What do you all think? Last years top teams were Shelby Valley, East Ridge, Pikeville, etc. Will they be back at the top this coming season?

Belfry will challenge out of the 60th, as will Johnson Central and Paintsville from way up north.

Tom, how do you feel Magoffin Counties chances are this season?

Magoffin won't be a threat unless its pitching improves to the Pikeville/Shelby Valley/Johnson Central/East Ridge/Belfry level.

Pitching is the key. Pikeville has Gooch...East Ridge has Yates...and SV has Cortney Bentley. Gooch and Bentley played in the East/West Junior All-Star games this summer. Neither gave up a run while on the mound. Bentley was named Sectional player of the Year (13-16 Regions) and she is one of the all-time winningest pitchers in the state of Kentucky. If I am not mistaken, by seasons end she should be the winningest pitcher in the history of the sport. All three of these girls are backed by fundamentally strong defenses and good hitting. Once again, the regional champion will come from the 59th district providing everyone stays healthy.

Magoffin won't be a threat unless its pitching improves to the Pikeville/Shelby Valley/Johnson Central/East Ridge/Belfry level.

 

I don't see how you can say that Johnson Central has a strong pitcher. Their hitting and fielding got them to the region last year, not their pitching.

I don't see how you can say that Johnson Central has a strong pitcher. Their hitting and fielding got them to the region last year, not their pitching.

 

Agreed. The Eagles played solid defense most of the year.

 

Brianne Daniels has been Central's only dominant pitcher. Surprising to some, she hasn't pitched in college. From info I've had, her motion was considered illegal at that level.

I am expecting great things from junior, Emily LeMaster this coming year for Paintsville. Paintsville has quite a few "underclasswomen" who will show marked improvement and help out the Tigers! I look forward to watching them this season! As for the jc girls, defense wins ballgames, so don't count them out. What does Lawrence County have this year?