2006 Kentucky High School Softball

Friday, April 28, 2006

Weekend Tournament Watch

Sluggerfest VII

Site: Scottsville

Teams participating: #4 Christian County, #7 Ryle, #14 Allen County-Scottsville, Calloway County, Central Hardin, Madison Central, Franklin-Simpson, Russell County, Franklin County

Analysis: ACS is a mystery team. Much like Hopkins County Central, the Patriots have not been heavily tested by state competition so far this year, having only played Reidland and Manual. Of course, their Tuesday showdown with Greenwood was rained out. Their home tournament will prove just how good a chance ACS has against the Gators.

Pick to win: #4 Christian County

Darkhorse(s): Madison Central, Franklin County


Kentucky Prep 5 Star Showcase

Site: London

Teams participating: #9 Grayson County, #12 North Laurel, #19 Danville, Shelby Valley, Tates Creek

Analysis: The Danville Admirals caught everyone’s attention at the Lady Colonel Classic with an upset win over Lafayette. Now, what can the Admirals do with two other state titans in this small field? It will be interesting to see just how this 12th region Cinderella matches up against state power Grayson County and former 12th region rival North Laurel.

Pick to win: #12 North Laurel

Darkhorse(s): #19 Danville


Other Tournaments to Watch...

Central Kentucky Classic
Lady Maroon Invitational
Dawson Springs Invitational
Montgomery County/GRC Invitational
Big Dog Classic
7th Annual Lady Cat Classic
Mountain Sports Classic
2nd Annual Lady Braves Classic

The Plot Thickens...

Did it ever on Thursday...

--#22 Union County validated my ranking of them this week by stunning #2 Henderson County 3-2. The 2nd region is quickly becoming a monster, with Christian County and Hopkins County Central also expected to contend for the regional championship.

--Edmonson County will most certainly jump back into the rankings, as the Wildcats destroyed #9 Grayson County 7-0. Grayson County is young, but the chances of them contending for the regional title with Owensboro Catholic look slimmer by the day.

Other scores that caught my eye...

--#16 Manual d. #18 Butler 1-0
While the Crimsons have been up-and-down this season, this is a score that makes me believe that Butler may be able to perform well at the state tournament (if they get there).

--#15 Mercy d. Christian Academy-Louisville 2-1
Not many people are talking about the Centurions in the wild and wacky seventh region.

--#20 Scott County d. Estill County 10-0 (5 innings)
The Engineers have a long way to go to recapture their state tournament form of a season ago.

Now, for non-tournament games for this weekend...

Friday

Evansville Memorial (IN) @ #1 Owensboro Catholic
#3 North Hardin @ Larue County
#5 Greenwood @ Warren Central
Rockcastle County @ #13 South Laurel
Bullitt East @ #18 Butler
Mercer County @ #23 Anderson County
Simon Kenton @ #24 Shelby County
#25 St. Mary @ Murray

Saturday

#16 Manual @ Boone County
#16 Manual vs. Russell
Assumption @ #18 Butler

Sunday

Sacred Heart @ #5 Greenwood

Weekend Tournament Watch will be posted shortly.

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Wednesday Recap

Let's look at what Wednesday taught us about our lives...

--#17 Dunbar d. #11 Lafayette 5-0
If you have any idea what's going to happen in the 11th regional tournament, tell me because I have no clue.

--#10 Male d. Assumption 5-4
Assumption is legit, and Male proves they are legit with this tight win on the road.

--#6 Reidland d. Lyon County 3-0
It's the second win in as many days against the Lyons for the Greyhounds.

--#14 Allen County-Scottsville d. Warren East 9-0
Jamie Ogles wins her 50th game from the circle for the Patriots and hits two home runs just for the heck of it.

As for Thursday, and it is a beautiful day...

#1 Owensboro Catholic @ Apollo
John Hardin @ #3 North Hardin
Hopkinsville @ #4 Christian County
Franklin-Simpson @ #5 Greenwood
Dixie Heights @ #7 Ryle
#8 Ballard @ Sacred Heart
#9 Grayson County @ Edmonson County
Bullitt East @ #10 Male
#11 Lafayette @ Lexington Christian
Whitley County @ #12 North Laurel
Christian Academy-Louisville @ #15 Mercy
#16 Manual @ #18 Butler
Estill County @ #20 Scott County
#24 Shelby County @ Oldham County
Marshall County @ #25 St. Mary

Game of the day…

#2 Henderson County @ #22 Union County

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Your mom goes to college!

Perhaps, but these young ladies will be, and they will be playing a little softball while they are there.

Check out
this link for all the latest signings across Kentucky high school softball.

Brittany Bernthold (Eastern) -- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Amanda Clark (Owensboro Catholic) -- Tennessee Tech
Katelyn Daniels (East Jessamine) -- Campbellsville
Lindsey Davis (Christian Academy-Louisville) -- Kentucky Wesleyan
Sarah Driver (Christian County) -- Union College
Meagean Hambrick (Lexington Christian) -- Milligan College (TN)
Riane Hoffman (Sacred Heart) -- Delaware
Jamie Ogles (Allen County-Scottsville) -- Kentucky Wesleyan
Bethany Outland (Christian County) -- Union College
Megan Perkins (East Jessamine) -- Lindsey Wilson
Courtney Roller (Holy Cross) -- Bellarmine
Ryan Travis (Christian County) -- Union College
Kaley Wethington (Owensboro Catholic) -- Kentucky Wesleyan
Brittany York (Greenwood) -- Louisville

Another rainy day...

