Kington, Porter and Sarles take over for Sharks

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Saturday, May 30, 2009 12:22 AM CDT

This summer's Madisonville Sharks swim team will have a more youthful look not due to an influx of inexperienced swimmers, rather because of a trio of new coaches.

Former Madisonville-North Hopkins swimmers Mary Katherine Kington, Joseph Porter and Shawn Sarles will replace Jason Clark at Madisonville Golf and Country Club. Clark, who heads the North swim program, said he plans to use the summer to travel and spend time with his family, but will help out as needed.

Even in Clark's absence, his influence will be felt at the pool this summer.

"Basically, we're just going to be trying to reciprocate a lot of the things we've learned from (Clark) and coach (Charly) Rothe and put our own little twist on it and try to make the kids have a fun summer," Kington said.

Kington, a former Sharks assistant, represents the youngest coach on staff, but said she's ready for the head coaching title.

"Just graduating (Friday) night, I feel I'm a little young, but at the same time I feel like I've learned a lot from coach Clark and I've learned from the best, so I know I can do it," she said.

Porter, also a recent North grad (2008), said it's different being on the other side as a coach.

"It's a little strange I guess because I've been out here since I was four years old," he said. "It's weird to be coaching kids because it just seems like I was this young recently...I'm used to swimming with them, not being in charge of them."

Porter will bring plenty of experience to the Sharks after he swam last season as a freshman at Transylvania University. Still, Porter said he doesn't plan to incorporate much of what he learned at school because many of the Sharks swimmers are still learning the basics.

Sarles, who attends Wake Forest University (N.C.), rounds out the list of new coaches. At Wake Forest, Sarles participates on the school's club swim team.

This summer, Porter might edge his other two coaches for favorite by adjusting the practice schedule.

"I'll keep the basic outline of how coach Clark did it, but I'm going to put in the stuff I like and take out the stuff I hated when I was younger, so maybe the kids will like it better," he said.

Kington admitted she doesn't plan to pursue swimming as a career, but wanted to give back this summer to a sport that has provided her with many memorable experiences.

"I enjoy teaching (kids) how to swim because I love to swim and I know what an impact it's had on my life," she said.

Madisonville's new staff may not boast a college graduate, but Kington said the trio will work together to ensure proper teaching and success in the pool.

"We're young, but at the same time we have a lot of knowledge, a combined knowledge of the sport of swimming, so it should be fun," she said.

Colonels end Maroons' run

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 12:19 AM CDT

Losing by the run rule is never easy to take, especially when the expectations are so high.

All season long, the Madisonville-North Hopkins baseball team aimed at claiming the school's first regional title since 1979 and boasted the talent to accomplish the task. That dream came to an end Tuesday night when the Maroons (25-7) dropped an 11-0 game to Henderson County (26-6) in a 2nd Region semifinal contest at Elmer Kelley Stadium.

In a season in which North scored a region-best 311 runs, the Maroons failed to record a single hit against Colonels pitcher Myles Scott.

After an uneventful first inning for both teams, the Colonels dominated at the plate and on the mound. Scott took the ball for Henderson and worked quickly throughout. His fast pace kept the Maroons off balance and Scott tossed a five-inning no-hitter.

Henderson loaded the bases with one out in the second inning to mount the first scoring threat. North starting pitcher Ben Campbell struck out Codie Abbott for the inning's second out.

Campbell fell behind 3-0 to Colonel leadoff hitter Jordan Cessna before throwing a strike. On the next pitch, the Maroons appeared to escape the jam unscathed as Cessna sent a towering fly ball to center field.

Senior Zach Baird appeared to have a beat on the ball near the warning track, but as the ball dropped toward the field it glanced off Baird's glove. Three runners scored and Cessna advanced all the way to third on the play.

Henderson followed consecutively with an RBI single, intentional walk, two-run triple and scored another on a passed ball. All seven runs on the inning were unearned.

The Colonels tallied three more runs in the third inning as five runners reached base. Gabe Pirtle and Kyle Gibson accounted for all three runs on a pair of base hits. Henderson finished off its scoring with a run in the fourth via a wild pitch.

Offensively, North never found the key to dismantling Scott's rhythm. Scott struck out eight and allowed just two base runners, both on walks. Baird represented the lone Maroon base runner to advance past first. Baird reached on a walk in the third, advanced to second on a passed ball and moved to third on a deep fly out to center.

Campbell tossed a complete game and struck out three in his final outing.

For many of North's players, the loss came as another lesson learned in postseason baseball, but for six seniors it marked the end of a career. Baird, Campbell, Justin Lamb, Matt Levin, Ryan Quinn and Micah Rainwater each ended their respective high school careers at home.

The loss represented North's third defeat of the season at home and third to 2nd Region teams, two at the hands of Henderson.

With the win, Henderson advances to play 7 p.m. Wednesday against Christian County in the 2nd Region Championship at Elmer Kelley Stadium.

North (25-7) 000 00 - 0 0 1

Henderson (26-6) 073 1X - 11 8 0

WP: Myles Scott. LP: Ben Campbell.

Christian County earned the first spot in the 2nd Region Championship game with a 5-0 win against Crittenden County (17-13).

Colonels pitcher Dylan Carroll tossed a complete game shutout and struck out 10 Rocket batters.

Although Crittenden out-hit Christian, the Colonels (18-14) made the most of their opportunities. Christian plated single runs in the third and sixth innings on respective sacrifice flies.

The Colonels' big inning came in the fifth when Christian collected three runs on four hits.

Meanwhile, Crittenden left its scoring chances on the base paths. The Rockets recorded back-to-back singles to start the fifth, but Carroll retired the next three batters in order to escape the jam. Crittenden stranded two more runners in the sixth.

Crittenden (17-13) 000 000 0 - 0 7 2

Christian (18-14) 001 031 X - 5 6 0

WP: Dylan Carroll. LP: Casey Oliver.

Christian County drops Dawson

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:22 AM CDT

EDDYVILLE -- Not many teams want to face the state's No. 1 squad in a one-and-out postseason situation, but that's just what happened to the Dawson Springs softball team when it played Christian County on Monday afternoon.

The Lady Panthers (14-9) trailed just 2-0 after two innings of play, but the Lady Colonels (36-3) proved just too powerful in an eventual 10-0, five-inning victory.

"If you're going to lose, losing to one of the top teams in the state isn't a bad way to lose," Dawson coach Kent Workman said after the contest. "They're quality, one through 20 I guess. He's got kids sitting the bench probably way above what any body else has got."

Christian pitchers Stacey Harbold and Hannah Driver held Dawson to just one hit and three total baserunners. Harbold tossed four innings and Driver pitched a 1-2-3 fifth inning to end the game. The pitchers combined to strike out nine of 18 batters faced.

Although the Lady Panthers faced tough competition, Workman said he had high hopes for his squad entering the game.

"Even though we were playing Christian County, my expectations were the same, no matter who we're playing," he said.

"I wish we could have hit the ball better and forced them to make more plays than they did. (Harbold is) a good pitcher, but I think we could have hit her better than we did."

Leadoff hitter Kelsey Beshears tallied Dawson's lone hit on the day, a third-inning single to left. Pitcher Brooke Randolph reached twice. In the second, Randolph walked and later reached on an error in the fourth.

Meanwhile, the Lady Colonels seemed to hit everything Randolph delivered.

Christian scored three runs in the third and five in the fourth to go ahead 10-0. All five fourth-inning runs came with two outs.

Hannah Hodge provided the big blast of the inning on a two-run homer to left field.

Hodge led a list of five Christian batters with at least two hits.

Despite the loss, Workman said Dawson, a young team that boasts no seniors, had much success this season.

"Fourteen wins is something I think they should be proud of," he said.

"I don't know right now that they are, I think maybe later on they will be."

Christian (36-3) 201 43 - 10 12 1

Dawson (14-9) 000 00 - 0 1 4

HCC hangs on for win over Lady Blazers

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:22 AM CDT

EDDYVILLE -- Rains threatened to wash away Monday's 2nd Region softball tournament, but fortunately for Hopkins County Central, the Lady Storm managed to soak in a win at Lee S. Jones Park.

