The recently held Edmonson County Youth Football Camp was a success, according to Allison Mello, youth football board member.
"Thanks to our amazing coaches, high school football team, and experienced volunteers," she said when describing the event as a "huge success." She continued with "Everyone worked together to teach the players skills to be GREAT! Football is a team sport and we want our players to be great on and off the field. It is our hope to continue to grow our youth program. We have teams Kindergarten-6th grade. If your child would like to sign up, it’s not too late! Follow us on Facebook EC Youth Football." Edmonson Voice Sports: ECHS Lady Cat softball varsity pitcher, Julie Norris, competed in Panama City Beach Florida last week at the USFA World Series with her travel ball team, WK Wildfire. Wildfire played in the 16u division against 21 A level teams from across the country. Wildfire went undefeated throughout the tournament, until the championship game, where they lost by only one run to another Kentucky team, the Louisville Sluggers. Norris is credited with 27.1 innings pitched across 4 wins, 1 loss, and 1 successful save. A save means she was brought in to pitch with a tying run at the plate and a full count. She struck that batter out on the first pitch and finished the next batter off in 5 pitches, saving the win for the Wildfire as time expired in the game. Norris faced 108 batters, struck out ten, and threw 350 pitches. She only allowed 19 hits and 6 runs in the entire tournament, 5 of which were during the championship loss.
This is Wildfire’s first year in the 16u division. They plan on returning next year to the World Series in order to take home the championship trophy. You can follow Julie and the Wildfire from their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wkwildfire. Jody Booth Named ECHS Girls Basketball Coach: Six Other New Coaches Named For 2023-24 School Year7/20/2023 Volleyball, Golf, Soccer, and Archery All See New Coaches Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Jody Booth is the newest varsity girls coach at Edmonson County High School, according to the school earlier today. Kyle Pierce, who has returned as the athletic director for the school after a two-year hiatus, discussed Coach Booth's hire as well as number of new faces that will be at head coaching positions in several sports. "Coach Booth has a vast amount of experience serving as an assistant for over a decade under some tremendous head coaches," he said. "His knowledge of the game is a great asset but his ability to teach his players the game and break down opponents to put his players in the best position to be successful is incredible." Pierce said per Booth's request, Maddie Stewart was named associate head coach, and that Booth is securing another assistant. Principal Jonathan Williams said the school is very fortunate to have the current level of talent applying for local coaching jobs, and said hiring Booth was a "slam dunk." "Coach Booth a really good person, he has coached under hall of fame coaches, he's led his own middle school program, led our JV program for several years, and has built a reputation as a player development coach that excels at teaching the game." Williams said he couldn't be happier with the addition of Booth, as well as the additional new hires. He also discussed A.D. Kyle Pierce, who is returning after the retirement of Coach Brad Johnson last school year. "Having the good fortune to hire someone like Kyle Pierce to lead your athletic department is a blessing," he said. "Athletics is such a great vehicle to teach life and nobody knows that better than him. Kyle is a phenomenal person, has great experience, and can mentor our kids and coaches. We're thrilled to have him back in this role and I look forward to partnering with him in the coming years." In addition to girls basketball, six others will be taking on new head coaching jobs for the upcoming school year. In golf, Shane Doyle will be head coach of the boys' team while Caleb Hogg will lead the Lady Cat golfers after Coaches Granville Meredith and Kayla Meredith Velotta stepped down at the end of last season. Coach Christine Barrett will lead the Lady Cat volleyball team in 2023. She served as an assistant coach last year, gaining the respect of players and parents. She takes over for the departing Caitlyn Caudill. In soccer, Ashley Ritter will serve as the girls' head coach and Brian Kemble, who was named today, will take over for the boys' soccer team. While the boys' team might be JV-only this season due to low numbers, the school hopes that Kemble and Ritter will help generate more interest in soccer as ECHS looks to grow the program. Trey Tinsley was named as the new Wildcat Basketball Coach as last school year ended. Archery will have a new coached named soon, according to ECHS. Pierce said he is looking forward to serving as A.D. again as ECHS will have a vastly different look for 2023-24. “I really enjoyed my previous eleven years as Athletic Director, but I also enjoyed the two-year break," he told the Voice. "Our school district was in a spot where they couldn’t find the right fit for the position. Mr. Williams and Mr. Alexander reached out to see if I could help out. I’m sure I won’t have another eleven-year run but I hope I can get the next person ready for the job.” Fall sports are just around the corner with practices and workouts already underway. ECHS Soccer starts with the boys and girls on August 7th at Warren East. Volleyball begins August 17th at Butler County, golf matches and cross-country will also begin in August. Edmonson County Football is scheduled to begin Friday, August 18th at home against Grayson County. “I always felt the role of an Athletic Director is to help each head coach to improve their program to the maximum of its ability," Pierce added. "When you have this many first time head coaches, it will be extremely rewarding to help them as they begin in their leadership roles.” Edmonson County High School Boys Basketball Camp 2023 information is out. Incoming grades 1-8 student athletes/parents please sign up your child for the Wildcat Camp for $30. Dates are July 17, 18, and 19th. Update: Grades 1-4 will be at ECMS. Grades 5-8 will be at ECHS. Camp starts at 9 AM and ends at 11 AM each day. Below is a