Many games were cancelled on Tuesday, including the 4th region showdown between #5 Greenwood and #14 Allen County-Scottsville. But here's a look at some of the games that were played...

--Bryan Station d. #20 Scott County 1-0
The 11th region might be heading to the same unpredictablility levels that the 7th region has.

--#6 Reidland d. Lyon County 3-2
The Lyons are a sleeper in the tough 2nd region.

--#4 Christian County d. Caldwell County 7-0.
Sarah Driver throws a perfect game, striking out 16 in the process.

The forecast looks better for Wednesday...

Daviess County @ #1 Owensboro Catholic
#2 Henderson County @ Booneville (IL)
#6 Reidland vs. Lyon County
Boone County @ #7 Ryle
Eastern @ #8 Ballard
#14 Allen County-Scottsville @ Warren East
#10 Male @ Assumption
#18 Butler @ Iroquois
Eminence @ #23 Anderson County
#25 St. Mary @ Paducah Tilghman

Game of the day...

#17 Dunbar @ #11 Lafayette

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Monday Review and Tuesday Preview

Here are some notables from Monday's action...

--Assumption d. #15 Mercy 3-1 (10 innings)
The seventh region is flat crazy. And only a week ago I was ready to crown the Jaguars as regional champions.

--Garrard County d. #13 South Laurel 3-2
Sure, we all saw this one coming. The 12th region might be better off without the Laurels this year.

--#9 Grayson County d. Butler County 4-0
Good win for the Cougars after taking the weekend off from tournament competition.

--#6 Reidland d. Heath 3-2
The Greyhounds hold off the Pirates in a possible 1st region championship preview.

--Estill County d. Owsley County 27-0 (3 innings)
If only every team reacted the way the Engineers did when they were dropped from my rankings.

Now, for Tuesday (weather permitting)...

Owensboro @ #1 Owensboro Catholic
Meade County @ #3 North Hardin
Caldwell County @ #4 Christian County
Lyon County vs. #6 Reidland
Bullitt East @ #8 Ballard
#10 Male @ Christian Academy-Louisville
#11 Lafayette @ Lexington Catholic
Russell County @ #13 South Laurel
Henry Clay @ #17 Dunbar
#19 Danville @ Garrard County
#20 Scott County @ Bryan Station
Apollo @ #21 Hopkins County Central
#24 Shelby County @ Sacred Heart

Game of the day...

#5 Greenwood @ #14 Allen County-Scottsville

Monday, April 24, 2006

New Rankings

As usual, it is open to comment...

1) Owensboro Catholic (1)
2) Henderson County (7)
3) North Hardin (2)
4) Christian County (5)
5) Greenwood (4)
6) Reidland (6)
7) Ryle (3)
8) Ballard (8)
9) Grayson County (9)
10) Male (12)
11) Lafayette (10)
12) North Laurel (13)
13) South Laurel (11)
14) Allen County-Scottsville (14)
15) Mercy (15)
16) Manual (16)
17) Dunbar (17)
18) Butler (18)
19) Danville (NR)
20) Scott County (NR)
21) Hopkins County Central (19)
22) Union County (NR)
23) Anderson County (NR)
24) Shelby County (20)
25) St. Mary (NR)

Dropped out: Woodford County, Estill County, Fern Creek, Edmonson County, Western Hills

Drying out from a wet weekend...

Sorry for the delay on my update. I had some technical difficulties this morning.

Rain played havoc with many of Kentucky's softball tournaments over the weekend, and the games went on until 5 o'clock Sunday morning in some areas. Here is a short review of what we think happened...

LADY COLONEL CLASSIC

--Here were some notable pool play scores...

#7 Henderson Co. d. Riverdale, TN 2-1 in 9 innings.
#15 Mercy d. Evansville Memorial 3-2.
Evansville Memorial d. Riverdale 3-0.
#5 Christian County d. #10 Lafayette 3-1.
#14 Allen Co.-Scottsville d. #16 Manual 5-3.
#19 Hopkins Central d. Ezell-Harding, TN 4-0.
Franklin-Simpson d. Brentwood Academy, TN 3-2.
Wilson Central, TN d. #2 North Hardin 4-1.
Christian Academy of Louisville d. Bolton, TN 2-1.

--In sweet sixteen action, Danville and Union County scored major upsets over #10 Lafayette and #2 North Hardin, respectively. Other state winners included #5 Christian County (d. #23 Fern Creek) and #7 Henderson County (d. Bolton, TN). Out of state winners were Riverdale (TN) (d. #19 Hopkins County Central), Wilson Central (TN) (d. Calloway County), Evansville Memorial (IN) (d. Warren Central) and Ezell-Harding (TN) (d. #14 Allen County-Scottsville, as the Patriots committed a stunning 11 errors).

--In the quarterfinals, #5 Christian County held off Union County 1-0, Riverdale (TN) stopped Danville's cinderella run, #7 Henderson County won as their opponent Evansville Memorial (IN) forfeited from the tournament and Wilson Central (TN) beat Ezell-Harding (TN).

--In an all-2nd region semifinal game, #7 Henderson County upset #5 Christian County 4-2. Neither team threw their ace in this game (HCHS--Whitmer, CCHS--Driver). Riverdale (TN) defeated Wilson Central (TN) in the other semifinal.

--Riverdale, TN defeated #7 Henderson County 1-0 in the championship game.

Special thanks to Christian County head coach Shane Weaver for providing an excellent tournament recap.

