Both the Eagles and Cardinals are shooting just under 60 percent from the free throw line.

Ballard Memorial rounds out the district. The Bombers were 2-12 heading into the final four weeks of regular play. They

started the season strong, picking up a 76-55 win over Fulton City and 48-45 win over Christian Fellowship.

The Bombers defense has been respectable this season, with six players earning more than 20 rebounds. Drew Cox (65) and Brady Parrott (63) pulled in the bulk of Ballard Memorial’s 332 boards.

GIRLS Mayfield shook off an early season skid after falling in close contests to McCracken County, Carlisle County and Calloway County (along with a not-so-close lose to Murray). Since then, the Lady Cardinals are 6-2, thanks, in part, to an offensive approach that opens up contribution based on situation. Through that eight-game run, five different Lady Cardinals have led in scoring: Lyndsey Looper, Hayley Sullivan, Madison Felts, Kyler Henson and Mya Thomas.

At 11-6 at midseason, Mayfield is on the heels of Graves County (13-6), which also stumbled early. The Lady Eagles went 3-4 to start the season, but hit a 9-1 streak by looking for opponents in the Second Region. Head coach Aaron Beth has kept the team aggressive, pressing the attack through the second half as five Lady Eagles have built up triple digit season scores: Sophie Galloway (223), Raychel Mathis (207), Taylor Carrico (164), Bailey Wilson (122) and Callie Jackson (114). Jackson, Mathis and Taylor are all shooting better than 74 percent from the free throw line. Galloway has been aggressive since the holiday break, leading the team in blocks as well as scoring.

Ballard Memorial (4-14) has been competitive with small schools, earning wins over CCA, CFS and St. Mary. The Lady Bombers won their opening game of the Class A tournament, but fell to Mayfield 45-17.

At left, sophomore Sophie Galloway defends a rebound against Caldwell County. Galloway is one of the First Regions top rebounders, pulling in 143 through 18 games. Galloway is also a leading scorer in the region with 223 points. She’s joined in leading the Lady Eagles by Raychel Mathis (above right), who has notched 207 points for Graves County, including 26 3-pointers. At right, Lyndsey Looper works the perimeter for Mayfield during a 55-17 win over St. Mary as part of a 4-0 run to start the season.

February 2019 • Page 24

Fourth District Calloway County • Christian Fellowship • Marshall County • Murray Independent BOYS Marshall County’s 8-10 record heading into the final 13 games may be slightly deceiving. The Marshals have dealt with the distraction of a teammate contesting Kentucky High School Athletics Association restriction, an aggressive schedule and constant media spotlight. But of the 10 losses, seven have been by less than an 8-point deficit. Three have been by five points or less.

The Marshals have counted on the aggressiveness of Bryce Flatt and Jay Nimmo to generate scoring opportunities for leading scorers Jonathan Stokes (306 points) and Tyler Powell (248 points).

Head coach Terry Birdsong is fortunate to have three players with 25 or more free throw attempts averaging 80 percent or better: Nimmo (19-of-30), Austin Riley (20-of25) and Powell (49-of-60).

Murray has challenged itself early in the season, opening on the road at University Heights Academy and Region Seven’s Male, but the Tigers showed strong defense when necessary. At UHA, the Tigers held Dekeyvan “KyKy” Tandy to 22 points, one of only four times the Xavier recruit has scored as many or less this season. That bulwark has been formed by limited turnovers thanks to excellent handling by RaVicheal Strickland, Charvelle McCallister and Will Lovins. Murray has been led in scoring by Strickland (214) and Hunter Utley (207). They won at Marshall (64-49) early in the season, but fell to rival Calloway County 50-47 at home Jan. 10.

The Lakers will complete the three-way race for the district title with a strong trio of scoring threats in Chandler Steele (259 points), Cade Butler (222 points) and

Above left, senior Kameron Mohler flies through Marshall County’s defense on his way to a bucket Dec. 11 in Murray’s 64-49 win. Mohler notched eight of his 50 points this season against Marshall County. At left, Parker Greer reaches out for a rebound against Marshall County while Callie Carver (11) moves in to assist.

