wilyums

With this rule being put in place, I'm just wondering what everyone thinks. I've had a chance to talk with a lot of coaches/A.D's, and not many seem to favor it. What are your thoughts and/or opinion?

I also like Total Control Whiffles. They are heavier than regular whiffles and more durable. I've used regular whiffle balls also. I think they are great for hand-eye drills. I just like the heavier rubber to give a little better feedback and feel to the hitter. The great thing is there is no right or wrong. I have used so many different things(gimmicks) when I was a younger coach. I've always been don't knock it till you try it. I've wasted a lot of money through the years. LOL

I don't use the whiffle balls anymore. I switched and went to the Total Control Balls or sand balls. I really like the way they teach the hitter to drive through the ball and give instant feedback. These balls can be pitched, soft tossed, or used on a tee. I don't want to sound like whiffles are a bad thing they have been a go to for years. I've just been able to teach more with the heavy ball.

I haven't coached there for a while but I don't think you county Lyon is dead in the All A. Caldwell Co. is a really good young team but so is Lyon Co. Bingham will be a senior this year. Last year Caldwell Co. got Lyon in the regional All A. Lyon Co. came back the next time they played and made a statement that they weren't dead. Lyon Co. also beat the All A regional champ in the district championship game. With new coach Jason Collins I think you are going to see a good hitting Lyon County team. Coaches Monty Todd and Donnie Williams didn't leave a weak team. I do think you are right the 2nd region is loaded this year. I predict Christian Co. is going to state from the 2nd this year. All of their young talent is finally growing up. I think the surprise team this year( and I don't think it's a surprise really) could be Webster Co. Don't county out Henderson Co. I don't know if they are quite ready, but schools of that size always find different players to step up. I agree with you on the 1st region I think McCracken Co. just reloads each year. But Marshall Co is getting better each year. Scott Tucker will have plenty of talent at Graves Co. I can't wait to see how he does with extra players to use. Also a quick question to Region1 Dad... Do you think the Mustangs finally lose a region game this year?

Georgetown made her great a great offer to get her education while playing for them.

Four players to watch down at Lyon County. First Sophie Bingham, a pitcher who throws in the low sixties and hits some at leadoff but usually in the 2 hole. But most of you guys have heard of her. The kids I would like to introduce are 1 Callista Collins, 2 Sydney Melton, and last but not least Kaelyn Conger. Collins is aplayer everyone wants on their team. She hit over .450 as an 8th grader. She can play anywhere except pitch and has for us. Callista played in the summer for The Sluggers the kid can rake with power. Sydney Melton was an 8th grade catcher for us last year. Sydney has a cannon attached to her shoulder and can also play anywhere in the field. She looks to only get better as she ages. Melton also brings her bat each night. I believe she hit 4 "Dongs" last year and is only getting better. You guys have to see this swing it isn't always the prettiest but it is always a controlled violent swing. Sydney played for the Rage during the summer until she aged up and moved to the St Louis Khaos. Sydney hit 12 or so homers during travel this year@ 14U. Last is Conger or as we call her Kongo. This is a pitcher work in progress and over the last year she has progressed. Kongo started the year hot with the bat and cooled a little as the season went on. That didn't make her a cheap out though. I think she hit two hr's as an 8th grader. This young lady is starting to come into her own as a pitcher. Her fastball is mid to high 50's with a nice little change. Her out pitch is a knee-lock curve that is only getting better. Watch these three I think your only going to hear good things about them. One other player at Lyon to kind of keep a watch on is pitcher Allie Culp. From watching and hearing she had a great summer pitching and is a super coachable kid. Culp isn't going to blow hitters away with speed, but can hit spots and dance the ball around with movement. I will try to get back on tomorrow after work and give you guys a run down on a few others in Western KY.

My daughter didn't wear a mask for years. She took a line drive off the hand. I ask her why she didn't use her glove to field it, she said she had no choice it was on her before she could get her other hand up. The worst come back she caught off her shin. I thought it was broken at first but she finished her game. After that game we had a long discussion about a mask as a protective measure. She was against it because, she told me her friends in college told her it was frowned upon. She eventually went to a mask and finished her playing days with it. It became a part of her uniform and equipment. I'm glad the KHSAA has taken it out of the players, parents, and coaches hands. For younger players I think it helps build confidence in the field. I don't think everyone but the corners and pitchers need them. BUT... if a SS or 2nd base wants them I'm all for what makes them happy. Again to the KHSAA, good job I think you got one right this time.