UPS MIDWEST CATHOLIC CHALLENGE

I cannot tell you who won the tournament, but #1 Owensboro Catholic went 3-1 with wins over Schlarman (IL), St. Mary and McAuley (IL). The lone loss came to Scecina Memorial (IL) by a 1-0 count. St. Mary of Paducah also did well in the tournament, going 2-2 with a win over Assumption.

CAPITAL CITY CLASSIC

Scott County will return to the rankings, as the Cardinals upset #13 North Laurel in the championship game by a 4-2 score. It also looks as if Anderson County will enter the rankings as well, as they went 4-1 in the tournament, including a win over regional foe #20 Shelby County.

BIG 8 CLASSIC

Not sure who won the Big 8 Classic, but here are some scores from the tournament that raised my eyebrows...

--#11 South Laurel d. #6 Reidland 3-2
--Russell d. #11 South Laurel 3-2 (9 innings)
--Madison Central d. #11 South Laurel 1-0

I'm guessing either Madison Central or Russell won the tournament. Either way, both teams will likely enter the rankings later today.

SOFTBALL IN THE SWAMP

As expected, #4 Greenwood won this tournament rather easily, although a 3-2 win over Apollo was an interesting score.

---

So, let's move on to what Monday has in store for us...

Elizabethtown @ #2 North Hardin
#6 Reidland @ Heath
Daviess County @ #7 Henderson County
#9 Grayson County @ Butler County
#11 South Laurel @ Garrard County
Collegiate @ #12 Male
Jeffersontown @ #16 Manual
Lexington Christian @ #17 Dunbar
Presentation @ #18 Butler
#19 Hopkins County Central @ Caldwell County
Trimble County @ #20 Shelby County
#21 Woodford County @ #25 Western Hills
#22 Estill County @ Owsley County
Atherton @ #23 Fern Creek

Game of the day...

#15 Mercy vs. Assumption

---

New rankings should be issued by 6:30 EST this afternoon.

Friday, April 21, 2006

Weekend Tournament Watch

Let's hope the weather cooperates. For today and tomorrow...

LADY COLONEL CLASSIC

Teams Participating: #2 North Hardin, #5 Christian County, #7 Henderson County, #10 Lafayette, #14 Allen County-Scottsville, #15 Mercy, #16 Manual, #19 Hopkins County Central, #23 Fern Creek, #24 Edmonson County, Warren Central, Lyon County, Union County, Warren East, Franklin-Simpson, Breckinridge County, Danville, Hopkinsville, Boone County, Calloway County, Christian Academy-Louisville, Ezell-Harding (TN), Riverdale (TN), Haverling (NY), Beech (TN), Brentwood Academy (TN), Riverdale (TN), Bolton (TN), Wilson Central (TN), Evansville Memorial (IN)

Analysis: Christian County’s tournament is not as strong as the Ballard Tournament (in terms of Kentucky competition), but there is a strong flavor of national competition here, particulary from the Volunteer State. This is interesting because Christian County, with the possible exception of Owensboro Catholic, has tested themselves the most against national competition. The host is playing by their own rules. But I’m still not picking them to win.

Pick to win: #7 Henderson County

Darkhorse(s): Any national team, #19 Hopkins County Central, #24 Edmonson County

BRACKET

UPS MIDWEST CATHOLIC CHALLENGE

Teams Participating: #1 Owensboro Catholic, Notre Dame, Presentation, St. Henry, Assumption, St. Mary, Whitesville Trinity, Mater Dei (IN), Mercy (OH), Bishop Chatard (IN), Catholic Central (OH), Saint Cecelia (TN), Schlarman (IL), McAuley (OH), South Memorial (IN), Badin (OH)

Analysis: If Mercy had stayed in town instead of heading to Hoptown, this would have been more than a two-horse show. Look for the title to come down between the Lady Aces and a visiting school.

Pick to win: #1 Owensboro Catholic

Darkhorse(s): Assumption, St. Mary

BRACKET

CAPITAL CITY CLASSIC

Teams Participating: #13 North Laurel, #20 Shelby County, #21 Woodford County, Franklin County, Boyle County, Grant County, Lexington Catholic, East Ridge, Sacred Heart, Scott County, Oldham County, Henry County

Analysis: North Laurel had risen to #4 in the rankings before taking a major tumble last week. Will they get back on track in the Capital City? They will be opposed by dueling Lexington-Louisville Catholic schools, three strong 8th region teams, and the host Franklin County.

Pick to win: #13 North Laurel

Darkhorse(s): #20 Shelby County, Grant County

BRACKET

BIG 8 CLASSIC


Teams Participating: #6 Reidland, #11 South Laurel, Nicholas County, Jeffersontown, Madison Central, Eastern, Russell

Analysis: How interesting is it that two of the top three teams at last week’s Lady Laker Classic are poised to meet again in Winchester. Reidland and South Laurel should cruise to the finals.

Pick to win: #6 Reidland

Darkhorse(s): None

SOFTBALL IN THE SWAMP

Teams Participating: #1 Greenwood, Apollo, Holy Cross, Heath

Analysis: Greenwood creates a tournament just to get a big trophy. Haha, just kidding. But still, the Gators should have NO trouble this weekend, and if they do, then something is amiss on the south side of Bowling Green.

Pick to win: #1 Greenwood

Darkhorse(s): Heath


OTHER TOURNAMENTS TO WATCH...

Montgomery County Invitational
West Jessamine Tournament
Boyd County Spring Classic
Cumberland Falls Invitational
Defender Classic
Webster County Spring Classic

Rain, rain, go away...

