By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Writer
High school baseball and softball seasons came to a finish this week in Hopkins County with some coming unexpectedly sooner than anticipated and each local squad has not only plenty to be proud of, but a lot to look toward next season.
Softball teams like Hopkins County Central and Dawson Springs rose above expectations despite being two very young teams while the Madisonville-North Hopkins baseball club dominated Region 2 opponents throughout the regular season.
Not to be left out, Central's coach Lee James said his baseball team showed tremendous improvement during the season and finished just one game under .500. The Lady Maroons proved they can be a formidable opponent with starting pitcher Kyleigh Taylor and graduate just two players - Kelly Herrenbruck and Caitlin Todd.
At Dawson Springs, the Panthers struggled to secure wins, but coach Adam Locke has been promoting a positive atmosphere and has plenty to build upon with players like left-handed pitcher Brett Cobb and speedster Dayton Reed. Both will return for their junior campaigns next season.
While sports should always be about team accomplishments, plenty of local athletes boasted some well-deserved individual feats this season, none more significant than by Lady Storm pitcher Ali Austin, who established herself as the 7th District's top hurler.
Austin tossed Central's first-ever seven-inning perfect game in a 7-0 victory against Crittenden County on April 16. Less than two weeks later, the sophomore threw a no-hitter against Livingston Central.
For the Lady Panthers, Brooke Randolph rivaled Austin for the county's best pitcher. Randolph led Dawson to a berth in the 2nd Region Tournament, but the team drew an unfortunate opponent in Christian County.
Softball teams like Hopkins County Central and Dawson Springs rose above expectations despite being two very young teams while the Madisonville-North Hopkins baseball club dominated Region 2 opponents throughout the regular season.
Not to be left out, Central's coach Lee James said his baseball team showed tremendous improvement during the season and finished just one game under .500. The Lady Maroons proved they can be a formidable opponent with starting pitcher Kyleigh Taylor and graduate just two players - Kelly Herrenbruck and Caitlin Todd.
At Dawson Springs, the Panthers struggled to secure wins, but coach Adam Locke has been promoting a positive atmosphere and has plenty to build upon with players like left-handed pitcher Brett Cobb and speedster Dayton Reed. Both will return for their junior campaigns next season.
While sports should always be about team accomplishments, plenty of local athletes boasted some well-deserved individual feats this season, none more significant than by Lady Storm pitcher Ali Austin, who established herself as the 7th District's top hurler.
Austin tossed Central's first-ever seven-inning perfect game in a 7-0 victory against Crittenden County on April 16. Less than two weeks later, the sophomore threw a no-hitter against Livingston Central.
For the Lady Panthers, Brooke Randolph rivaled Austin for the county's best pitcher. Randolph led Dawson to a berth in the 2nd Region Tournament, but the team drew an unfortunate opponent in Christian County.
Coach Kent Workman will not lose a single player to graduation though. This season's youth may prove to have many benefits when the club returns with plenty of varsity-experienced players next year.
Meanwhile, the North baseball team made its mark with eye-popping offensive numbers. The Maroons led the 2nd Region with 311 runs and scored 88 more runs than its closest foe. From table-setter Ryan Quinn as leadoff hitter to No. 9 batter Matt Levin, the Maroons raked opposing pitching.
With North's departure in the 2nd Region semi-finals, six seniors ended their high school careers, but some will continue at the next level. This summer, Ben Campbell and Micah Rainwater will play for the Madisonville Miners, an American Legion squad. Both are also getting looks from college coaches.
Five regulars return for North led by catcher Dalton Lykins and pitcher/shortstop Hayden Marks.
All in all, the 2009 season presented many successes. Although it's unfortunate some of Hopkins County's seniors did not graduate with that elusive regional title, this year's achievements indicate that day might not be too far away.
Meanwhile, the North baseball team made its mark with eye-popping offensive numbers. The Maroons led the 2nd Region with 311 runs and scored 88 more runs than its closest foe. From table-setter Ryan Quinn as leadoff hitter to No. 9 batter Matt Levin, the Maroons raked opposing pitching.
With North's departure in the 2nd Region semi-finals, six seniors ended their high school careers, but some will continue at the next level. This summer, Ben Campbell and Micah Rainwater will play for the Madisonville Miners, an American Legion squad. Both are also getting looks from college coaches.
Five regulars return for North led by catcher Dalton Lykins and pitcher/shortstop Hayden Marks.
All in all, the 2009 season presented many successes. Although it's unfortunate some of Hopkins County's seniors did not graduate with that elusive regional title, this year's achievements indicate that day might not be too far away.
No comments:
Post a Comment