Central (23-7) battled University Heights Academy (14-11) and overcame an 81-minute rain delay and a rain-aided, fifth-inning offensive burst from the Lady Blazers to hold on, 5-4.

"We didn't fold the whole tent, but we let a little bit of it come down," coach Jesse Huff said.

With a 5-0 lead, Lady Storm starting pitcher Ali Austin toed the rubber to begin the top of the fifth inning. University Heights recorded three straight singles with one out to plate a run. Then, the rains hit and appeared to have an adverse effect on the Central defense.

Kaytlyn Lewis scored UHA's second run on a wild pitch. Shayna Hudson hit a two-out RBI single to center to pull within two runs. Hudson quickly stole second, taking advantage of a potentially slick grip from the catcher.

Austin induced the batter, Hadley Burns, to hit a grounder to first, but it was no simple play. The ball pulled first baseman Alexis Curneal away from the bag. Neither Austin, nor second baseman Hannah Tow could get to first as Curneal's cleats appeared to adhere to the wet playing surface and Burns reached safely. Hudson scored from second on the play.

"Alexis made a good catch, but couldn't get moving," Huff said. "Everybody else was stuck too."

Austin settled down to strike out the next batter and retired the last seven batters of the game she faced in a row. Once Austin escaped the top of the fifth, the rains stopped.

"She kept them down pretty good," Huff said of the sophomore pitcher. "She held her composure. She got beat up a little bit today in the top of the fifth, but she came back and shut them down, the next (seven) batters."

Like UHA, the Lady Storm did all of its offensive damage in a single inning. Central scored five times in the fourth inning as the team's first seven batters reached base. Curneal knocked in the game's first run on a RBI single to left field.

"We put the bat on the ball and put it in the gaps," Huff said. "Once you start making things happen, you can get some runs going.

"The big hit was Alexis getting it started after we got the first two on, just getting that first run across to break the ice. Once that happened, we were able to make a run."

Austin and MacKenzie Taylor each recorded RBI singles as well and Tow plated one on a fielder's choice. The game's ultimate winning run came on a fielding error following Taylor's run-scoring base hit.

Before Central even came to its first at-bat, rains played havoc on the game's rhythm. After Austin sent the Lady Blazers down 1-2-3 in the top of the first, a combination of rain, thunder and lightning prevented play for 81 minutes. When play resumed neither team mounted much of a scoring threat until the fourth.

Offensively, Curneal led Central with a 3-for-3 day with one RBI. Austin posted the team's other multi-hit day going 2-for-3 with one RBI.

On the mound, Austin tossed a complete game and struck out eight, four looking. She allowed six hits.

Central will advance to play 5:30 p.m. today against Henderson County(13-13) at Lee Jones Park. The Lady Colonels defeated Livingston Central 5-0 to advance. The two teams have not met this season.

UHA (14-11) 000 040 0 - 4 6 2

Central (23-7) 000 500 x - 5 8 0

WP: Ali Austin. LP: Jessica Harper.

Smiling faces aplenty at Field Day

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Saturday, May 23, 2009 9:27 AM CDT

Hundreds of smiling students ranging in grade levels from kindergarten to graduating seniors raced, chased and merrily roamed the grounds of the Madisonville-North Hopkins Badgett Athletic Complex on Friday during North's Olympic Field Day.

Visiting students from Hanson, Pride, Jesse Stuart and West Broadway Elementaries and Browning Springs and James Madison Middle Schools participated in athletic events that included basketball, putting, tennis, tug of war, softball and many more.

No matter the activity, one theme was common: having a good time.

"The most important thing is for the kids to have fun," Olympic Field Day committee member Tina Peyton said. "These kids look forward to this from the very beginning of the school year. The teachers tell us they come in asking 'When do we go to field day?'"

Jesse Stuart kindergarten teacher Sherri Williams said some of her students rank the day as the most special trip of the year.

"Some of them went on the zoo trip yesterday and they said 'This is better than the zoo,' so it's just an amazing experience for them to get out because this is their day," she said.

Williams' students enjoyed tennis and facepainting as well as the two obstacle courses.

"We like to run and go around the maze on the second, then you win," student Donovan Sharp said. "On the first one, you run and you jump over the little things, then you run, then you go through a tunnel and you run again and you win."

For participating in each event, students received ribbons denoting the station.

Sharp also displayed a couple temporary tattoos he received "at the tattoo store."

Hanson student Kristen Lee also visited the tattoo/facepainting station.

"I got two peace signs and a SpongeBob," she said.

Lee's classmates Nicole Hall and Jasmine Moss said they enjoyed tennis and basketball the most and received direction from the North students.

"They helped me learn how to shoot and kick the ball," Moss said.

In addition to tennis and basketball, the obstacle course proved to be a favorite. At the station, members of the Naval Junior Officer Training Course directed the children.

"I think they do like this because they can actually run and have a little bit of fun," Jordan Hunter said as he helped. "It's actually made for wheelchairs, but the kids like to have fun and run around."

North's Daniel Arnett and Tyler Conover, who also aided in the event, each said their favorite aspect of the day was seeing the kids smile and making them laugh.

At the softball session, Lady Maroon senior catcher Caitlin Todd took the mound and tossed softballs to awaiting batters. Todd, who also works as a peer tutor, said she enjoys working with the children.

"What really means the most to me is that they are human beings and even though they might have some disabilities, they still smile, they still laugh, they still have fun just like we do," she said. "It just means a lot to let them be free and have fun and just feel good about themselves."

As the temperature continued to rise Friday afternoon, event organizers curtailed the activities about 45 minutes short. Not much could spoil the fun each child already had as many sat in the shade and enjoyed ice cream sandwiches while buses arrived to take them back to their respective schools.

Griffith signs with Lindsey Wilson College

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Friday, May 22, 2009 12:22 AM CDT

MORTONS GAP -- As Lauren Griffith signed her letter of intent to play volleyball at Lindsey Wilson College on Thursday afternoon, the realization came that no longer will the echoes emanating from Storm Gym be blamed on the senior's thunderous hits.

Griffith penned her name before her teammates, coaches and family in Central's lecture room.

Griffith's club coach, Steve Howard, said her ability to make powerful, direct contact has helped her advance to the collegiate level.

"Some girls hit it solid, Lauren hits with a club," Howard said. "Right now, it's more like a shotgun, but they'll get it like a rifle here in a little while. She can hammer that thing in a lot of ways."

Still, Griffith has been working throughout high school to improve her natural talent.

"I've really tried working on that and I try to go to different camps," she said. "I went to a (University of Kentucky) camp for two years and my sophomore year we went to a team camp at Webster."

Mary Catherine Adamson, who coached Griffith during her senior campaign, said the Lady Blue Raider signee has other skills, too, such as blocking and of course the intangibles.

"She's definitely a dependable girl and always willing to help out, do anything I ask," Adamson said. "I'm definitely going to miss her."

In addition to her four years with Central, Griffith joined the Audubon Volleyball Association where Howard works when he's not commanding the Owensboro Catholic squad.

Griffith said she hopes the experience with AVA can help her adjust to her new surroundings this fall.

"Whenever you go to other clubs and camps, you just have to learn stuff quick and I think it helped me out going to stuff like that, at least I hope so," Griffith said.

As co-captain last season, Griffith took a leadership role; but, as she begins at the bottom again as a college freshman, she acknowledged her responsibilities will change.

"I'm going to feel a little out of place for a little bit," she said. "Me and Reanna (Hart) just tried to hold the team together. I'll be there and trying to help out, but I'm not going to stick my foot in my mouth."

Just as any high-school student nearing graduation, memories can be difficult to leave behind. Griffith will cherish even the smallest ones, like when a team mom would make sausage bread for the Lady Storm volleyball players.

"I don't even like sausage, but I picked them out and ate the bread," she said. "It was the best ever. I think everybody misses that."