Well I don't like Greenwood (being an ACS graduate and all), and Grayson County sure doesn't like Owensboro Catholic, and I'm positive that the North and South side of Laurel County have their disagreements at times. But one thing that we can all agree on is that rain is a very bad thing. Many of Thursday's games were washed out, but there were a few exceptions...

--#5 Christian County d. Haverling, NY 10-0 (6 innings)
--#6 Reidland d. Murray 5-1
--#7 Henderson County d. Hopkinsville 6-0
--#17 Dunbar d. Tates Creek 7-0
--#24 Edmonson County d. Warren Central 10-0 (6 innings)

Thursday, April 20, 2006

A look at Wednesday...

It was a rather uneventful Wednesday in Kentucky High School Softball Land. Here a few scores of note...

--#8 Ballard d. #23 Fern Creek 2-1
The Bruins string together two consecutive 7th region victories, but one wonders if the Tigers weren't the ones who gained the most respect here.

--#18 Butler d. Southern 10-0 (6 innings)
Last year, it was Southern representing the 6th region in the state tournament. This year, it looks as if Butler will be the 6th region team playing at state.

--#10 Lafayette d. #21 Woodford County 5-1
Lafayette is the team to beat in Lexington.

--#20 Shelby County vs. Scott County...canceled
The Rockets looked to gain some revenge on their outgoing regional foe, but the game, as said, was canceled.

Now, for Thursday...

--#1 Owensboro Catholic @ Owensboro
--#2 North Hardin @ Taylor County
--Conner @ #3 Ryle
--Haverling, NY @ #5 Christian County
--Murray @ #6 Reidland
--Hopkinsville @ #7 Henderson County
--Scott County @ #10 Lafayette
--#12 Male @ Sacred Heart
--#14 Allen County-Scottsville @ Glasgow
--#16 Manual @ Christian Academy-Louisville
--#17 Dunbar @ Tates Creek
--Floyd Central, IN @ #18 Butler
--#19 Hopkins County Central @ Dawson Springs
--#20 Shelby County @ South Oldham
--Madison Central @ #22 Estill County
--Beth Haven @ #23 Fern Creek
--Warren Central @ #24 Edmonson County
--Garrard County @ #25 Western Hills

Game of the day...

--#4 Greenwood @ #9 Grayson County

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Upset Tuesday

There were several Top 25 teams that were upset during Tuesday's action...

--#3 Ryle might have played well at the Ballard Invitational, but yesterday the 9th region power was stunned by, of all teams, Grant County in a thrilling 2-1 game that took nine innings. What does this do for northern Kentucky softball. 1) Shelby County might be hearing more footsteps in the 8th region and 2) Ryle might not be the regional juggernaut that most figured them to be.

--What does #25 Western Hills do to celebrate their ranking in my prestigious poll? They lose to district rival Franklin County 7-5.

--#22 Estill County really hasn't done anything big to validate their 4th place run at the 2005 State Tournament, and their 3-0 loss to Model won't really help the Engineers' cause.

--One of the more pleasant surprises so far this season was #24 Edmonson County, but the Wildcats took a step back last night in losing to regional foe Ohio County 4-0.

And there were these other games yesterday...

--#1 Owensboro Catholic d. #9 Grayson County 7-1
The Coaches Poll had Grayson County number one while I had Catholic number one. Hmm, looks like I win...

--#4 Greenwood d. Bowling Green 12-1 (5 innings)
Nothing like a 14th district chump to refresh the Gators from a bitterly disappointing Ballard tournament.

--#2 North Hardin d. Central Hardin 11-1
North Hardin is good. Very, very good.

--#7 Henderson County d. Caldwell County 11-1 (5 innings)
The Colonels are going along quietly in the early part of the season.

--#8 Ballard d. Assumption 7-1
Both of these teams will be in the hunt come 7th regional tournament time, but expect the Bruins to challenge for the title more.

And for today, Wednesday...

#23 Fern Creek @ #8 Ballard
#12 Male @ Atherton
Hazard @ #13 North Laurel
#15 Mercy @ Seneca
Lexington Catholic @ #17 Dunbar
#18 Butler @ Southern
Scott County @ #20 Shelby County

Game of the day...

#10 Lafayette @ #21 Woodford County

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Oh Mercy...

I'm not ready to crown favorites in the 7th region yet (I don't think I will be for a good while), but the Mercy Jaguars are looking really good right now. Last night, #15 Mercy took down #16 Manual 4-1 in a battle of 7th region powers. Check out this report from the Courier-Journal.

The 7th region is probably the most intriguing region in the state; it is no doubt the toughest. Think about it: Ballard, Manual, Mercy, Male, Fern Creek, Assumption, Sacred Heart, etc. Which of these teams will get it done when it counts? It bears watching as the season unfolds.

Here are a few other interesting scores from Monday's action...
--Gibson Southern, IN d. #7 Henderson County 2-0
--#9 Grayson County d. #23 Edmonson County 7-5
--Montgomery County d. #21 Woodford County 3-2
--#25 Western Hills d. Frankfort 4-3

Now, for Tuesday...

--#2 North Hardin @ Central Hardin
--Grant County @ #3 Ryle
--Bowling Green vs. #4 Greenwood
--#5 Christian County @ Daviess County
--#7 Henderson County @ Caldwell County
--Assumption @ #8 Ballard
--#10 Lafayette @ Tates Creek
--#11 South Laurel @ Rockcastle County
--Southern @ #12 Male
--#15 Mercy @ Presentation
--Bryan Station @ #17 Dunbar
--#19 Hopkins County Central @ Madisonville-North Hopkins
--#21 Woodford County @ Frankfort
--#22 Estill County @ Model
--#24 Edmonson County @ Ohio County
--Franklin County @ #25 Western Hills

And then this one...

