15th Region, Pikeville and Shelby Valley...

 

Either could win depending on how Natalie Gooch does for Pikeville and Courtney Bentley does for Shelby Valley....

 

Good choices, but remember it takes more than pitching to win. Also, do not leave out East Ridge, Belfry, and Johnson Central...they will be much improved.

In the 12th Region look for Pulaski County, Southern, Casey County AND Rockcastle County to battle it out for region supremecy. I'm not sure which teams will have the best years cause I don't know what the first three have coming back but I look for all four teams to have some knock down drag out fights ths year.

 

Now that North and South Laurel are in the 13th, I think this region is wide open. They were the teams to beat every year and may be the same way in the 13th in 2006.

Now that North and South Laurel are in the 13th, I think this region is wide open. They were the teams to beat every year and may be the same way in the 13th in 2006.

 

I see it as:

1. Rockcastle/Southwestern

 

3-6

Danville, PC, Casey, Garrard

 

After that, maybe Lincoln and Boyle. I don't know about W. and E. Jessamine - what kind of programs do they have?

 

In the 13th, despite significant graduation losses, I figure North Laurel and South Laurel to be tops in the region, with Middlesboro, Corbin, Whitley Co. and maybe Williamsburg and Bell Co. after that.

 

Both South and North have their top pitchers back in Alsip and Sears. Kayla Baker is not playing this season. Her father had fallen on ill health a few months back, causing her to sit out basketball -- I suspect this is why she also is doing so in softball.

 

Both will be solid on defense, but hitting might be a bit behind the pitching/defense. Many newcomers in key spots, but they are system players and fundamentally sound.

If Rockcastle County can find the pitching then they'll be dangerous. They've got almost everyone back from last year's team. If I'm not mistaken, the only senior they had last year was the pitcher who is now at Lindsey Wilson College.

I would think estill in the 14th

Shelby Valley is doing a good job so far this season

In the 14th, it should be Hazard, Estill Co., and Letcher Central with some competition with Leslie Co., Breathitt, Lee and Powell.

In the 9th, you have to go with Ryle for one reason: Kirsten Allen.

 

The one question is can they score against top notch competition? If not, Kirsten is going to have to pitch a shutout.

In the 10th I'd say it will be a close matchup between Mason Co. and Bracken Co.

It usually comes down to these 2 teams in the finals.

 

When was the last time these 2 were in the finals? Estill Co. won the 10th last year and they are in the 14th now. Clark and Montgomery are usually in the mix as well. Throw in Nicholas and Bourbon also

Mason and Bracken were both in the semi's last year and Mason gave Montgomery a good first 5 innings, and let it go the last 2. But I was talking about districts, sorry. But I wouldn't count them out at all.

Mason has all but 1 returning to their squad.

Montgonery Co. beat Bracken 03/29/06 at bracken in 5 innings. Who has Mason Co. beat in the 10 region so far this year?

In the 9th, you have to go with Ryle for one reason: Kirsten Allen.

 

The one question is can they score against top notch competition? If not, Kirsten is going to have to pitch a shutout.

She's quite capable, and quite good. But their difficulties scoring caught up with them in the later rounds of the state tourney. I hope I get a chance to see her again this year.

Montgonery Co. beat Bracken 03/29/06 at bracken in 5 innings. Who has Mason Co. beat in the 10 region so far this year?

 

Mason has only played 1 game so far. They won over St. Patrick

16th Region is between Russell and Boyd County. It has been for the last 5 years, but Russell has won the region each of those 5 years. Boyd just can't get over that hump.

Mason also played a close game against Nicholas Co. who is also very strong in the region, and also beat Bracken. They got the bats going late was the only problem and fell 11-6, but it was a well-played game. So I wouldn't count anyone out in the 10th region.