Now, moving into unfamiliar territory, Griffith has begun to set goals for her first collegiate season.

"I know I try my best, but I'm not the absolute best, and I'm just hoping to learn from others" she said. "(I hope to) get more out of it and make some friends," she said.

Area athletes have lofty goals at state

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Friday, May 22, 2009 10:52 AM CDT

Nearly two dozen athletes from Hopkins County will participate in this weekend's Kentucky State Track Championships at the University of Louisville's Owsley Fraizer Cardinal Park with many opportunities to return some hardware.

Madisonville-North Hopkins boasts a county-best 16 different participating athletes followed by five from Hopkins County Central and one from Dawson Springs.

Maroon high-jumper Jon Hood returns to state as a senior one year after finishing runner-up. In 2008, Hood went to a jump-off before ultimately placing second.

This year, Hood is ranked No. 1 in the state and tied for 30th in the nation. Hood earned the ranking with a 6-10 jump, a personal best, at the Marshall County Twilight Relays on May 5. Hood took first place during regionals with a jump of 6-6.

North boys coach Eric McDurmon said he thinks a height of 6-8 could take this year's first place, but Hood has higher goals.

"I know he's hoping to get a shot at the state record," McDurmon said. "The state record is 6-11 3/4, I believe."

Joe Kington will also return for his second year as a state high-jumper after clearing the 6-0 qualifying mark. Nick Hanvy (disc, shot) and L.J. Gregory (triple jump) will also compete in the field events. Gregory will run with Rashad Combs, J.C. Wade and Martinez Davis on the school's 4x100-meter relay.

Senior Jesse Donahue will run in the 400-meter dash for the second year in a row. Donahue will join Maarten Adams, Jordan Wilson and Austin Schuknecht on the 4x400 relay team.

As for the girls, DeDe McReynolds has been among the strongest throwers in the region and will double her chances at earning one of the state's top performances by participating in both the shot and disc, coach Shelia Clay said.

Like the boys, the Lady Maroons will also send a 4x100 team represented by sprinters Koya and Syimone Baker, Taylor Hampton and Tori Wallace.

For Central, freshman Shalara Wells, who captured first in the 110 hurdles at regional, will lead a promising group of athletes.

"She works real hard," co-coach David Sullivan said. "She's at practice every day. She had a little knee injury close to the end of the season, but she was cleared from the doctor. It was just a bruise I think.

"She's pretty strong on it right now, so that's not really a big worry for us."

Seniors Wesley Ipock and Cody Heady will run in the one-mile and 100-meter dash respectively. In the field, Brianna Cobb will throw shot and Feiarra Foster will compete in the long jump. Cobb claimed first in the shot at region.

Co-coach Stephen Wood said he thinks Cobb's experience will give her a good chance to compete for the top spot at state. Wood added his feelings about taking five athletes to state as a first-year coach.

"It feels pretty good," he said. "Most of it is up to the kids and how hard they're willing to push themselves in practice and meets."

At Dawson Springs, all hopes at earning points will be pinned on high-jumper Jessica Budd, who took second place at regionals with a personal-best height of five feet.

"She's got a long skinny body and that's perfect for high jump," coach Toni Dickens said. "Last year, I think she usually jumped 4-8, 4-10, but this year she's been consistently getting first or second place at her meets."

Central will compete in class 2A events today while Dawson (1A) and North (3A) will participate Saturday.

Everyone a winner at Central

y Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Friday, May 22, 2009 12:22 AM CDT

MORTONS GAP -- At the field-goal kicking station, some attempts sailed left or right, some hit the crossbar or fell well below, but everyone won during Hopkins County Central's Olympic Field Day on Thursday.

More than 200 students from five elementary and middle schools attended the event, which boasted 16 sports-related stations for the children to rotate back and forth.

Unlike the summer or winter games held every four years, no points or medals were awarded, but each participant received special recognition.

"They all win," co-coordinator Zach Hibbs said. "We send them certificates to their teachers. When they get back today, their teachers will write their name on a certificate and give it to them."

Hibbs and Lee Jones organized this year's event for the first time. Hibbs incorporated other teachers and even Central students to keep the children entertained and moving in an orderly manner.

Students from Earlington, Grapevine and Southside Elementaries, South and West Hopkins Middle Schools and even some from Central spent 10 minutes each at stations that included basketball drills, kickball, softball toss and many others.

Hibbs said he constructed the events based on the school's resources and used the high-school students to aid the various stations.

"I went with what I knew we had," he said. "Some of these areas are specialized. There's a football kick and a football toss. Well, not all of the students can help in that area, but the football players can."

Many participants favored the football kick like West Hopkins students Zach Massey and Zack Daugherty.

Massey said his kicking did not go so well, but that didn't prevent him from having a good time.

"Today has been awesome," he said. "Hot, but awesome. Fun, better than the other times."

West Hopkins teachers Tiffany Howard and Kim Shaw said watching the kids be successful was the most rewarding aspect of the day.

Howard answered questions between her own attempts at the kicking station and said she enjoyed seeing the high-school helpers have fun as well.

"We were just bragging on them actually," she said. "We love to see high schoolers with such a good attitude toward the smaller students. They're encouraging. It's fun."

One such helper was senior A.J. Morris, a guard on last year's Storm football team.

"I feel like it's a good thing to do to help the community," Morris said about his participation. "I feel like it's the right thing to do. We have to give back. Most of us are seniors and we have to give back to the school to show people how the school is."

Hibbs said he tried to make it clear to those students helping what the purpose of the event was supposed to be during a speech he gave Wednesday.

"(Thursday) is not your day," Hibbs told them. "As cool as you think you are, make them feel that way."

Judging from smiles and comments from students and teachers alike, the mission was accomplished.

"It's my first time and I'm really impressed with how they set it up for the kids," teacher's aid Sharon Mathias said.

Madisonville-North Hopkins will hold its version of the Special Olympics today.

Tradewater roster nears completion

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Thursday, May 21, 2009 12:23 AM CDT

A week away from Opening Day, the Tradewater Pirates have just one roster spot open, but coach Brandon Kitch isn't going to fill the slot with just any player he can find.

Kitch hopes to sign University of Arizona outfielder Matt Presley in the coming days to complete the 2009 Pirate squad. After being selected in the 24th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Boston Red Sox, Presley opted to hone his skills in college.

"I watched him workout last week and the kid's got some bat speed," Kitch said. "He's got some juice."

This season, Presley, a 6-3, 210-pound sophomore, started 13 games for the Wildcats and hit .327 and collected eight RBIs in 52 at-bats. Of his 17 hits, seven were extra-base variety.

Although Presley's college experience is still minimal, Kitch said after watching him go through drills, he thinks Presley could "rake" in the KIT League.

"This is kind of a bold statement without seeing everybody else, I think if he came in he'll be the MVP of the whole league," Kitch said. "It's kind of a bold statement. He's got that type of potential. Now all he's got to do is go out and produce."

Baseball runs in Presley's genes though as his father, Bill, played in the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers organizations. In 2007, Presley earned the Louisville Slugger and Gatorade Colorado Player of the Year awards.

Whether Presley will join the team is still uncertain, but Kitch plans to arrive in Dawson Springs today to begin his preparations for the nearing season. Most of the Tradewater players should be in town by Sunday in advance of the first team meeting to be held Monday.

Some players will not be available until after the beginning of the season, though. Oklahoma City University outfielder Jordan Hughes and pitchers Dustin Williams and Zac Tidholm will be involved in the NAIA World Series. Infielder Colby Price of Oral Roberts University (Okla.) will also be playing in the postseason. Texas Wesleyan University pitcher Kody Thiebaud will attend to a family matter before joining the ball club. All players are expected to be with Tradewater by June 5.

Kitch said he plans to conduct two-a-day workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday with a defensive focus in the morning and offensive drills in the afternoon. The Pirates will hold a batting practice session Thursday.

Tradewater opens its 2009 schedule at 7 p.m. Friday when the Pirates play host to the Marion Bobcats.

