1. Notre Dame

 

2. Conner

3. Ryle

4. Boone Co

 

5. Dixie

6. Newport Catholic

6. Highlands

8. St. Henry

 

9. Cooper

10. Newport

 

1 thru 4 are easy, the have the BEST pitching as usual.

 

ND get’s my top nod because of Haylee Smith and the fact that the Panda’s are senior laden, it’s hard to imagine anyone picking anyone else.

 

The 33rd District has been the benchmark for NKY softball since fastpitch in the area began. Conner, Ryle, & Boone all have excellent coaches, with top quality pitching and they play the fundamentals. In all honesty, flip a coin for 2 thru 4, could really be 2, 2, 2.

 

The best of the 34th (Dixie & St. Henry) & 36th (NewCath & Highlands) can likewise be “flip-flopped” in any order and you couldn’t go wrong. All four teams return the majority of last years starters, and the pitching is decent. I foresee these teams making some bigger noise in the next few years.

 

9 &10 lost the most of any 9th region teams due to last years graduation, but each return last seasons best player for their respective teams.

 

Other than ND, which will lose 8 seniors, the rest of these teams are very underclass HEAVY and all are starters, which definitely bodes well for them.

 

 

Notre Dame - Two words.....(Jr, P) Haylee Smith, enough said. The Cincinnati Enquirer P.O.Y. returns for her 5th season as a varsity starter (7th, 8th & 9th at Ryle) However, Head Coach Joe Stephenson and the Panda's do return 8 starters (?) from last years 9th Region title team. The only good news for 9th region teams, the Panda's lose 8 seniors after this season: ©Laura Finke, (OF)Emma Jacobs, (OF)Kelsey Michael, (OF)Maddie Rose, (P) Bridget Stewart, (OF)Amanda Meager,(IN)Hanna Sullivan & (1B)Maria Schaefer. So. Abby Jones is a solid returning starter.

 

Conner - The Cougars return another solid line-up for Head Coach Kristen Koors. Back her 5th year as the starting pitcher is Elizabeth Sims. Backing her up is a solid group in (OF)Sydney Himes, ©Alexia Snalbaker, (3B)Hannah Straley, (INF)Jenna Hicks, (INF)Paige Thompson & (OF)Brooke Maines. Other than Sims, the Cougars are Fr.& So.loaded. The Cougars lose 4 senior starters after this year (Thompson, Straley, Himes, & Maines).

 

Ryle - Just like ND & Conner when it comes to pitching, new Head Coach Craig Milburn has one of the best pitchers in the region, Sr. Ali Crupper. A nice core of Sr. starters return in (OF)Hannah Brumbach, (1B)Kelsey Hammes, (OF)Courtney Miller, & Katelyn Stephens. The Raiders have no Jr. on the roster so another team with young talent, including 8th grader (SS)Maclai Branson & So. © McKenzi Dickerson.

 

Boone Co. – Coach “P” is graced with one of the region’s best all around players in Sr. (P/SS) Dallis Knotts. The big question remains, “Does Sr. pitcher Jenna Johnson return after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury”? The Rebels only have two other seniors on the team, (OF)Maddie Graham & (INF) Kiersten Maines, but return starters in Jr. (INF)Haley Delaney, Fr. (INF)Ryley Grau, So. (INF)Sydney Foster, & 8th grader Olivia Jackson.

 

Dixie - Head Coach Roddy Stainforth returns only one senior, starting catcher, Brooke Garrett. However, he is blessed with a “load” of junior starters, (OF)Mikaylah Easterling, (2B)Megan Estenfelder, (P)Courtney Garrett, (OF)Haley Schulte, (OF) Kaitlyn Buechel, & All-Region 3rd basemen, Mary Beth Odom. Like most teams in the 9th region, underclassmen are the rule rather than the exception.

 

Newport Catholic – Head Coach Denny Barnes returns 9 starters from last years squad, of which only two are seniors. Back for her final season is 3 year varsity starter (P, INF, OF)Taylor Burkart and (OF)Molly Mertle. Please see the NewCath preview for more info. http://bluegrasspreps.com/ky-softball-high/2014-newport-central-268789.html

 

Highlands – 2nd year Head Coach Rob Coffey will be led by is only 3 seniors, Kendall Turner (1B), Ashley Grosser (CF) and KC Broering (LF). However, he does have 4 of the best sophomores in the area, Haley Coffey, Brennah Dutcher, Bailey Spencer, & the “masher” Shelby Graybill. Please see the Highlands preview for more info….http://bluegrasspreps.com/ky-softball-high/2014-highlands-bluebirds-269042.html