google form that can be filled out prior to camp or you can register your child the day of. Click on the link below for the google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cnNVtidaSS-CcZy4rkhVZHm7aHR2N5RursulYrNSov0/edit Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos: Edmonson County Lady Cat Head Basketball Coach Bart Weaver officially stepped down from his post on Monday. His 36-year career in coaching covers many bases, fields, and courts, and Weaver said the decision to leave was filled with a range of emotions. "I told my team through the tears that I've always believed in finding the positive in anything and I told them that while there's a part of me that wants to stay for them, it's time," he said. "The positives are that I can be a full time Pappy. I have a 7-year old granddaughter who's athletic and I look forward to maybe spending time on a t-ball field. I've also got a 5-year old special-needs grandchild and one that could be born any minute. My granddaughter cried happy tears when I told her I was going to be able to spend more time with her." Weaver started coaching right out of college, taking the helm of a tennis team. He then coached baseball, football, and basketball, and he said any success he or his players/students ever had was because of relationships he built with them. "I've been around this my whole life. My dad was a great educator, coach, principal, and eventually a superintendent. One of the things I got from him was how he built relationships. Building those relationships with kids was always my philosophy. I heard probably 20 or 30 years ago from somebody that you first have to capture kids and then inspire them. I've been so blessed with good kids and good relationships." Weaver became the head coach for the Lady Cats in 2018, just after his retirement from a 30-year teaching career. The team had lost a host of seniors and two of the top 5 scorers in Lady Cat history. "I guess some people thought I was crazy because with coaching a new team, it's all about what you inherit," he said. "But even though the team was losing a lot, I'd had every one of those girls in class and I knew their character. I'd already built relationships with them, and keeping up with their sports, I knew what they could do." Turns out, he wasn't crazy and he knew exactly what the girls could do. They finished 24-8 and repeated as district champions. ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams discussed the impressive resume that Weaver compiled during the 15 years he spent at Edmonson County as teacher and coach.
"He’s been part of two All A Regional championships, a boys' district championship and three as girls' head coach. That’s quiet a resume," he said. "When coach Weaver and I met on Monday, he assured me he would be around anytime we needed him to and I asked him to please come back early next season so we could formerly honor him. I want to congratulate Coach Weaver on a great run. We appreciate what he has accomplished." Superintendent Brian Alexander also reflected on the Weaver's success in Edmonson County. "He has been a positive impact on countless young people in Edmonson County," he said. "I appreciate him coming to Edmonson County years ago and cannot thank him enough for his years of service with Edmonson County Schools. He will be missed." Alexander said he discussed a plan to hire a replacement with school personnel yesterday. Williams said he would be forming a committee to help navigate the hiring process. "We will take our time with applicants as they come in," Williams said. Weaver also made special mention of the Edmonson Voice and the sports coverage it provides. "I want this in the article, and I mean it," he said. "I love the Edmonson Voice and what it's meant to our players, our program, and our community. Sometimes I think it's overlooked, but I've been at schools where there was nothing like this and it means a lot. I want to thank you guys for what you do." Weaver said the past 15 years in Edmonson County have been the best of his professional life. "And it's not even close. People here accepted me. Once they saw my relationships with their kids they adopted me in. I feel like I AM from Edmonson County even though I'm not. This is my hometown, man. It's been great and I have nothing but great things to say about this place." Weaver was another coach with an open-door policy with the Voice. He allowed us in the gym, in his office, and anywhere else we needed him. He always answered or returned calls and texts and was eager to give post game interviews every game, even when it was inconvenient. He finishes with a head coaching record of 83-62 for the Lady Cats (.747), three district titles, and two All A Region 3 runners-up. He said he has no plans of coaching again unless it's with grandkids on a t-ball field. "That's the plan anyway, but you never say never. I just want to be there for my grandkids and for my wife. I feel fulfilled now," he said. At each graduation, there was always a line of seniors waiting to have their photo taken with Bart Weaver, both those that were athletes and those that were not. It was always a reflection of the impact one person could have when good relationships were built. Edmonson Voice Sports: ECHS Varsity Softball pitcher, fresh off of her 12 inning performance in the regional tournament, went with her travel softball team, WK Wildfire, to Newburgh, IN to compete this last weekend. WK Wildfire is a team made up of players from Edmonson, Ohio, Logan, and Muhlenberg in Kentucky and Clarksville, TN. Wildfire is a 16u team playing in the 18u or High School division against some teams that have graduated seniors on them. Wildfire ended up winning a rain shortened two day tournament after strong hitting from every player and Julie Norris pitching two complete games of the five, time-limited games. Norris finished the tournament with 5 Ks in 9 total innings, allowing only 1 ER for the tournament for an ERA of .778. Both of her games were wins. Wildfire was the only team in the tournament bracket that was undefeated in tournament play when the storms opened up and ruined the fields. When it was determined that the tournament couldn't continue, Wildfire was awarded the championship for the Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois tournament.