Parker and Carver tied for seven rebounds apiece during the 47-35 win.

Above, Marshall County’s Tera Colson works the perimeter at Reed Conder Gymnasium. At right, junior Chandler Steele puts up a basket against Livingston Central Dec. 27.

Kade Mize (207 points). Of the three, Calloway may have the biggest struggle scoring on the perimeter, hitting 31 percent of 3-pointers taken, down from Marshall County’s 37 percent and Murray’s 38 percent.

GIRLS In his first season at the helm, Wyatt Foust made sure Murray lived up to the expectations set under long-time coach Rechelle Turner, picking up the Lady Tigers’ second small school state championship in three years.

This year, Murray marched to 15-2

by Jan. 15, losing only to Eastern and Muhlenberg County. Murray’s scoring is varied behind the talents of Elizabeth Curtis (267), Calli Carver (217), Angela Gierhart (132), Parker Greer (130) and MaKenzie Turley (121). But their

true strength is a defense that’s given up just 578 points. In the First Region, Hickman County (9-5) allowed fewer points, but the Lady Falcons sample size is across four fewer games and against far fewer opponents with winning records.

By mid-January, Curtis had tallied 85-3point baskets, more than any otrher female athlete in Kentucky.

Marshall County — with six players in triple digit scoring for the season (Halle Langhi, Cayson Conner, Lorin Powell, Layne Pea, Presley Jezik and Tera Colson) — have a slight edge in free throw percentages over the Lady Tigers and a solid defense of their own.

Under first year head coach and former pro player Dan Langhi, the Lady Marshals started the season 12-2 with seven of those wins coming against

out-of-state teams. The only loss to an in-state opponent came Dec. 11 at home against the Lady Tigers 47-35.

On Jan. 4, Marshall had its third loss, this time to fellow district foe Calloway County 46-45.

The Lady Lakers took part in the inaugural Kentucky 2A Championships this season, a midsized tournament for schools larger than the All A’s 1,000 student limit.

Calloway fell in the semifinals to Glasgow. Calloway has the First Region’s leading scorer in Charlee Settle, who has amassed 444 points through 19 games.

Calloway and Marshall both will have to get through Murray’s defense, ranked first in the state in average points allowed per game through Jan. 20.

At left, Bryce Stein drives to the basket for two points against Calloway County in a 58-51 overtime loss.

Stein had 15 for Livingston Central that game and has tallied 234 points overall.

Below, Kenttaiva Matthews assists fellow Lady Lyon Callista Collins in fending off Carlisle County’s Landry Crider during the tournament.

Below right, Ella Defew lines up a shot during the first ever Lady Warrior Shootout at Community Christian Academy.

February 2019 • Page 28 Fifth District Crittenden County • Livingston Central • Lyon County • Crittenden County BOYS For the first time ever, head The Cardinals are also 3-1 against district in big games. coach Jeff Embrey gambled by starting a opponent, getting within eight points of Doom’s Lady Lyons are 7-9 overall, seventh grader on his Lyon County squad. Lyon County Dec. 4. with five of those losses by six points or It paid off.

The Lyons are 5-0 against district fewer. Three — including their opening Through the first 18 games, middle opponents. round loss in the Class A Tournament to schooler Travis Perry has amassed 369 Dawson Springs 29-27 — were within points. He’s nailed 42 from outside the GIRLS The Fifth District appears three points. arc and shot 111-of-141 from the stripe, to be an open race heading into the Senior Allison Murphy leads the helping Lyon to stand out as the fourth postseason. Crittenden, Lyon and Trigg team with 199 points. Murphy earned her most potent offense in the Second Region, counties have all swapped wins through 1,000th rebound in January, having pulled behind University Heights Academy the season. Only Livingston Central is still in 177 so far this season. Sophomore with Mr. Basketball candidate Dekeyvan looking for a win in the Fifth. Their lone Kenttavia Matthews has established herself “KyKy” Tandy and his 26 points per game victory this season came Jan. 14 over Fort as one of the district’s best ball handlers, average.