Crawley's single caps Central's rout of Lady Panthers

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 12:25 AM CDT

DAWSON SPRINGS -- With two outs and the bases loaded, Hopkins County Central hitter Taylor Crawley delivered a walk-off single on Tuesday evening as the Lady Storm captured the 7th District Softball Tournament championship against Dawson Springs.

Crawley finished the game with a game-high four hits while teammate Ali Austin tossed a complete-game, one-hit shutout and Central (22-7) defeated the Lady Panthers, 10-0 in five innings.

In addition to Crawley's 4-for-4 performance, Taylor Brackett and McKenzie Taylor each finished 3-for-3. The trio combined for five RBIs and accumulated 10 of Central's 13 hits.

"Taylor Crawley was hitting the ball hard," Central coach Jesse Huff said. "She was on a mission tonight. Brackett wasn't going to be outdone and McKenzie, with bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth, she came through. She put the bat on the ball."

The Lady Storm wasted no time getting on the board by scoring two runs in the first.

"I was really, really proud of them," Austin said of her teammates' offensive success. "I was worried in the beginning, but once that first inning came off, it was obvious we were ready to play."

First baseman Alexis Curneal provided the game's first two runs on a line drive over the right fielder's head, plating Brackett and Ashley Flener.

During the fourth, the Lady Storm manufactured four more runs to take a commanding lead. Eight batters went to the plate during the outburst. Taylor brought home the inning's first run on a suicide squeeze. The next two runs scored on a single play that involved a wild pitch and an errant throw, which landed in left field. Then, Flener doubled home the seventh run, but was thrown out sliding into third on a great relay.

On the mound, Austin commanded the game from the opening pitch and retired the first 11 batters she faced.

Lady Panthers coach Kent Workman said he didn't feel like his players were swinging at the right pitches and thus didn't make enough solid contact.

"To me, it was like we were waiting for a gift down the middle every time and Ali's not going to give you that," he said.

Dawson did not manage a baserunner until Austin allowed a two-out walk in the fourth to Emilee Workman.

Jalyn Walls ended Austin's no-hit attempt in the fifth inning with a bloop single to right field. The hit prevented Austin from recording her third hitless game of the season.

Missing the personal accomplishment did not bother the sophomore pitcher.

"You win some and you lose some, but we won, so that's what counts," Austin said. "I try to do my best every game and I did do my best because we won, so that (no-hitter) doesn't really matter to me."

In the fifth, Central cemented the win with a two-run single by Taylor and a walk-off hit by Crawley.

With the win, the Lady Storm claimed their second 7th District title in as many years.

After the game, officials announced the All-District team. Representatives from Central included Austin, Brackett, Crawley, Flener and senior Brittney Orten. For Dawson, Randolph, Workman, Shelby Bruce and Kelsey Beshears made the list.

Seniors Kelly Herrenbruck and Caitlin Todd represented Madisonville-North Hopkins while Danielle Flood and Hannah Riddle from Caldwell County also earned recognition.

Central and Dawson now await the regional draw to be held Saturday morning.

Dawson (14-8) 000 00 - 0 1 4

Central (22-7) 201 43 - 10 13 1

WP: Ali Austin

LP: Brooke Randolph

Marks returns, leads Maroons

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 12:22 AM CDT

PRINCETON -- One month after suffering an ankle injury while sliding into home plate, Madisonville-North Hopkins pitcher Hayden Marks exhibited few signs of rust as he returned to defeat Dawson Springs in the opening round of the 7th District Tournament.

Marks tossed a complete game and came just two outs from recording a no-hitter as the Maroons (23-9) rolled against the Panthers (0-23) in an 18-1 five-inning victory at Princeton's V.F.W. Ballpark on Monday evening.

"For the most part, I thought he had great command," Vance said of Marks. "His velocity, I don't think was 100 percent, but it was there somewhere between 85 and 90 percent and that just comes with pitching a bit.

"He did what we wanted. He got us a 'W' and we punched our ticket into next week's regional tournament."

Marks struck out the first six Dawson batters of the contest to build some early confidence.

"It was great because coming back I didn't know how it would be," Marks commented on his return to the rubber. "I didn't know if I would have control or be in the strike zone. It's still tender, but it felt fine landing on it and throwing off the mound."

At the plate, North created havoc from the first inning. The Maroons sent 16 hitters to the plate in the first en route to 12 runs. Senior shortstop Ben Campbell knocked in the game's first two runs on a triple. Justin Lamb, Zach Baird and Michael Huddleston provided RBI singles in the inning. Micah Rainwater contributed the big blast of the outburst with a three-run double.

Dawson did not help its cause by creating nine errors on the game including six in the first inning.

In the second, North batted around again and plated five more runs. This time, Huddleston knocked the big hit with a two-run home run to left field.

Meanwhile, Marks cruised on the mound and did not allow a baserunner until a walk with two outs in the fourth to Brett Cobb. Then, in the fifth, Marks surrendered back-to-back hits. The first by Todd Bullock broke up his no-hit bid and the second, a double by Alan Higbee, ended the shutout. Marks, however, secured outs from the next two batters to preserve the victory.

By game's end, Marks struck out 10 Panthers. For Marks, the start was his first since April 18 against Daviess County. During that contest, Marks injured his ankle when his leg connected with the Daviess catcher's shin guards as he slid across the dish.

Although Marks has not seen any live action since that point, Vance said the sophomore pitcher has been throwing on the side from a chair to retain arm strength.

After the game, Marks said he felt confident in his teammates' offensive firepower as well as his command.

"When we hit the ball like that, I don't think there's any team that can compete with us," he said. "It feels good to pitch with a good lead and just have confidence to throw strikes."

Offensively, Huddleston and Rainwater each finished 3-for-3 with three RBIs.

Dawson (0-23) 000 00 - 1 2 9

North (23-9) (12)51 0X - 18 9 0

WP: Hayden Marks. LP: Ethan Scott

Storm knock off host Tigers

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 12:22 AM CDT

PRINCETON -- Coach Lee James' Hopkins County Central baseball team pulled off a bit of a shocker on Monday evening by sending host Caldwell County packing in the 7th District Tournament at V.F.W. Ballpark.

Although the Storm (12-11) entered with a better record, the Tigers (12-16) beat Central 10-0 during the regular season and held home-field advantage for the postseason matchup. Neither fact aided Caldwell in a 15-2 five-inning Central victory on Monday.

"I think we had that underdog mentality today," James said. "I don't think many people gave us much of any chance to win this game, let alone in five.

"I don't think many people -- I think some people probably didn't even come to this game because they thought Caldwell was probably going to hand it to us pretty easily. I think the guys heard that and took that (underdog) approach."

Visiting Central scored seven times in the top of the first inning to take a lead the squad never surrendered. Each of the Storm's first five batters came around to score and 11 hitters came up to the plate.

Designated hitter Austin Johnston got the scoring going with a two-run single that fell at the base of the right field fence. Then, Quentin Gordon ripped an RBI double. Cody Nesmith and Will Miller scored runs on a pair of sacrifices and Micah Rorer knocked in a run on his second hit of the inning.

On the mound, junior Ethan Smith established himself early by striking out at least two in the first three innings.

"I just count on him to do that," James said about his starter. "Anything less than that anymore is sub-par for him. He knows his job and he goes out and does it.

"We gave him some runs early and he was able to pitch easy as we call it. Pitching is never easy, but when you have a seven-run lead then it becomes easier, if you let it."

Caldwell leadoff hitter Brandon Sigler tagged one of Smith's mistakes though on a 3-2 count in the third. Sigler sent the pitch over the left field wall for a solo home run. The Tigers scored their only other run in the fourth on a sacrifice fly.

The Storm bats fell silent during the second and third, but found the mark again in the fourth with eight more runs. During the outburst, Johnston, Nesmith, Miller, Tyler Harris and Coleman Ladd each contributed at least one RBI.

By game's end, Central tallied 14 hits and defensively did not commit an error after making 24 in the team's last two contests. The win snapped a four-game losing streak for the Storm.

