Beech Tree News Network

Undefeated South Warren (43-0) returns to John Cropp Stadium on the campus of the University of Kentucky this weekend seeking a berth in the 2026 KHSAA State Softball Championship Game.

The Spartans earned their place in the Final Four with a 12-0 five-inning victory over Region 8 Champion Oldham County on June 4, followed by a 4-3 extra-inning win over Region 11 Champion Madison Central on June 6.

South Warren enters the weekend ranked among the nation's elite programs, checking in at No. 1 nationally by Line Drive Media, No. 2 by Sports Illustrated, No. 3 in the NFCA High School Top 25 Coaches Poll, and No. 5 by MaxPreps.

At the center of South Warren's undefeated season are senior standouts Parker Willoughby and Layla Ogden. 

Willoughby, South Warren's senior third baseman, currently ranks No. 1 in Kentucky with 82 RBI while batting .550 with 66 hits, 66 runs scored, 21 doubles, five triples, 12 home runs, and 27 walks through 43 games.

Ogden, South Warren's senior first baseman and pitcher, is batting .500 with 63 hits, 40 runs scored, 65 RBI, 13 doubles, and 13 home runs. In the circle, Ogden has an 18-0 record with a 0.78 ERA, 109 strikeouts, and only nine runs allowed all season, the fewest runs allowed in Kentucky.

The duo delivered when South Warren needed it most in the state quarterfinals.

Trailing 3-2 entering the bottom of the eighth inning against Madison Central, Willoughby opened the inning with a stand-up double. One batter later, Ogden launched a two-run walk-off home run over the left-field wall, sending the Spartans to the Final Four.

During South Warren's two state tournament victories, Willoughby batted .500 (2-for-4) with two RBI, three walks, and one stolen base, while Ogden recorded three RBI, three walks, and the game-winning home run.

Awaiting South Warren in the KHSAA State Semifinals is Region 9 Champion Fort Thomas Highlands (35-6). First pitch is scheduled for Friday, June 12, at 2:30 p.m. Central Time at John Cropp Stadium in Lexington.

The Bluebirds are led by senior ace Kaitlyn Dixon, who enters the matchup with a 30-3 record, 202.0 innings pitched, 345 strikeouts, 35 walks, and a 0.66 ERA. Dixon was recently named NFCA South Central Region Player of the Week following a one-hit shutout performance during the state tournament.

For Parker Willoughby, the Final Four appearance represents the culmination of a remarkable senior season. The South Warren third baseman, who ranks No. 1 in Kentucky with 82 RBI, is the daughter of Travis and Ashley Willoughby of Morgantown.

For Layla Ogden, the trip to Lexington marks another milestone in an outstanding two-way career. Ogden, who enters the Final Four batting .500 with 13 home runs while posting an 18-0 record in the circle, is the daughter of Kerra Sykes Ogden of Bowling Green  and Matt Ogden,  granddaughter of Lena and Mark Allen, and niece of Kelsey Allen - all of Morgantown.

The semifinal matchup will feature undefeated South Warren (43-0) against Region 9 Champion Fort Thomas Highlands (35-6) with a berth in the 2026 KHSAA State Softball Championship Game on the line.

For South Warren, the spotlight remains on Parker Willoughby and Layla Ogden, whose production throughout the season and timely performances in the state tournament have helped carry the Spartans to the biggest weekend in program history.   

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Story by Mark Allen, for Beech Tree News.