 

St. Henry – 2nd year Head Coach Freedom Fogt is coming off one hell of a rookie coaching season, however, the Cru will certainly miss the services of Coaches Association P.O.Y. Noelle Butts. As is the norm in NKY softball, the crew are underclass heavy, with only one senior on the roster, (OF)Emily Specht. Other returning starters include juniors (3B)Molly Dietz, & (P,SS)Jordan Kramer, and Soph’s, (1B)JoAnna Rebitski, (OF)Teresa Urban, & ©Gabby Stewart. Cameron Kreimer who transferred back to St.Henry (from Boone Co.) last year and had to sit out, could be a big boost for the Cru.

 

Cooper – Head Coach Michelle Isaac lost quite a bit from last year’s squad, but still as the services of one of the regions top 5 player’s in catcher Jessica Koors. The question is, does she have enough around her to make things happen in the tough 33rd district. One thing is for sure, Jessica will hold her own against the 9th.

 

Newport – Head Coach Scott Taylor returns one of the best athletes in NKY girl’s sports in junior Katlyn Hoeh. Besides being the Wildcats star pitcher the last 3 years, she plays basketball, and is a 2 time All-State bowler. Newport is no exception when it comes to underclassmen; the Wildcats have no seniors on the roster. However, they return a few 3 year starters: Jr. (3B)Emily Adkins, (INF)Madison Rice, & So. (INF/OF)Kylie Orr.

Damn as much as I make fun of you its hard to on this post...NICE!!

 

Maybe skinny can hire you to cover softball in NKY!!

As I've said previously, my daughter last played in 2008 so I haven't seen as much as I used to. GOOD NEWS! A girl who is like a daughter to me is now pitching for Conner so I'll be out and about more. 7th grader Olivia Henry has a chance (key word) to be a good one by her 9th grade year. She also has a chance to backup Biz. Works hard at her craft and treats it as a craft. Works with the Beechwood head coach (whose name I forget).

 

So I hope to see you guys around the ol' diamond this year.

As I've said previously, my daughter last played in 2008 so I haven't seen as much as I used to. GOOD NEWS! A girl who is like a daughter to me is now pitching for Conner so I'll be out and about more. 7th grader Olivia Henry has a chance (key word) to be a good one by her 9th grade year. She also has a chance to backup Biz. Works hard at her craft and treats it as a craft. Works with the Beechwood head coach (whose name I forget).

 

So I hope to see you guys around the ol' diamond this year.

 

Oliva is a great kid and will definately be a good one!

"Viva" plays on the NKY Stealers 12U team as well.

Oliva is a great kid and will definately be a good one!

"Viva" plays on the NKY Stealers 12U team as well.

 

Correct. Her dad is one of the coaches.

Well Said! I think the teams from that group of 5-8 will continue to gain ground on the TOP 4, and will turn some heads this year. The 9th region is going to be a great Tournament!

 

Although, I am going to have some fun prodding the girls at workouts with this part of the post:

 

5. Dixie

6. Newport Catholic

6. Highlands

8. St. Henry

 

Can't wait to tell them Dixie is ranked ahead of them after going 2-0 last year vs Dixie as well as going 2-1 vs Newport Catholic (Although NC won when the championship was on the line)! That should light a fire under their butts and give them a little extra motivation to work harder because those teams have passed them up! Although Coach Coffey does a good job keeping them focused a little extra motivation never hurts. I know at least 7 or 8 of them played competitively this summer and in the fall! I think you could hear a few new names getting some playing time this year there are some of the younger JV girls from last year that were working real hard at summer workouts twice a week all summer that have made some big strides and could be challenging for playing time or at least will provide depth. A couple 7th Graders from last years Freshmen team could also have coming out seasons the Gabbard Girl has been working as hard as anybody, and if the Barth girl plays they both challenge for a spot in the lineup immediately! These are the opinions of a Dear Ole Dad who is simply a bystander and by no means has anything to do with the decision making process!

Looking forward to opening up the new field at Winkler Park vs Newport Catholic! I will get the opening date! Maybe the JMU beer garden will be open by then. There is a nice spot in Center a short walk from the pool at Highland Country Club

Edited January 7, 201412 yr by Four King Crazy
Duplicate Post

Well Said! I think the teams from that group of 5-8 will continue to gain ground on the TOP 4, and will turn some heads this year. The 9th region is going to be a great Tournament!