The win reiterated James' belief in his team even when they were down last week.

"I told everybody, I'm not worried about this team physically," he said. "If we can get mentally ready to play, they physically can do the job they need to do."

Smith finished the game with nine strikeouts and did not walk a batter. He allowed just three hits.

Offensively, Quentin Gordon ended the day a perfect 4-for-4 with one RBI. Rorer recorded three hits and one RBI. Ladd and Johnston each plated three runs on two hits. Miller ended the game with two RBIs and one hit.

Central's win sets up an all-Hopkins County Championship game as the Storm will play Madisonville-North Hopkins at 6 p.m. today for the 7th District crown.

At 12-11, James said he knows his team will be underdogs throughout the rest of the postseason, but he doesn't mind the title.

"We like that role," he said. "We'll take that."

Central (12-11) 700 80 - 15 14 0

Caldwell (12-16) 001 10 - 2 3 3

WP: Ethan Smith. LP: T.J. Gilkey.

Postseason kicks off starting Monday

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Sunday, May 17, 2009 1:22 AM CDT

After months of practice, rain-outs, thrilling wins and defeats, everything will be on line as local baseball and softball teams compete in Monday and Tuesday's 7th District Tournaments.

Dawson Springs will play host to the softball tournament while Caldwell County will hold the baseball tourney at Princeton City Park.

All three Hopkins County softball teams have a solid chance of capturing the 7th District title while Madisonville-North Hopkins enters as the favorite in baseball.

Monday's softball night cap is the best first-round matchup on paper for either tournament with the Lady Maroons (9-20) and Lady Panthers (13-7) set to tangle at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Lady Maroon No. 1 Kyleigh Taylor has missed much of the season with an injured knee, but was recently cleared and the North has posted a 1-1 record since her return.

"It kind of gives them a little more confidence having one of their players back and just kind of raises their spirit a bit," North coach Kacie Jackson said. "They're just excited for her to be back."

Just having Taylor in the lineup does not mean the Lady Maroons are ensured to be competitive though. Jackson said her team will have to play solid defense and put the ball in play offensively.

Dawson coach Kent Workman said he isn't taking North lightly, even after two regular season victories.

"It's the same old adage...'The more times you play a team, the more likely you are of getting beat,'" Workman said. "We've played them twice this year, 6-2, 9-2. It's real easy for us to walk in there thinking we're going to win the game right off the bat and everything go wrong, so that's the main focus."

The Panthers earned both wins without facing Taylor, so her presence could create a different outcome.

Dawson boasts its own power pitcher though in Brooke Randolph. On Saturday, Randolph earned a win against Union County, one of the top teams in Region 2 this season. Randolph struck out nine and walked just two in seven innings.

The Lady Tigers (3-14) and defending champion Lady Storm (20-7) will kickoff the softball tournament at 5:30 p.m. Monday. Caldwell did not win a regular season game against 7th District opponents.

Central has allowed less than one run per game against its district foes. The Lady Storm lost just one game in Region 2, a 1-0 extra-inning contest to Webster County. Pitchers Ali Austin and Taylor Crawley should see most of the action on the mound for Central. Central has tossed eight shutouts thus far with Austin recording a perfect game and no-hitter.

Meanwhile, the Maroons baseball team (22-9) dropped just two games in Region 2 play and finished with an undefeated mark against 7th District schools. Through 31 games, North has recorded an average of nearly nine runs per game. The defending champ Maroons will begin the tournament 5 p.m. Monday in Princeton by playing Dawson (0-21).

The Panthers will try to record the biggest upset of the year and avoid a second straight winless season. Dawson has not won a game since defeating Christian Fellowship 8-3 on May 7, 2007. Since, the Panthers have dropped 47 contests in a row.

Following that game, host team Caldwell (11-14) will battle Hopkins County Central (11-11). Caldwell won the squads' only regular season matchup 10-0 at home.

The Storm have been up and down during the season's final month. After winning five straight, Central has lost six of its last eight. Defense has been a problem in the last two games with the Storm committing 24 errors.

All could be wiped clean though with a win on Monday. Starter Ethan Smith, Central's No. 1, did not pitch in the team's 18-3 loss to Union on Friday and should be expected to throw.

Tuesday's softball championship will start at 6 p.m. while a time has yet to be set for baseball's title game.

Lady Panthers split twin bill

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Sunday, May 17, 2009 1:22 AM CDT

DAWSON SPRINGS - Eighth-grader Jalyn Walls delivered a solid pitching performance in the first game of a doubleheader for the Dawson Springs softball team, but the Lady Panthers did not secure a win until the day's second contest with Union County.

Walls and fellow pitcher Brooke Randolph each tossed complete games for Dawson (13-7), but what most impressed coach Kent Workman was his team's ability to bounce back against Union (25-9) for a 3-1 victory after losing the first game, 4-2.

"That's the last thing that I told them, that I was really, really proud of," Workman said. "We've had a real problem of trying to refocus in that second ballgame and I kind of emphasized that before we started."

Randolph kept the Lady Panthers on track early by retiring the first eight Bravettes she faced. Also, the Dawson offense scored two runs in the first despite not recording a hit. The Lady Panthers manufactured the runs on two walks and two sacrifices. Randolph delivered a sacrifice fly while Whitney Copeland brought home Emilee Workman on a sacrifice bunt.

Union cut the lead in half in the fourth inning, however. With one out, Randolph surrendered back-to-back singles.

See Split/Page B2

Two batters later, Abby Hosman singled to right field, but just one runner crossed the plate. Randolph walked one before striking out the next batter on a 3-2 pitch to end the threat.

In the fifth, Dawson tallied four straight singles and Randolph's hit knocked in an insurance run to take a 3-1 advantage.

On the mound, Randolph did not allow a hit after the fourth to secure the win.

During the first game, Walls pitched strongly, but the Lady Panther offense left runners stranded in every inning and finished the contest with 12 runners left on base.

"(Walls) did a super job," Workman said. "I don't know if it was the difference in speed that through them off. An eighth-grader, JV, our second pitcher only allowing four runs, that's super for me. She kept her composure the whole time. She was nervous as a cat when she first started."

The Bravettes jumped on the board in the first inning with two runs. Taner Fowler scored the game's first run on a solo home run to left field. Union accounted for two more runs with an RBI double in the third and RBI ground-out in the sixth.

Despite allowing nine hits, Walls maintained solid control by striking out four and walking just one.

Kelsey Beshears ripped an RBI single in the fourth to put the Lady Panthers in the scoring column. In the seventh, Halyn Burden stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs. Copeland scored on a wild pitch, to cut the deficit to two, but Burden grounded out to shortstop to end the game.

Offensively, Randolph and Beshears paced the Dawson squad for the day. Randolph finished 4-for-6 with a double and two RBIs and Beshears hit 3-for-7 with one RBI.

Dawson plays host to the 7th District Tournament, which begins Monday, and will play at 7:30 p.m. against Madisonville-North Hopkins.

Game 1

Union 201 001 0 - 4 9 2

Dawson 000 100 1 - 2 6 2

WP: Morgan Utley

LP: Jalyn Walls

Game 2

Union 000 100 0 - 1 5 3

Dawson 200 010 X - 3 6 1

WP: Brooke Randolph

LP: Abby Hosman

Senior Night forgettable for Storm

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Saturday, May 16, 2009 12:21 AM CDT

MORTONS GAP - When the Hopkins County Central baseball team's five seniors left Friday evening's matchup, the veterans trotted off the field to a thunderous cheer. Unfortunately, it was not in a winning cause.

For Storm players Quentin Gordon, Dustin Grant, Austin Johnston, Cody Nesmith and Will Miller, the walk to the dugout on Senior Night marked the final such time at home, coming in an 18-3 loss to Union County (15-12).

Union scored in every inning and advanced to an 11-0 lead after just three at-bats against Central (11-11).