Campbell. In eight of their 16 losses, the opening up the team’s offense. Eighth Jackson Shoulders (253), Kade Lady Cardinals scored 26 or fewer points. grader Cathryn Brown has shown a solid Blackburn (148), Gabe Defew (123) and Crittenden County — led by Taylor understanding of the game despite her Gabe Board (120) have also helped build Guess (149), Nahla Woodward (139) and age. She leads the team in 3-pointers made a 12-6 record.

Shelby Summers (133) — appears to have (11).

Trigg County (6-12) and Crittenden a slight edge after sweeping Lyon County At 8-10, Trigg County has relied County (5-11) are having down years, in both regular season meetings. The Lady heavily on Rylee Bush (169 points and but Livingston Central is still in the hunt Rockets won by less than four points in 118 rebounds). The Lady Wildcats have for a district title. The Cardinals are 9-8 each contest, so it’s a little early to rule out fared better in their district, sweeping behind tandem Kobe T-Roy Ringstaff crafty veteran head coach Jeff Doom, who Crittenden and Livingston, but falling to (250 points) and Bryce Stein (234 points). typically inspires his Lady Lyons to turn up the Lady Lyons.

INDOOR at the PLEX The first session of indoor soccer wrapped up in early January at the Sports Plex in Paducah. Among notable teams this session were the Pumas 08 Black (at left in black) which won the U12 division by going undefeated in the seven-team division and Pumas 09 (at left in red), winning their four-team division by going 6-0. Pumas 09 team outscored opponents 42-10. — Photos by Jody Norwood

February 2019 • Page 32

KHSAA looking for 2019 Ag Athlete of the year Scholarship application open until Jan. 22

Kentucky senior student-athletes with ties to agriculture may apply for one of six scholarships and the honor of being recognized as a 2019 Kentucky Ag Athlete of the Year.

The program is a partnership of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA).

“Students who participate in athletics and work in agriculture must juggle work, sports, and studies to achieve their goals,” Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said. “This program is a way we can recognize their hard work and sacrifice while helping them continue their education.”

“Our office is always looking for more ways to honor and recognize

the hard work of student-athletes, and we are certainly appreciative of the Department of Agriculture for its sponsorship of this program,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “We realize agriculture students have a lot of responsibilities to balance, and we are thrilled to be able to highlight them for their accomplishments.”

To qualify, student-athletes must be involved in agriculture and must plan to attend a college or university following graduation.

Two student-athletes — one male and one female — will be named Outstanding Kentucky Ag Athletes of the Year and will be awarded $2,000 scholarships.

Four student-athletes — two male and two female — will be awarded

$1,000 scholarships as Kentucky Ag Athletes of the Year. Winners will be announced at the 2019 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen basketball tournament in March at Rupp Arena in Lexington.

The scholarships are payable to an institution of higher learning.

Funding for the scholarships comes from the KDA’s “Ag Tag” program, which is funded by voluntary donations from Kentucky motorists when they buy or renew their farm vehicle license plates. No state taxpayer dollars will be used to fund the scholarship awards.

Student-athletes must apply online by Jan. 22. To apply, go to https://khsaa.org/ge83-agricultureathlete-of-the-year-scholarshipapplication/

Western Kentucky Sports Rundown

Page 33 • February 2019

Whitis named volleyball Coach of the Year Mustangs volleyball coach Tim Whitis was named the National Federation of High School Sports (NFHS) Kentucky Volleyball Coach of the Year for 2018 in November.

Beth tops tournament field Marshall County fifth grader Trinity Beth won the 12-13 year old girls division at the IMG Junior Golf Tour Honda Classic held January 4 and 5. The event was held at the PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Beth finished 8-over par (152), tied for the lead with Addison Klonowski. Beth defeated Klonowski in a playoff for the win, topping the 21-player field. In third place was Valeria Ramierz of Columbia. The two-day tournament also brought in golfers from Canada, Ireland and Spain.

MCSA light up the night at annual Dickens Festival Marshall County Soccer Association volunteers took part in Benton’s annual Dickens Christmas celebration in December

by decorating a float. Volunteers included current high school players, parents, coaches and other volunteers.