 

Although, I am going to have some fun prodding the girls at workouts with this part of the post:

 

5. Dixie

6. Newport Catholic

6. Highlands

8. St. Henry

 

Can't wait to tell them Dixie is ranked ahead of them after going 2-0 last year vs Dixie as well as going 2-1 vs Newport Catholic (Although NC won when the championship was on the line)! That should light a fire under their butts and give them a little extra motivation to work harder because those teams have passed them up! Although Coach Coffey does a good job keeping them focused a little extra motivation never hurts. I know at least 7 or 8 of them played competitively this summer and in the fall! I think you could hear a few new names getting some playing time this year there are some of the younger JV girls from last year that were working real hard at summer workouts twice a week all summer that have made some big strides and could be challenging for playing time or at least will provide depth. A couple 7th Graders from last years Freshmen team could also have coming out seasons the Gabbard Girl has been working as hard as anybody, and if the Barth girl plays they both challenge for a spot in the lineup immediately! These are the opinions of a Dear Ole Dad who is simply a bystander and by no means has anything to do with the decision making process!

 

Coach Coffey has an easy job if a little Lawnboy BGP pre season top 10 lights a fire under them!

Looking forward to opening up the new field at Winkler Park vs Newport Catholic! I will get the opening date! Maybe the JMU beer garden will be open by then. There is a nice spot in Center a short walk from the pool at Highland Country Club

 

Will this be far enough away from home that the umps or Coach Coffey won't hear me yelling at them!

Well Said! I think the teams from that group of 5-8 will continue to gain ground on the TOP 4, and will turn some heads this year. The 9th region is going to be a great Tournament!

 

Although, I am going to have some fun prodding the girls at workouts with this part of the post:

 

5. Dixie

6. Newport Catholic

6. Highlands

8. St. Henry

 

Can't wait to tell them Dixie is ranked ahead of them after going 2-0 last year vs Dixie as well as going 2-1 vs Newport Catholic (Although NC won when the championship was on the line)! That should light a fire under their butts and give them a little extra motivation to work harder because those teams have passed them up! Although Coach Coffey does a good job keeping them focused a little extra motivation never hurts. I know at least 7 or 8 of them played competitively this summer and in the fall! I think you could hear a few new names getting some playing time this year there are some of the younger JV girls from last year that were working real hard at summer workouts twice a week all summer that have made some big strides and could be challenging for playing time or at least will provide depth. A couple 7th Graders from last years Freshmen team could also have coming out seasons the Gabbard Girl has been working as hard as anybody, and if the Barth girl plays they both challenge for a spot in the lineup immediately! These are the opinions of a Dear Ole Dad who is simply a bystander and by no means has anything to do with the decision making process!

 

I gave Dixie the 5 spot for one reason, Roddy and his staff does the best job with what they have and they always "get up" for the games that count.

Correct. Her dad is one of the coaches.

 

Yes, Alan is a great guy. My daughter plays with the Stealers.

Yes, Alan is a great guy. My daughter plays with the Stealers.

 

I've always wondered who you were. Now I have a decent idea. We've actually met.

As I've said previously, my daughter last played in 2008 so I haven't seen as much as I used to. GOOD NEWS! A girl who is like a daughter to me is now pitching for Conner so I'll be out and about more. 7th grader Olivia Henry has a chance (key word) to be a good one by her 9th grade year. She also has a chance to backup Biz. Works hard at her craft and treats it as a craft. Works with the Beechwood head coach (whose name I forget).

 

So I hope to see you guys around the ol' diamond this year.

 

Love hearing this, not that I am tired of hearing about the Smith's, Simm's, Knott's et all but seems like they have been around forever. I haven't heard of many young pitchers coming up besides Jackson from Boone.

Oliva is a great kid and will definately be a good one!

"Viva" plays on the NKY Stealers 12U team as well.

 

If she gets up to 65 mph let me know I have a spot on my team for her!!

 

There was an 8th grader from Ky (somewhere near WV) that was hitting 66 mph in Chicago this weekend. She has an offer from Ohio State aleady. She will recieve MANY MANY more over the next year if she plays it out.

Love hearing this, not that I am tired of hearing about the Smith's, Simm's, Knott's et all but seems like they have been around forever. I haven't heard of many young pitchers coming up besides Jackson from Boone.

 

Olivia Jackson is a really nice pitcher as you saw last year against Boone. I think she's one year older than Olivia Henry. Two nice young pitches.

 

The coach from Beechwood has been great at helping Olivia Henry.