Down 16-0 to begin the fifth inning, Storm coach Lee James called time to remove his seniors from the field as the Braves' leadoff batter stepped into the box. The five players exited the field of play to applause from fans, coaches and opponents alike as five substitutes entered.

It was the younger group who broke up Union starter Blaine Avey's no-hit bid in the bottom of the fifth.

Junior Tyler Harris reached with one out on a walk and advanced to third on a wild pitch and throwing error. Fellow junior Coleman Ladd provided Central with its first run on an RBI ground-out.

With two outs, Joey Watkins lifted a single into left field to erase Central's zero in the hit column. Next up, Micah Rorer slapped a double into right field. Then, sophomore Stephen Gordon ripped a two-run single to left.

Defensively, Central struggled throughout by committing nine errors. Union sent at least six batters to the plate in each inning and batted around three separate times.

Miller started the game for the Storm, but did not make it past the second inning. Three other pitchers tried their hands, but experienced nearly the same level of success. All four combined to allow 17 hits.

The loss ends Central's regular season and the Storm will try to break their four-game losing streak at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Caldwell County to being the 7th District Tournament. Central lost its only regular season matchup with Caldwell, an away contest, 10-0 on April 17.

Union (15-12) 353 52 - 18 17 2

Central (11-11) 000 03 - 3 3 9

WP: Blaine Avey

LP: Will Miller

North blasts Trigg County in 5 innings

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Friday, May 15, 2009 12:23 AM CDT

Two days removed from a difficult loss at Henderson County, the Madisonville-North Hopkins baseball team rebounded in rare fashion on Thursday to show the Maroons are still a favorite to capture the 2nd Region.

North (22-8) scored five times in the first inning and displayed flawless defense all the while starter Ben Campbell dealed on the mound en route to a 10-0 run rule-shortened victory against Trigg County (16-13) at Elmer Kelley Stadium.

Although the Maroons jumped to a quick 5-0 advantage, the Wildcats threatened to score first. Leadoff hitter Shane Banks started the contest with a single and then advanced second on a sacrifice bunt. With two outs, Campbell walked clean-up hitter Will Stagner. Then, Campbell escaped the jam by striking out the next batter.

In the bottom half of the first, each of the first five Maroon hitters reached and scored.

Campbell gave himself some early breathing room with a two-run double for the game's first runs. Aaron Young also ripped a two-run double and third baseman Micah Rainwater accounted for the inning's other run with an RBI double to centerfield. North finished the evening with five extra-base hits.

After a bit of trouble in the first, Campbell settled in and allowed just one hit and three base runners over the next four innings. Banks recorded both Wildcat hits to finish 2-for-3.

Catcher Dalton Lykins knocked in the Maroons' next run in the third. With an 0-2 count, Lykins blasted a home run to straight center as North increased its lead to 6-0.

The Maroons tallied a pair of runs during both the fourth and fifth innings. Michael Huddleston and Rainwater provided RBI base hits in the fourth. Left fielder Ryan Quinn ripped a two-out RBI single in the fourth and two batters later, Campbell slapped a hard single past the third baseman to score Quinn and end the game.

Offensively, five Maroons recorded multi-hit games led by Campbell, who finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Eight North hitters finished with at least one hit.

On the mound, Campbell tossed a complete game shutout. In addition to allowing just two hits, the senior struck out five and walked just one.

North ends its regular season today at Daviess County and opens the 7th District Tournament at 5 p.m. Monday against Dawson Springs at Caldwell County.

Trigg (16-13) 000 00 - 0 2 1

North (22-8) 501 22 - 10 13 0

WP: Ben Campbell

LP: Will Stagner

Pirates adding to bullpen as season nears

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Friday, May 15, 2009 12:23 AM CDT

With just two weeks until Opening Day, the Tradewater Pirates bolstered their bullpen by adding two more pitchers to increase the staff size to 11.

Zac Tidholm of Oklahoma City University and Jesse Darby from West Virginia University each joined the club this week as signee Andrew Hockenberry opted out of his contract. Tradewater's current roster stands at 23 with one spot available.

Tidholm and Darby, both lefties, will give the Pirates a considerable edge as Tradewater now boasts six left-handers.

According to Darby's biography at MSNsportsNet.com, he is described as a "left-handed pitcher with good size who can contribute...reliable strike thrower who is maturing into a contributing pitcher for WVU...could be valuable out of the bullpen...continues to improve command in all three of his pitches."

Darby, a 6-5, 189-pound redshirt sophomore, made just three appearances this season for the Mountaineers. Darby gave up four earned runs and struck out four in three innings.

Tidholm has also been called "a left-handed power pitcher" according to ocusports.com.

During the 2009 season, Tidholm worked mainly as a reliever making 15 appearances and just one start. Tidholm, a 6-4, 195-pound sophomore, did not record a decision, but maintained a 2.77 ERA in 13 innings pitched. He struck out 12 and walked four. Tidholm pitched at Conners State College (Okla.) as a freshman.

Tidholm marks the third player from Oklahoma City to join the Pirates with fellow pitcher Dustin Williams and outfielder Jordan Hughes already signed.

Notes

n Many college seasons have wrapped up for the year, but one player still enjoying success is infielder Colby Price with Oral Roberts University (Okla.).

During the second game of a doubleheader at Oakland University (Mich.) on Sunday, Price blasted a two-run home run to left field to begin a seven-run second inning. The homer marked Price's third of the season. Oral Roberts marched on to a 12-1 victory. In the sixth, Priced added an RBI single and finished the day 3-for-5.

For the season, Price has posted a .330 batting average.

n At San Bernardino Valley College (Calif.), pitcher Nolan Mullaney earned a selection to the Second Team All-Foothill Conference. Mullaney led the Wolverines in wins (7), earned run average (3.86), games started (13), complete games (5), and innings pitched (88 2/3).

North names Roach to succeed Tichenor

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 12:23 AM CDT

The Madisonville-North Hopkins athletic department announced the hiring of Jeremy Roach, a first-time soccer coach, on Monday to take over the position vacated by John Tichenor earlier this year.

Roach, a current North art teacher and swim assistant, will replace Tichenor, who accepted the soccer position in 1986. Tichenor accepted the Lady Maroons head coaching job when former coach Steve Shepard stepped down in February.

Although Roach, a 1997 Hopkins County Central graduate, did not play soccer in high school, he reffed at the club level as a student and said he has followed the sport and has a firm knowledge of its intricacies.

"As long as you have the coach in place, the support staff with you, these players ... play this game all year round," Roach said. "They know what they're doing, they just need a good coach that can get them there and focused."

Roach has assisted the North swim program for two years and worked from 2005-2007 as an assistant for the Maroon football team and will assume his first varsity head coaching position with his soccer hiring.

What Roach lacks in experience, he has already tried to fill with determination to assemble a solid staff.

Rufus Baker, whose son, sophomore Dylan Baker, plays for North, said he was surprised to hear of the hiring, but has taken note of Roach's immediate dedication.

"We were a little taken aback by it to begin with, but I've met coach Roach and he's already getting very involved," Baker said. "He's assembling a really good staff of assistant coaches. We may be just fine."

Roach said he has already hired former Maroon Jared Durbin, who played at Kentucky Wesleyan, to an assistant position and is looking at four or five other candidates.

With Tichenor now directing the Lady Maroons, Roach will be charged with the responsibility of maintaining a tradition of success on the boys squad. Since 2001, North has compiled a 117-39-14 record. Making the task even more difficult is the graduation of top two scorers Miles Durham and Rush Dugger.

Among the leading returners are keeper J.D. Lester, defender Austin Walker and forward/midfielder Robbie Hatchett.

Central falls to Trojans

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:00 AM CDT

MORTONS GAP - Leading 5-0 after two innings of play, the Hopkins County Central baseball team appeared in clear control and ready for a run rule-shortened contest against Webster County on Monday evening.

During the next five innings, the Trojans (9-16) dashed such ideas with two separate offensive rallies while the Storm (11-8) managed just two baserunners in an eventual 6-5 Webster victory.