--#9 Grayson County @ #1 Owensboro Catholic

Monday, April 17, 2006

New Rankings

I really have no clue, and you shouldn't either...

1) Owensboro Catholic (2)
2) North Hardin (12)
3) Ryle (9)
4) Greenwood (1)
5) Christian County (7)
6) Reidland (13)
7) Henderson County (6)
8) Ballard (5)
9) Grayson County (3)
10) Lafayette (15)
11) South Laurel (8)
12) Male (19)
13) North Laurel (4)
14) Allen County-Scottsville (10)
15) Mercy (18)
16) Manual (11)
17) Dunbar (14)
18) Butler (16)
19) Hopkins County Central (17)
20) Shelby County (21)
21) Woodford County (NR)
22) Estill County (20)
23) Fern Creek (NR)
24) Edmonson County (23)
25) Western Hills (NR)

Dropped out: Assumption, Oldham County, Sacred Heart

A Short Review

There was plenty of carnage this weekend in Kentucky High School softball, so much so that I'm not going to delve into all of it, but rather give a short overview of who helped themselves and, likewise, hurt themselves this weekend.

HELPED

--#12 North Hardin: Ballard Invitational Champion...wins over Manual, Estill County, Grayson County, Greenwood, Mercy and Ryle...

--#13 Reidland: Lady Laker Classic Champion...wins over South Laurel and Allen County-Scottsville...lost to Woodford County

--#9 Ryle: wins over Lafayette and Christian County...lost to North Hardin in championship game of Ballard Invitational

--#19 Male: wins over Greenwood and Grayson County...lost to Mercy

HURT

--#1 Greenwood: lost two games, including a 8-0 spanking to the hands of North Hardin

--#3 Grayson County: lost two games (the same two as Greenwood)

The weekly rankings will come out later today. Expect MAJOR changes...


As for Monday's action...

--#23 Edmonson County @ #3 Grayson County
--Lake Catholic, OH @ #4 North Laurel
--#6 Henderson County @ Gibson Southern, IN
--Rossview, TN @ #7 Christian County
--#8 South Laurel @ Corbin
--#12 North Hardin @ Elizabethtown
--#13 Reidland @ Marshall County
--Portland Christian @ #16 Butler
--Caldwell County @ #17 Hopkins County Central
--#20 Estill County @ Lee County
--Grant County @ #21 Shelby County
--Jeffersontown @ #25 Sacred Heart
--Kentucky Country Day @ #25 Sacred Heart

Game of the day...

--#18 Mercy @ #11 Manual

Friday, April 14, 2006

Weekend Tournament Watch

There are a few fantastic tournaments to keep an eye on this weekend...

BALLARD INVITATIONAL

Teams participating: #1 Greenwood, #3 Grayson County, #4 North Laurel, #5 Ballard, #7 Christian County, #9 Ryle, #11 Manual, #12 North Hardin, #14 Dunbar, #15 Lafayette, #16 Butler, #18 Mercy, #19 Male, #20 Estill County, #22 Assumption, Pleasure Ridge Park, Fairdale, Larue County, Bullitt Central

Analysis: To say the least, this is the best tournament we've seen so far this year. It is also one of those tournaments that would measure stronger than the state tournament in June. Look for the teams that do well here this week to have a serious shot at winning it all.

Pick to win: #3 Grayson County

Darkhorse(s): #15 Lafayette, #22 Assumption


LADY LAKER CLASSIC

Teams participating: #8 South Laurel, #10 Allen County-Scottsville, #13 Reidland, Barren County, Rockcastle County, Woodford County, Garrard County, Russell County, Taylor County, Prestonburg, Delta (OH)

Analysis: Certainly, it's nowhere near the strength of the Ballard tournament, but there are three state contenders here along with several other solid teams. But for the three ranked teams here, anything less than a tournament title would be a disappointment.

Pick to win: #8 South Laurel

Darkhorse(s): Woodford County, Barren County


OLDHAM COUNTY TOURNAMENT

Teams participating: #21 Shelby County, #24 Oldham County, Nelson County, Trimble County, Eastern, Franklin County, Glasgow, Seneca, North Oldham, Bullitt East, Boone County, Central Hardin, Bryan Station, South Oldham, Fern Creek

Analysis: At first glance, it might seem that this tournament serves as a "Ballard-reject" event. Not the case, as two ranked teams play and several others who are on the cusp of ranking are competing. Should be as competitive a tournament as we've seen so far this season.

Pick to win: #24 Oldham County

Darkhorse(s): Fern Creek, Central Hardin


BULLDOG BASH III

Teams participating: Conner, Grant County, Bracken County, Owen County, Holmes, Bowling Green, John Hardin, Highlands, Boyd County, Dixie Heights, Pendleton County, Fairview, Notre Dame, Campbell County, Bishop Brossart

Analysis: There are no ranked teams participating in this tournament; it's basically a regional tournament full of 8th, 9th and 10th region teams. However, there are some southern foreigners in this "Bash" to keep an eye on.

Pick to win: John Hardin

Darkhorse(s): Boyd County, Bishop Brossart


Some other tournaments to watch...

Wayne County Invitational
Bell County Invitational
Lyndel Potter Memorial Tournament
Lady Hornet Invitational

From Thursday

Here is a breakdown of how Top 25 teams fared on Thursday...

--#8 South Laurel d. #4 North Laurel 4-1
Through two games, both Laurels have gotten one win against each other. How will the 13th regional championship shake down?

