Beech Tree News Network

The 2014 softball season gets underway today as the Butler County Bears are set to take the field against Russellville.  Butler County is coming off a 22-14 campaign where they finished runner-up in the 12th District Tournament, advancing to the Third Region Tournament for the sixth straight year.
The Bears lost four players to graduation - all starters:  Pitcher Morgan Manning, shortstop Madeline Drake, left-fielder Jazmin Reynolds, and center-fielder Payton Grubb.  Manning and Drake are playing college softball at Brescia Univesity in Owensboro. 
"Our graduating class left some big shoes to fill but we've been working hard since last year to do just that," said Butler County head coach John Embry.
Leading the Bears into the 2014 season will be senior captains Lynsie Clark (3B), Amy Rogers (C), and Natoshia White (2B).  All three players have been an important part of Butler County's success over the past several years.

"You just can't say enough about Lynsie, Amy, and Natoshia.  They are solid players with a ton of experience.  Leaders on and off the field, we expect big things from our senior trio this season.
Pitcher/shortstop Kassie Phelps and outfielder Emily Rich comprise the junior class.

"Although small in number, we expect both Kassie and Emily to contribute for us this season - both offensively and defensively," said Embry.  A right-handed pitcher, Phelps will be one of possibly three players called on to help fill the pitching circle this season.
Both the freshmen and sophomore classes bring numbers and playing experience to the Butler County roster.  Sophomores Hannah Peach (1B), Naomi Cade (OF), Abigail Fry (OF), Callie Cardwell (SS/IF), and Taylor King (P/OF) are players who have come up through the middle school ranks to the high school level.  Both Peach and King saw varsity time last season and King will also be spending some time in the varsity pitching circle. Cade, Fry and Cardwell played mostly JV but are expected to log some varsity time this season.

The freshmen class is the largest on the BCHS roster:  Madison "Boo" Clark (OF/IF), Kelsey Smith (IF/P), Maddie McKinney (IF), Zoie Pendley (P/IF), Ashlynne Brooks (C/IF), Cheyenne White (C/OF), and Haley Hope (OF).  Pendley is expected to pitch several JV innings. 
The freshmen class also has several players pushing for varsity time, including Clark and Smith, while the rest (McKinney, Pendley, Brooks, White, and Hope) will comprise the core of the Bears' JV squad. 

Another small class, the Bears' eighth graders are Olivia Jones (P/OF/1B) and Tori McKinney (P/IF/OF). Both are expected to get significant playing time at the junior varsity and freshmen level.

Returning to the Butler County coaching staff this season are Diane Dyer, Jack Clark, and Jay Shockley. New this season is Barry Frazier.  Not in the dugout this year will be long-time assistant and player Katie Kirby, who is now teaching middle school in Muhlenberg County. 
"Although we'll miss Katie this season, I feel like we have knowledgable coach staff that is dedicated to the success of our student-athletes," said Embry.  "Coach Frazier is a great addition to our staff."

Butler County, as always, plays a tough schedule and has seven opponents that are in the Top 25 of state rankings.  The Bears play in four varsity tournaments and two freshmen tournaments.

"We play a tough schedule every year and I feel that makes us better in the long run," said Embry.  "It may not look as well in the wins and losses category but it's great experience for us."

---
To view the Butler County Softball 2014 Season Schedule and Roster, click on the link below to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.

http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/khsaa/kyfp14/?id=43401

---

Photos by Julie Hudnall