"We just can't ever put it on cruise control and assume the win, and I think we did that today," Central coach Lee James said. "We jumped out to a good start. We took the game plan we had against them and took it onto the field and it was successful. Then, we just didn't follow up on it."

In the first, the Storm sent nine players to the plate and recorded four runs on six hits. Senior catcher Dustin Grant brought home the game's first run on a sacrifice fly. Austin Johnston, Quentin Gordon and Tyler Harris each ripped RBI base hits in the first.

Central scored its fifth and final run in the second inning when Cody Nesmith collected an RBI single to center to score Grant, who reached via a bunt single.

Many of the Storm's hits in the first two innings came as the Central batters reached out to make contact in front of off-speed pitches from Webster starter Seth Hendrix.

"We didn't do anything miraculous that first inning or two," James said. "People were just hitting the ball where it was pitched. They hit it the way they were supposed to hit it and it was a team approach. After that, I thought we had some very selfish trips to the plate and people were trying to swing for 'me' and not for the team."

The Trojans tagged Central starter Ethan Smith for two runs in the third inning. Each of the first two hitters reached base for Webster. Then, Nick Kinser plated a run with a ground-out and Trevor Shoulders followed with an RBI infield single.

Smith allowed the leadoff hitter to reach in both the fourth and fifth, but it wasn't until the sixth that the Trojans mounted any more production.

With one out, Webster recorded four straight hits to tie the game. Trevor Warren's three-run, stand-up triple knotted the squads at 5-5. Next up, Ridge Brown bluffed a bunt attempt. Grant caught the pitch and attempted a pick-off throw to third, but the ball sailed into left field to give the Trojans a one-run advantage.

Smith beared down to get the next two batters, but Central could not manufacture any further offense to overcome its deficit.

"We just put it on the back burner for a while and I guess we thought we could cruise to a 5-2 win," James said. "They came fighting back and when they did, we weren't mentally in a position to answer."

Despite the loss, James said he's confident his team has the tools to be successful in next week's district tournament.

"I think we're ready and hitting our stride at the right time of the season," he said. "It's hard to say that after you just took one on the chin today, but as far as the team is playing, I don't have any major concerns. I feel like we're ready for postseason."

Offensively, Nesmith recorded the lone multi-hit game for the Storm with a 2-for-3 night. For Webster, Zach Collinsworth and Jered Collins combined to go 5-for-6.

On the mound, Smith struck out five and surrendered six runs on nine hits. Hendrix allowed five runs and eight hits - none after the second. He also struck out four.

Central returns to the field at 5 p.m. today to play host to University Heights Academy.

Webster (9-16) 002 004 0 - 6 9 2

Central (11-8) 410 000 0 - 5 8 1

WP: Seth Hendrix

LP: Ethan Smith

Mahley, Vasquez honored by Mid-South

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Saturday, May 9, 2009 12:19 AM CDT

Tradewater Pirate outfielder/pitcher Sean Mahley brought home some well-deserved hardware on April 26 when he was named to the All Mid-South Conference First Team.

Mahley started all 50 games played by the University of the Cumberlands (31-19) this spring and ranked among the top three in nearly every offensive category for the Patriots.

Cumberlands catcher and future Pirate Miguel Vasquez earned an Honorable Mention All-Conference honor.

Mahley led the team in runs (51) and RBIs (48), but Vasquez paced the Patriots in doubles with 15. Mahley and Vasquez hit .331 and .309 respectively.

Vasquez showed great hands behind the plate by committing just two errors in 162 chances and throwing out seven of 20 attempted base stealers.

Meanwhile, Mahley exhibited patience at the plate and speed on the base paths. Mahley walked 28 times while striking out 11 times and stole 17 of 19 attempted bags.

At Oral Roberts University (Okla.), Colby Price didn't win any awards, but he sure deserved one for his game-winning hit against Wichita State University (Kan.) on Tuesday.

Price delivered a go-ahead single in the top of the 13th inning to give Oral Roberts a 7-6 lead. The Golden Eagles (23-11) maintained the advantage in the bottom half of the inning to secure the win.

The game marked Oral Roberts' first contest in 10 days, but Price, who started at second base, did not show any signs of rust going 3-for-6 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

For much of the first half of the season, Price was used primarily as a reserve, but since being inserted into the starting lineup he has caught fire. In 82 at-bats, Price has posted a .354 batting average and ranks second among Golden Eagle hitters with 80 or more at-bats.

Despite a successful individual season, Brock Green's collegiate year came to a close with Ouachita Baptist University (Ark.) on Tuesday.

The Tigers fell 16-1 to Valdosta State University (Ga.) in Millington, Tenn. at the Gulf South Conference Tournament and finished 37-20, 11-10 GSC on the season.

Green ended with a .363 batting average and 58 hits, both second-best for Ouachita Baptist. Like Mahley, Green exhibited a great eye at the plate striking out just 16 times in 160 official at-bats and walking 18 times. Green also established himself as a clutch hitter. With runners on, Green hit .343 (34-for-99) and with two outs he hit .516 (16-for-31).

Central edges Hopkinsville, 1-0

HOPKINSVILLE - Unbeknownst to even Hopkins County Central pitcher Ali Austin, the sophomore took a perfect game into the seventh inning against Hopkinsville on Thursday evening.

Austin and Taylor Crawley combined to retire the first 18 batters of the game until the former surrendered back-to-back hits in the seventh. No damage was done though as the Lady Storm (18-7) defeated the Lady Tigers (10-16-1) in nine innings, 1-0.

After the contest, Austin's surprise at her near accomplishment quickly turned to frustration.

"Was it really?," Austin questioned when told. "I had absolutely no idea. That really, really makes me angry."

Coach Jesse Huff had little to be angry about with both teams exerting strong performances.

"It was a good ballgame to watch today and I'm just glad we came out on top of that one," he said.

The difference in the game came during the top of the ninth. Freshman Ashley Flener lined a one-out single to centerfield. Next up, clean-up hitter Taylor Brackett smacked a hard single to left, which skipped past the charging fielder. The fielding error allowed Flener to score and Brackett to advance to second. Central could not create any more offense from the opportunity, but the run proved to be enough.

Hopkinsville's Shelby Alder started the bottom of the ninth with a walk - Austin's only free pass of the game. Alder then stole second and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt.

"I walked her and it was frustrating for me," Austin said. "I just kind of put that out of my mind. I used the anger to get back at the other batters and I used the anger to throw harder. I think I threw the hardest in the ninth inning, I know I did."

Austin beared down and struck out the next two batters to finish the game. Austin tossed eight innings with seven strikeouts and faced 25 batters, just one above the minimum. Crawley threw a perfect third inning.

"We had a lot of heat today, so we were using Taylor Crawley in there to split up in there right between," Huff said. "We thought it would be a seven-inning game. Of course, Hopkinsville came ready to play a good ballgame, which extended all the way to nine. We just let (Austin) keep rolling because her pitch count was still down."

Lady Tiger leadoff hitter Lindsey Ezell broke up the perfect game as well as the no-hit attempt to begin the seventh. Ezell reached on a grounder to third, but was tagged out when she rounded first base. Then, Wendy Johnson recorded a hit on an infield pop-up.

Next to the plate, Brittney Castle hit a grounder to Flener at shortstop. Flener flipped the ball to second for the force, but the relay missed the mark at first and Castle broke for second. First baseman Alexis Curneal picked up the ball and threw back to Flener, who applied the tag at second for the third out.

Offensively, Hannah Tow and McKenzie Taylor each finished the game 2-for-3. Flener and Brackett rounded out the hits for Central with Flener scoring the game's lone run.

With the cancellation of Central's RainCatcher Invitational, the Lady Storm next play 5:30 p.m. Monday against Muhlenberg South.

