Beech Tree News Network

With a high school roster of 26 players, including a core of six upperclassmen, the Butler County Bears' softball team is set to kick off its 2017 season.  Butler County has four seniors returning from a squad that went 18-13-2 during 2016 but lost 6-4 in the first round of the 12th District Tournament to Grayson County.

Pitcher Zoie Pendley, catcher Cheyenne White, third baseman Madison "Boo" Clark, and shortstop Maddie McKinney are expected to anchor the 2017 team as all have been in the program since middle school.

"These ladies have been with us for a while now, have gotten the job done in the past, and bring a ton of varsity playing experience to our program," said BCHS head coach John Embry.  "We expect this group of seniors to lead the way in order for us to be successful this season." 

Two junior starters from last year's team are also returning to the varsity line-up - first baseman Olivia Jones and right-fielder Tori McKinney. 

"Olivia and Tori both put up solid numbers for us last season and we expect both to have an even better year this time around with the experience they gained," said Embry. 

Kylee Smith, Amber Thacker and Dixie Garnier comprise the sophomore class.  Smith is the primary junior varisty pitcher, while Thacker and Garnier are battling for varsity spots at second base and center-field, respectively.  Smith is likely to log some varsity pitching innings in relief of Pendley. 

Part of the reason for an expanded roster this season is due to a large freshman and 8th grade class.  Comprising the freshman class are Hannah Chaney, Bayleigh Alford, Shalyn Bratcher, Haley Peach, Ashley Thacker, Jacie Ward, and Evyn Frazier.  Chaney, a back-up catcher and outfielder, is vying for an outfield varsity position.  Alford, Bratcher, Peach, Thacker, Ward and Frazier will anchor the junior varsity squad and some of those may get some varsity opportunities, especially as pinch runners.

Butler County has a 10-player strong 8th grade class - a group that mostly will comprise the freshman team.  The 8th grade class consists of Aleace Hall and Autumn Proctor - both of whom will also play junior varsity and are competing for varsity opportunities.  The remainder of the 8th grade group are Olivia Austin, Aubrey Clark, Andrea Deweese, Audrey Deweese, Jessilynn Embry, Aliceson Hunt, Conley Moore, and Leslee Washer.   

"We're fortunate to have two strong classes of players in our freshman and 8th grade groups," said Embry.  "These guys had successful middle school seasons and we're hoping to build on that as they continue in high school." 

Butler County plays in the always challenging 12th District (3rd Region) with opponents Grayson County, Edmonson County and Trinity (Whitesville). 

"It's a tough district - no doubt about it," said Embry.  "However, we feel like we have a quality team that is very capable of winning a district championship and advancing in the region." 

The Bears are also playing is several tournaments.  The varsity squad will play in tournaments at Marshall County, Clarksville (TN), and Cumberland County, as well as hosting their own round-robin.  The JV team will also play at Marshall County, while the freshman team will play in a tournament at Muhlenberg County, as well as hosting its own freshman round-robin.

"We have a pretty tough schedule, which is by design," said Embry.  "It has always been my philosophy to play challenging opponents, establish high expectations, and then give your team the opportunity to rise to meet those expectations." 

Jack Clark returns as the hitting/1B coach and has been working with players since pre-season workouts began October 15.  Diane Dyer and Lexie Smith also return to the coaching staff. 

"I feel like we have a solid group of coaches in place who bring decades of combined experience to the table," said Embry. 

Butler County opens its 2017 season on Monday, March 13, at Logan County.  The Bears host Daviess County on Tuesday, host Owensboro Catholic on Wednesday in a freshman double-header, travel to Allen County-Scottsville on Thursday for another freshman double-header, and then head to Marshall County for a varsity-junior varsity tournament on Friday-Saturday.

To view the 2017 schedule, please click on the following link:  SCHEDULE - 2017 BCHS Softball Revised 3-7-17.pdf

To view the 2017 roster, please click on the following link:  ROSTER-2017 BCHS Softball 3-13-17.pdf

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Photos courtesy of Laurie Keen Photography