--#19 Male d. #16 Butler 6-2
The 7th region shows once again that it is the dominant region in the Louisville Metro area.

--#12 North Hardin d. Meade County 4-2
Meade can't seem to win against its new region (3rd) or its old one (5th).

Other notable scores...

--#1 Greenwood d. Warren East 11-0
--#3 Grayson County d. Central Hardin 4-1
--#5 Ballard d. Scott County 4-3
--#7 Christian County d. Beech, TN 8-0, 5-4 (8 innings)
--#10 Allen County-Scottsville d. Barren County 2-1

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Some Things We Now Know...

Several games caught my eye from Wednesday's action...

--#18 Mercy d. #5 Ballard 7-0
Here is the C-J's recap of the game. All of Mercy's runs came in the 7th inning. Nevertheless, are we ready to name Mercy as the favorite in the 7th region? Well...

--#11 Manual d. #25 Sacred Heart 11-1
The Crimsons pound Sacred Heart and thus cement themselves (for now) as the front-runner in the 7th region.

--#15 Lafayette d. #14 Dunbar 6-4 (14! innings)
The Generals were impressive in Florida, but this win makes their early-season success even that much more impressive. Oh yeah, did you notice that this one went a ridiculous 14 innings? WOW!!!

--#2 Owensboro Catholic d. Apollo 9-0
The Aces continue to rule the 9th district with an iron fist.

--#21 Shelby County d. Lexington Catholic 8-6
The Lady Rockets have proven they can win across 8th region lines. We're hoping for a Shelby-Oldham showdown in this weekend's Oldham County Tournament.

And now for Thursday's action...

--#1 Greenwood @ Warren East
--#3 Grayson County @ Central Hardin
--Scott County @ #5 Ballard
--Beech, TN @ #7 Christian County
--Barren County @ #10 Allen County-Scottsville
--#12 North Hardin @ Meade County
--Heath @ #13 Reidland
--Bryan Station @ #15 Lafayette
--#19 Male @ #16 Butler
--#17 Hopkins County Central @ Owensboro
--#20 Estill County @ Madison Central
--Glasgow @ #23 Edmonson County

Game of the day...

--#8 South Laurel @ #4 North Laurel

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Exciting Tuesday

There is more to talk about today from Tuesday's action than there was on Monday. Let's look at what went down...

Top 25 that won big (10+ runs)...

--#6 Henderson County
--#8 South Laurel
--#10 Allen County-Scottsville
--#17 Hopkins County Central
--#20 Estill County
--#22 Assumption

Top 25 that won easily (4-9 runs)...

--#1 Greenwood
--#3 Grayson County
--#5 Ballard
--#13 Reidland (vs. Carlisle County)
--#14 Dunbar
--#23 Edmonson County

Top 25 that skirted by (1-3 runs)...

--#2 Owensboro Catholic
--#4 North Laurel
--#13 Reidland (vs. Ballard Memorial)
--#15 Lafayette
--#19 Male
--#21 Shelby County

UPSET CITY BABY...

--#25 Sacred Heart (Fern Creek)

Now, have a look at some of these goodies for Wednesday...

--Apollo @ #2 Owensboro Catholic
--#3 Grayson County @ Whitesville Trinity
--#7 Christian County @ Goodpasture, TN
--St. Henry @ #9 Ryle
--#11 Manual @ #25 Sacred Heart
--#14 Dunbar @ #15 Lafayette
--#16 Butler @ Doss
--Lexington Catholic @ #21 Shelby County
--Jeffersontown @ #22 Assumption

Game of the day...

--#5 Ballard @ #18 Mercy

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Dull Monday

Not much happened on Monday. Here are a few scores that were worth noting...

#20 Estill County d. George Rogers Clark 7-5
#14 Dunbar d. Lexington Christian 3-2
#11 Manual d. Fern Creek 1-0

Now for Tuesday...

Warren Central @ #1 Greenwood
#2 Owensboro Catholic @ Union County
#4 North Laurel @ Pulaski County
Seneca @ #5 Ballard
#6 Henderson County @ Providence
#8 South Laurel @ Whitley County
#9 Ryle @ East Central, IN
#10 Allen County-Scottsville @ Monroe County
#13 Reidland vs. Carlisle County (1st Region All A Classic)
#15 Lafayette @ Madison Southern
#17 Hopkins County Central @ McLean County
Eastern @ #19 Male
Powell County @ #20 Estill County
Woodford County @ #21 Shelby County
#22 Assumption @ Waggener
#23 Edmonson County @ Butler County
#25 Sacred Heart @ Fern Creek

Game of the day...

Meade County @ #3 Grayson County

Monday, April 10, 2006

New Rankings

Remember, I will not drop teams for losing to out-of-state opponents, but I will raise teams for good play out-of-state. So some teams will drop anyway. Get over it.

1) Greenwood (1)
2) Owensboro Catholic (2)
3) Grayson County (3)
4) North Laurel (4)
5) Ballard (6)
6) Henderson County (5)
7) Christian County (7)
8) South Laurel (13)
9) Ryle (8)
10) Allen County-Scottsville (9)
11) Manual (10)
12) North Hardin (11)
13) Reidland (12)
14) Dunbar (14)
15) Lafayette (17)
16) Butler (21)
17) Hopkins County Central (16)
18) Mercy (19)
19) Male (18)
20) Estill County (15)
21) Shelby County (23)
22) Assumption (NR)
23) Edmonson County (20)
24) Oldham County (NR)
25) Sacred Heart (22)

Dropped out: Meade County, Scott County

Sunday, April 09, 2006

A Weekly Reflection

Well after successfully defeating an evil virus on my computer (which ironically was a Trojan, take that Barren County), let's take a look back at how some of the state's top teams did down south (and up north, which would be Kentucky)...