Central (18-7) 000 000 001 - 1 6 0

Hopkinsville (10-16-1) 000 000 000 - 0 2 1

WP: Ali Austin

LP: Brittney Kiem

Former UK player Mills visits schools

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Thursday, May 7, 2009 12:27 AM CDT

HANSON -- It wasn't 'The Shot Heard 'Round the Bluegrass,' but for nearly 250 students at Hanson Elementary, Cameron Mills' half-court shot to win a game of P-I-G will be heard for a long time in Hopkins County. So will his message.

Mills, a former University of Kentucky men's basketball player, wrapped up his two-day, six-school visit to Hopkins County on Wednesday with a friendly shooting competition with five Hanson students following his motivational speech.

Instead of discussing his time at UK, Mills, who also does ministry work, discussed a low moment in his life to help inspire those in attendance.

"In some of my messages for churches and stuff, I'll use stories that aren't mine and they work, but when it's your story, something that's happened to you, it seems to come across more personal," he said. "There's more of a heart pull, because it's something you went through and you remember the feelings you had in that moment and you can kind of convey them."

On Wednesday, Mills told a story about when he went to visit his high school, Paul Laurence Dunbar, in May 1998 shortly after receiving his championship ring.

During the visit, Mills said he watched a class of 70 sophomore students perform a square dance in physical education class just as Mills had done during his time at Dunbar. As the children paired up, one boy danced with a girl who Mills described as 'different.'

As the boy and girl danced, the boy's friends, who did not have partners, teased him. After a song and a half, the boy stopped dancing and ran from the gym in embarrassment.

Mills said he felt disappointed in himself because he did not choose to step in and volunteer to dance and left the gym, too.

With the story, Mills said he hopes to encourage children to develop strong character.

"They expect to hear stories of 'Well, this is how you should be. This is how you need to be, so let me tell you how I've succeeded in that area,' " he said. "With me anyway, I've got more failure stories than I do anything else, I really do."

Throughout his speech, the children listened intently and displayed enthusiasm.

"I'll keep you out of class as long as possible," Mills said when he first picked up his microphone. The kids roared in approval.

When Mills finished his story, he said "It is your responsibility to do right. Can you handle that responsibility?," as the children nodded.

Following the speech, Mills played a game of P-I-G with fifth-graders Oliver Nelson, Conner Kenney, Brenden Carver, Jasmine Moss and third-grader Kalveona Pepper. After several layups, free throws and jump shots, the field narrowed to Mills and Nelson.

Each player missed their first couple tries to knock out the other, but then Mills stepped behind part of the crowd seated on the gym floor for the game-winning shot. At half-court, just inside the out-of-bounds mark on the right side, Mills hoisted a shot toward the hoop, which found the bottom of the net.

Nelson toed the same mark for an opportunity to match the feat and nearly did so as his shot missed after hitting the front of the rim.

Once the game ended, Mills posed for pictures and signed autographs for the children. Mills' shot might be what most of the children remember when they think of his visit, but for some the story will also carry weight.

"I think the message is understand whether you do the right thing or the wrong thing, it doesn't just affect you," he said. "There's a ripple effect. It affects other people and it may affect other people directly or it may affect them indirectly. One way or another it has consequences beyond just you."

North nets sweep of Central

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 12:28 AM CDT

Both the Hopkins County Central and Madisonville-North Hopkins tennis teams entered Tuesday's rivalry match with one goal: continue improvement leading to Monday's 2nd Region first round at Henderson.

With less than one week until the postseason, North exhibited solid performances on both the boys and girls squads with a pair of wins, 8-1 and 7-2 respectively.

"What you like to pull out of something like this is to make sure you work on the things you need to improve," North coach Richard Sarles said. "We played Central before, so we know their strengths and weaknesses.

"We know what to pick on and they know what to pick on us, but what you're really trying to do is clean up the places where you're sloppy in your game."

North and Central last played April 18 with the boys winning 8-0 and the Lady Maroons on top 5-3.

Tuesday, the Storm's lone winner for the boys was Nick Adcock, who defeated Chris Clark 6-4, 6-0.

Maroon boys singles winners included Rohit Nair, Austin Gerwe, Evan Spikes, Sean Whitfield and Jon Lam. For the Lady Maroons, Veronika Wheeler, Katelyn Brown, Alyssa Davis and Taylor Alexander each won. Central's Ellen Cox and Kristen Browning secured victories for the Lady Storm. In doubles play, North swept boys and girls.

While North posted sizable team wins on both sides, Central had many hard fought matches and near comebacks such as Chase Durrance's competition with the Maroons' Gerwe.

Gerwe jumped out to a 6-0 lead, but Durrance fired back to pull within two points at 6-4.

After his match, Durrance said when faced in such a difficult position a player must focus on one point at a time.

"Sometimes you feel like you just have to lessen the blow a little, try to come back and pull out a win and if not at least you tried your hardest," he said.

"If you can just change up the tempo, get your momentum going then it's easier to push through some points. Play smart instead of trying to play hard."

Central coach Jill Quinn observed boys matches at Madisonville Community College while Sarles watched the girls at North's campus.

Quinn said there are both pros and cons to such a setup.

"When there are only four courts and fewer kids, you get to watch them longer and see more of their game," she said. "The disadvantage of course would be I didn't get to see the girls play or get to give them any advice or tips."

Tuesday's match represented the final of the season for North, but Central will return to the courts 4 p.m. Thursday against McLean County and Quinn made sure to inform all her players about today's practice.

"We'll do some drills to work on some of the things I noticed today like court movement and positioning, volleys, things like that I noticed in match play we can improve upon," she said.

Meanwhile, Sarles and the North squad will await Friday's seedling for next week's regional action.

Franchise busy preparing for the 2009 season

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Tuesday, May 5, 2009 12:24 AM CDT

Those involved in front office operations with the K.I.T. League and Tradewater Pirates have increased activity to a frenetic pace with the season less than four weeks away and none have been busier than Carol Keller.

As host families/player services director, Keller has been attempting to recruit as many individuals as possible to welcome the Pirates into their homes for the upcoming season.

"Since last summer, I have been contacting individuals I thought might have enough room for at least one player and contacting churches, The Messenger and The (Dawson Springs) Progress, just trying to do any thing I can think of to recruit more individuals," Keller said. "I just see the need and it's just something I feel needs to be done."

Keller's enthusiasm for the role comes after hosting her first player last summer, catcher Kevin Schlegel.

"My husband, Joseph, and I had such a great experience with the young player that stayed with us," she said. "We simply cannot imagine not hosting a player each year, at least one. We're considering a second player if we can decide where to put him in the house."

While Keller boasts of intangible benefits such as getting to know upstanding, young and talented baseball players, hosts also receive a season pass for the entire immediate family to all home games.

The team still needs to make accommodations for 15 beds, but Keller said she wants interested parties to know they are asked only to provide a bed and laundry facilities.

"Players are required to abide by all rules of each household," Keller said.

Keller added some days families may not even see their respective guests because the Pirates play 50 games in 60 days and have other responsibilities like workouts and community appearances.

In a smaller town like Dawson Springs, such practices as welcoming a player in helps to make the young men feel at ease while spending the summer away from family and friends, Keller said.

"There was such a need to recruit more host families at the end of last season because we had several of the guys that stayed in older apartments and we just really want the players to live with families, so they can have the supervision as well as to feel more a part of the community," she said.

Keller has assembled a list of e-mail addresses and cell phone numbers for each of the 21 players signed by coach Brandon Kitch and she said she has formed a bond with several already and encourages others to do so.

"(Kitch) has made certain to recruit only those men who are of outstanding moral character," Keller said.

Players are expected to begin arriving in Dawson Springs May 23-24 and will remain through the end of July.

nThe Pirates are also asking for volunteers to help "spruce" up Riverside Park Saturday.

Beginning at 8 a.m., workers will help make improvements to the field and surrounding area to prepare for Opening Day on May 29.

"All volunteers are welcome for whatever hours and portion of the day you can be there," a release on the team's Web site said. "There will be tasks for the skilled and unskilled...for the young and the old."

Individuals interested in helping during Saturday's clean-up or becoming host families can contact Keller at 339-7652 or general manager Dwight Seymore at 853-7564.