I hadn't heard Coach Holloway resigned, any insight?

Shoot I'd be willing to travel all the way to Pikeville!

I'd be ok coming to New Cath or anywhere in the state!

I'll go with any of these ideas. As long as they classify. It's time, it's fair, and it could be a money maker. KHSAA needs to wake up. They can also keep a big tournament by taking the winners and following the class tournaments with a big state tournament. God they would be rolling in money. Not gonna happen, but a guy can dream.

Also Woodford had a pretty good pitcher already. Maybe not as good as Fouts, but pretty dang good.

Maybe they weren't but they battled with her all weekend. They got some key hits at times and some lucky breaks. They were better than I thought all year.

Congrats to Coach Shannon Peyton and the young ladies he coached. These girls have been a force in the second region. This group of girls were on a mission to prove that they didn't miss their chance last year. I know the work they put in during the off season and am so happy for this group. Four of them are leaving this year and we expect great things from them. Well deserved to the players, the coaches, and the community. I won't say I'm glad they are graduating because this is what teams want to be like and other teams want to compete against. These girls have always been respectful and always played the game the right way.

This girl has made a believer out of me. (I already knew she was a stud) Just a quick link to an article on MSN today. Whether we agree or disagree about the schedule they played, East Carter showed they belonged in the state tournament. Been a great tourney so far. Here is the link ALL-USA Watch: Alabama commit Montana Fouts throws whopping 451 pitches in day

Tow hits another tonight.

Their lineup makes it hard to pitch around anyone. Really good hitters 1-9. But Tow does lead off. lol

All three of those middle schools have become feeder programs. Even with there pitching down a little this year, they still just reloaded. I don't know how far they go, but I'm pretty sure they get past their region.

Thanks LB. I was in a spot I couldn't look them up.

Isn't that the truth. Lol McCracken County has never lost to a first region opponent.

Madisonville North seniors Kaylee Tow and Mallory Peyton, are both coming close to a state record. Tow has 19 HR's and Peyton has 18 to her credit. I believe the state record is 20. I know they should be close also on all-time HR's for a career. I'll try to check and update you guys.

Here is the 1st region draw starting 5/29. This tournament will be played @ McCracken County High School. @ 10AM Ballard Memorial* vs. Paducah Tilghman @12noon Calloway County* vs. Hickman County @2PM McCracken County* vs. Marshall County @4PM Carlisle County* vs. Graves County The * shows the district winners. The second round will be played on the 30th @ 5PM and 7PM. Good Luck to all.

Congrats to all who made the teams. A quick shout out to Sophie Bingham. I believe she may be the first representative ever from Lyon County.

Last night lots of district action here in Western Ky. Let's start with the 1st District Carlisle County over Fulton City 21-0 Hickman County beats Fulton County 11-1 2nd District: Paducah Tilghman over St Mary 15-0 3rd district: Graves County beats Mayfield 19-0 4th District: Calloway County over Murray 5-4 6th District: Union County beats Henderson County 9-1 7th District: Caldwell County over Hopkins Central 10-6 Madisonville North beats Dawson Springs 10-0 8th District: Christian County beats Fort Campbell 15-0 University Heights over Hopkinsville 11-6 9th District: Davies County over Owensboro17--1 10th District: Ohio County beats Mclean County 6-1 There it is from the far western end of the state. Hope everyone that survived the first night plays well the second night. Also if you guys don't mind. If you would please say a quick prayer or a nice thought for a good kid today. Last night we had one of our Lyon County baseball players hurt. While chasing down a long fly-ball in center Jake Klueppel broke his leg. It was a freak accident that just happened. As he went to park under the ball at the warning track his cleat stuck and his leg collapsed breaking the tibia. This is a really good young man who could use all the good thoughts everyone could send him. Thank You in advance.

Congrats to all. I've had the chance to watch Central Hardin's players and they are a talented group. We also played Larue County @ the T.S.C.A tourney this year Brown was a talented player.