--#1 Greenwood (2-2 in Alabama)
The two losses came by a combined two runs. Finished their trip with a 9-1 beatdown of Fairhope, AL.

--#2 Owensboro Catholic (2-0)
Started the season 2-4-1 in Florida and Tennessee, but returned home to win two games by a 26-1 count.

--#5 Henderson County (2-0)
Won two games this week after stumbling midly at the TSOA Tournament with losses to North Hardin and Butler.

--#7 Christian County (1-3 in California)
Went west to California instead of south to Alabama. Dropped first three games of tour before shutting out Huntington Beach, CA 3-0.

--#8 Ryle (0-1 in Florida)
Only one game from their tournament has been reported, and that was a loss to Assumption 3-2.

--#9 Allen County-Scottsville (0-3 in Alabama)
Two one-run losses for the Patriots, but perhaps some consolation lies in the fact that Greenwood did not beat a team that ACS lost to.

--#12 Reidland (1-1 in Alabama)

--#13 South Laurel (3-1 in Florida)

--#16 Hopkins County Central (0-2 in Alabama)

--#17 Lafayette (4-1 in Florida)

--#18 Male (3-3 in Florida, 3-0 vs. KY teams)

Now, looking ahead to Monday...

--Seneca @ #21 Butler
--#19 Mercy @ Eastern
--#10 Manual @ Fern Creek
--#12 Reidland @ Graves County
--Glasgow @ #1 Greenwood
--Webster County @ #5 Henderson County
--#11 North Hardin @ John Hardin
--#14 Dunbar @ Lexington Christian
--#16 Hopkins County Central @ Muhlenberg North
--#23 Shelby County @ Williamstown

Game of the day...

--#15 Estill County @ George Rogers Clark

Friday, April 07, 2006

Thursday Review and Weekend Preview

To tell you the truth, not much happened yesterday. There are a few scores that have not been reported yet, but for the most part, it was a lackluster Thursday in Kentucky high school softball. Here are a few scores that caught my eye though...

--#2 Owensboro Catholic d. Bullitt East 14-0
--#11 Reidland d. Franklin County 7-0 (in Alabama)
--#18 Male d. Central Hardin 7-0 (in Florida)

You can review all the scores here.

Now, for this weekend...

--The Breakin' On The Turf Invitational at Lexington Catholic...featuring 4th region teams Warren East and Barren County...
--The Bob Jones Invitational from Madison, AL...featuring #3 Grayson County, #16 Hopkins County Central and #19 Mercy...
--The 4th Annual R. Fred Capps Memorial Tournament at Cumberland County...featuring no team of note...
--#1 Greenwood @ Fairhope, AL

Watch for the big games to pick up next week as many top teams return from the beach...

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Wednesday Wrapup

There weren't many interesting games on Wednesday, but there were a few...

--Gulf Shores, AL d. #9 Allen County-Scottsville 3-2
The second one-run loss for the Patriots on their Alabama tour. The warm weather fun will end today as ACS battles Robertsdale, AL.

--Christian Academy-Louisville d. Muhlenberg North 3-1
Not many people are talking about CA-L, but they could sneak up on some people in the stacked 7th region. This game took place in the 11th Annual Florida Beach Bash.

--#13 South Laurel d. Bellbrook, OH 8-1
South has been very impressive at the Disney Sports Tournament, racking up three wins opposed to only one loss.

Now, for Thursday...

--Franklin-Simpson @ #20 Edmonson County
--#1 Greenwood @ Gulf Shores, AL
--#7 Christian County @ Jserra Catholic, CA (rescheduled from 4/5)
--Bullitt East @ #2 Owensboro Catholic
--#9 Allen County-Scottsville @ Robertsdale, AL
--#19 Mercy @ Tate, FL
--Continued games at the Disney Sports Tournament and the 11th Annual Florida Beach Bash.
--New tournament games at the Bob Jones Invitational and the Bowling Green Lady Purples 2006 Softball Classic.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Things From Tuesday

There are many more scores to talk about this morning than there were yesterday. Let's take a look at what Tuesday taught us...

--#2 Owensboro Catholic and #5 Henderson County both dusted off regional rivals yesterday. Catholic stomped cross-town rival Daviess County 12-1 and the Colonels put away Union County 13-3 in 5 innings. I'd say it's a safe bet that we'll hear from these two teams all year.

--Oh yeah, add #3 Grayson County to that bunch, as the Cougars continue to be this season's most impressive team; a 13-0 rout of Nelson County only adds to the accomplishments so far.

--From Alabama, #1 Greenwood battled back from an opening-week loss to down Foley, AL 3-2. To the south, #11 Reidland fell to Gulf Shores, AL 6-5 in 9 innings. Franklin County played Robertsdale, AL (the team that beat Greenwood on Monday), but there hasn't been a score reported on that game. Nevertheless, some of Kentucky's best are competing well with some of Alabama's best ocean teams.

--And in the 12th region, Southwestern defeated Pulaski County 4-1. Look for Southwestern and Boyle County Invitational champion Danville to battle it out in the now Laurel-less region.

--Also, a KY Preps report says Bowling Green upset #20 Edmonson County 1-0 in 8 innings. Remember, this is an Edmonson County team that beat #16 Hopkins Central and St. Mary (who was ranked last week) in the Warren East Invitational. Greenwood, are you paying attention?

As for Wednesday...