Wildfire plays next weekend in Greenville, KY and will be taking ECHS freshman Kylee Williams to play with them. If you want to find out more about WK Wildfire or follow Julie, WK Wildfire is located on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/wkwildfire Edmonson Voice Report:
For the second year in a row, ECHS freshman Brayden Johnson competed at the KHSAA Tennis State Tournament at Top Seed in Lexington. This year, Brayden advanced to state as the 3rd region runner-up. On Tuesday, Brayden defeated Colton Ralston - a senior from Lincoln County - 6-4, 6-1 to advance to the second round of the top 32 players. Brayden was then faced with the number four ranked player in Kentucky, Alden Johnson, a junior from Ashland Blazer, whose UTR ranking is 10.17. Brayden managed to win four games over Johnson in a 90 minute battle, losing 2-6, 2-6. “I do my very best to present Brayden with training opportunities year-round to enable him to compete at this high level," said Head Coach Jodi Johnson. "He plays weekly against Bowling Green, South Warren, and Greenwood’s top players. At the state level, it is often difficult for small county schools to compete with the Louisville and Lexington elite private schools—but we don’t make excuses. They may have more advantages, but they won’t outwork Brayden. He has played tennis less than three years, and his athleticism and determination have him right in the mix. Thank you to our EC schools and community for your encouragement and support of our tennis program." Edmonson Voice Sports: The ECHS Archery Team completed their season at the NASP Eastern National Tournament on May 12, 2023. The team shot 3200 at the National Tournament which is above their season average of 3188. Corissa Jaggers shot a 50 (perfect round) at the tournament. A pin is usually given when an archer shoots a 50 in a round. At this tournament, no pin was awarded. The team coaches presented Corissa with an American Flag lapel pin to recognize her achievement. "All of the coaches are extremely proud of the team," said Coach Joy Curtis. "Their hard work and dedication this season showed by qualifying for the National Tournament." The ECMS and ECHS Archery Team celebrated a season of growth at the annual banquet on May 21. This season, KHSAA held the first Annual All A Regional and State Tournaments. The High School Team was named Region 3 All A Champions and competed in the All A State Tournament. Hunter Masterson shot a 50 at the All A Tournament. The coaches presented him with an ‘A’ lapel pin to recognize his achievement. The following awards were presented to the archers: Most Improved New Female Archer – Mackenzie Wilkerson, Most Improved New Male Archer – Andew Coy, Most Resilient – Lucas Jones (switched from right handed to left handed bow and improved his score), Top Middle School Female – Laynee Meredith, Top Middle School Male – Jayden Jones, Top High School Female – Corissa Jaggers, Top High School Male – Hunter Masterson, Archery Scholarship – Carlie Johnson. The following seniors were recognized for their time with the archery program: Ethan Arredondo – 6 years, Taylor Atwell – 6 years, Haydn Burrell – 6 years, Carlie Johnson – 4 years, Hunter Masterson – 6 years, Erica McGrew – 6 years The coaches (Joy Curtis, Derek Curtis, Glendale Meredith, Crystal Higgins, Larry Higgins) said that they are proud of the team and all of their accomplishments this season, and that they are looking forward to next season and more expected growth. First Time In School History Edmonson Voice Sports: For the first time in school history, Edmonson County Middle School Track had representation at the Middle School State Track Meet, which was held in Louisville on May 27th. Aidan Meredith competed in the one-mile run, Haley Shields competed in the shot put and discus, and Jasper Young, