Diamond Lady

43' is a great distance...I wish KY would adopt this distance. I know Cortney Bentley and Natalie Gooch would both benefit from the increase. Cortney's breaking pitches would be that much more lethal. I have seen her throw at the distance of 43' and the difference is incredible.

Estill has a strong core...I am sure if you asked the teams they beat in the state tournament last season if EC can play, they would all agree that Estil is the real deal.

It is nice to see the girls playing both sports. I wish you could see it more often. Perhaps someone could start a thread on Female two/three sport contributers (Stars if you like). I know Sally Roberts at SV plays soccer, basketball, softball, and runs track (3 events I believe). Softball is new to her, but she is quickly learning how to play the game.

What noticeable differences do you see between softball in FL compared to that of a much colder KY...I hope all goes well my friend from the mountains...:dancingpa

Sally Roberts, Laura Perkins, Amber Perkins, and Esther Fleming are great athletes. Sally and Laura placed in last years state track meet. Both of these girls, along with Amber, and Esther all excel on the basketball court. And with the exception of Amber, all are playing softball, but their softball coach wants them to run track as well. Look for these girls to do well in individual meets, and they will make one heck of a relay team. Hopefully, there will not be too much conflict between the two schedules. Perhaps the KHSAA should look at setting district, regional, and state schedules that will allow all of our athletes to participate in every sport they wish. It would be a shame if these girls have to make a decision as to which tournament to attend!

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.

Thanks for the info. LRCW. Ben, Jack Preston, and Brant Creech were all classmates of mine. Terrific people...I know this is not a people search site, but do you have any idea how a person could contact these individuals?

Don't count out Rowan. They do a great job running the Princeton offense...they can take the air out of the ball and shorten the game. Rose Hill is tough, but I still believe it will be much closer than many think. For the RH fans, is the Spradlin girl related to former Fairview player Ben Spradlin (1982)? Ben played ball at Centre C...just curious.

PC is playing well, but I do not believe they have the horses to upset Magoffin. Ratliff and Lowe are two great players, but Magoffin has 6 big guns. I just do not see PC younger kids matching up with Magoffin's athleticism. Magoffin by as many as they want...and I would imagine they will beat them as badly as they can due to last years outcome! I wish I could pick PC, but I just don't see it happening. Good luck to both teams, and congrats on making it to the final 32 in the state!:dancingpa

Both teams played their hearts out. In the end, Pike Central's young ladies prevailed. Fleming and Ratliff are two of the best players in the 15th. Last night Pike Central's supporting cast out performed SV's. Both teams are young, so look for them to battle for the regional title next season. Congrats to SV on a great year, and good luck to Pike Central.:thumb:

Words cannot describe this game. One thing can be said for the ladies of Shelby Valley...They NEVER GIVE UP! The Lady BatKats had that attitude when they won the 15th Region softball tournament last spring, and the girls on the hardwood displayed the same attitude last night! Simply put, I have nothing but respect and admiration for ALL of these young ladies.:thumb: :dancingpa

Unfortunately, I would have to agree. I don't see Allen Central beating Belfry, and unless East Ridge can do a better job handling pressure it is unlikely they will advance. However, Prestonsburg and Shelby Valley will have their hands full with Pike Central and Johnson Central. Ratiff and Lowe can play at PCC and Johnson Central has a definite height advantage over SV. If Pburg is to advance, they must play a solid defensive game. If SV is to advance, they must handle JC's zone press and limit the number of 2nd shots JC gets. Thursday night's contests could be the more competitive contests of the opening round. Good luck to all!!!:ylsuper:

The boys' games have been exciting. Hopefully the girls' can put a show together. The boys' District Runner-up won all 4 games in the opening round. I wander if it could be repeated at the ladies' tourny...

Magoffin and Belfry are 1 and 2, but don't rule out Johnson Central. Honestly, Pike Central and Shelby Valley could be a handful if they get hot and play defense like they are capable of doing. Should be a great tournament! The Expo is awesome!

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.