--#7 Christian County continues their California crusade, as the Colonels battle Downey, CA.

--#9 Allen County-Scottsville looks to even up their Alabama record as the Patriots take on the Dolphins of Gulf Shores, AL.

--We'll continue to monitor games in the 11th Annual Florida Beach Bash and the Disney Sports Tournament. Scores are extremely slow coming out of those warmer areas, but we'll try to recap those tournaments when they end later this week.

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Late Monday Night Updates

Thanks to my KY Preps friends, I got some info on the two titans in the 4th region.

From Monday...

Baldwin County, AL d. #9 Allen County-Scottsville 2-1 (8 innings)
Robertsdale, AL d. #1 Greenwood 2-1.

It seems un-American that ACS and Greenwood would not go down to the end in the 4th region. This serves as some evidence that the two teams may be as evenly matched as ever.

As an interesting point of comparison, ACS will play Robertsdale on Thursday.

Not much to say

It's Spring Break for a lot of Kentucky schools, and that means trips to Alabama and Florida to play some ball, and of course that means very few score reports from those warmer venues. For example, it took us a week to figure out what Owensboro Catholic did in tournaments in Florida and Tennessee (2-4-1). So anyway, here are some Monday games that haven't been reported but bear watching...

--#1 Greenwood @ Robertsdale, AL
--#9 Allen County-Scottsville @ Baldwin County, AL
--Games at the Disney Sports Tournament and the 11th Annual Florida Beach Bash

Some games that were reported from yesterday...

--#5 Henderson County d. North Posey, IN 2-1
--Several scores in the linked tournaments above, including a split for South Laurel and a sweep for Oldham County

As for Tuesday (games not in those two linked tournaments)...

--Bowling Green @ #20 Edmonson County
--#1 Greenwood @ Foley, AL (site of Lambert's Cafe, home of the throwed rolls!)
--#11 Reidland @ Gulf Shores, AL
--Union County @ #5 Henderson County
--#7 Christian County @ Jserra Catholic, CA
--Southwestern @ Pulaski County
--Franklin County @ Robertsdale, AL
--#19 Mercy @ Rutherford, FL

The Game of the Day...

--#2 Owensboro Catholic @ Daviess County

Monday, April 03, 2006

Well, I changed my mind...

Weekly rankings will now come out every MONDAY, not FRIDAY. The KSCA's rankings come out on Monday or Tuesday, so I thought I'd play along and keep things somewhat similar. So, without further adieu, our updated rankings...

1) Greenwood
2) Owensboro Catholic
3) Grayson County
4) North Laurel
5) Henderson County
6) Ballard
7) Christian County
8) Ryle
9) Allen County-Scottsville
10) Manual
11) North Hardin
12) Reidland
13) South Laurel
14) Dunbar
15) Estill County
16) Hopkins County Central
17) Lafayette
18) Male
19) Mercy
20) Edmonson County
21) Butler
22) Sacred Heart
23) Shelby County
24) Meade County
25) Scott County

Dropped out: St. Mary, Heath

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Tournament Reviews

For these tournaments, the focus won't be on who won the tournament, but rather which top teams squared off against each other and what went down. The scoreboard at KHSAA still isn't complete, but let's see what we can make of the results so far...

TSOA Tournament

So far, there are four games that aren't being reported yet. Those games are...

--Central Hardin vs. Breckinridge County
--Butler vs. Breckinridge County
--Daviess County vs. Mercy
--Grayson County vs. North Hardin

Here are some scores that caught my eye...

Friday
#4 Grayson County d. Daviess County 3-0
The Cougats win their fourth straight to begin the year, this one coming against a 3rd region rival.

Saturday
#4 Grayson County d. Sacred Heart 8-6
Both teams' pitchers seemed to struggle, but the Cougars won this one in the end.

#4 Grayson County d. #20 Mercy 2-1
Once again, the Cougars still have the ability to win a close game.

Sacred Heart d. #17 Butler 5-4
This win might get Heart back in the rankings.

#12 North Hardin d. #20 Mercy 2-1
Another close loss for Mercy...already their third loss of the season.

#12 North Hardin d. #3 Henderson County 1-0
It looks as if North has made themselves the favorite in the 5th region with this win.

Warren East Invitational

So far, there are two games that aren't being reported yet. Those games are...

--Russellville vs. Jeffersontown
--Edmonson County vs. Jeffersontown

Here are some scores that caught my eye...

Friday
Barren County d. Warren Central 1-0
This was a good pitcher's duel between two solid 4th region teams.

Saturday
Edmonson County d. #22 St. Mary 4-0
It appears that ACS and Greenwood should be happy that Edmonson County has departed the 4th region.

Edmonson County d. #14 Hopkins County Central 3-0
Now Grayson County and Owensboro Catholic should be nervous that Edmonson County has entered the 3rd region.

Boyle County Invitational

There are many games not posted here, but this article from the Danville A-M sheds some light on the tournament's events. Basically, this tournament served as a 12th regional tournament preview. Remember, North and South Laurel have left the 12th region for the 13th...here are the teams that proved themselves worthy of state tournament consideration in the 12th region...

--Danville
--Southwestern
--Boyle County
--Pulaski County

Today, the 11th Annual Florida Beach Bash begins in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Here are some Kentucky matchups scheduled for today...

--Boone County vs. Elizabethtown
--Lone Oak vs. #18 Lafayette
--Grant County vs. #19 Male
--Muhlenberg North vs. #19 Male
--#8 Ryle vs. Assumption

This tournament continues throughout the week. These games WILL factor into next week's rankings. So be warned...