Ryle: State Champs

Perhaps we are seeing the winds of change: the Ryle Raiders end the western dominance of Kentucky high school softball with a state championship, defeating the state's premier program in the process. Ryle was under the radar this season simply because of their geographic location. The Raiders had as good a regular season as a Greenwood, or a Christian County, or an Owensboro Catholic. Ryle finished runners-up to North Hardin in the Ballard Invitational (defeated Lafayette and Christian County while there) and was champion of the Sluggerfest (defeated Christian County, again, and host Allen County-Scottsville). Other wins included South Laurel, Lafayette (again) and Dunbar. Despite rising to #2 in my poll, I didn't give Ryle much of a shot at state against the western powers. Turns out I was wrong, as the Raiders capitalized on a favorable draw, beat Henderson County (in a most regrettable fashion, more on that later), took down North Hardin, and then held off a red-hot Owensboro Catholic team in the end. But what's better news for Ryle, their star pitcher Kirsten (not Kristen, my apologies), is only a sophomore; she'll have two more years to make her mark in Kentucky high school softball. Don't be surprised if this sophomore sensation adds another state championship to her belt before she's done. Congratulations to Ryle for a great season and a most impressive State Championship.

On Friday night, I put my eye on Owensboro Catholic, which had been sent to the loser's bracket. I recalled the 1999 State Tournament, in which the Aces lost early and then won seven straight to take the state championship. As for this year, the Aces won six straight before falling. Credit Coach George Randolph for keeping his team focused after losing early, something the Aces don't do much at state. Even though Owensboro Catholic did not enjoy its best season, they still were nearly good enough to beat everyone else.

North Hardin knew they would have to ride the arm of Jennifer Young (UK-bound, by the way, an excellent choice Jennifer), and the Trojans rode that arm to the best finish by a 5th region team in state history. The Trojans caught everyone's attention early at the Ballard Invitational, and despite disapperaing somewhat during the middle of the season, they came back strong at the end. Congrats to the Trojans for a great season and a big congrats to Young for a great career at North Hardin.

I wouldn't call Butler a Cinderella per se, but the Bears did surprise somewhat by going all the way to 4th after losing in the first round against the state champion. Many people might forget about the 6th region when discussing Louisville softball, but keep in mind that Butler finished 4th at state in 1999 and 2nd in 2001. The Bears have never gone two years without a state tournament appearance, and when the Bears have qualified for state, they have taken advantage. Congrats to Butler for a great season.

Now, finally, our 5th place teams: Henderson County and Greenwood. The Colonels were locked in a fierce battle with Ryle in the winner's bracket semifinal on Saturday morning when Stacy Whitmer suffered a hand injury that knocked her out of play. Ryle took advantage, scoring a run and moving on to the winner's bracket final. The Colonels fell to the consolation bracket and fell quickly to Butler 8-1. There are many "what-ifs" we could play, but unfortunately, Henderson County's chances disapperared with this injury. However, it was a fantastic season for the Colonels, and a spectacular career for Whitmer. Congrats to Henderson County all the way around. As for the Gators, a solid Friday turned sour quickly on Saturday, losing to North Hardin and then to Owensboro Catholic, both by a 3-2 margin. It was a disappointing end for the Gators, who entered as my state tournament favorite (if that meant everything), but it doesn't diminish the season that Greenwood had. Two tournament championships (including Owensboro Catholic's premier event) and a long-last 4th region title over Allen County-Scottsville made it a great season for the Gators. The career of Brittany York, who by the way has been named the 2006 Kentucky Miss Softball, comes to a close, but the Louisville-bound Gator had a spectacular career. By all accounts, she represented the Greenwood program as well as any had before her. Congratulations to her for a great run at Greenwood.

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As for this blog, it probably ends today. I cannot thank all of you enough for not only reading my blog, but participating in the comment threads. I didn't know if I would keep this going throughout the season, but your attention gave me enough incentive to keep plugging along. This season has been a great experience for all of us. At this point, I'd like to congratulate all the teams on their seasons, and I'd also like to offer a big congrats to all the seniors out there on their spectacular careers. We've had a lot of fun watching you compete. As for you fans, I hope to return next season with another blog for Kentucky high school softball; hopefully I can take all the criticism I've gotten (hehe) and learn from it. And for high school football and boys' basketball fans, I plan to run blogs on both of those sports next year. Just look out for me on KY Preps for the links. Everyone have a great summer, and I'll see you on the message boards.

Ben Osborne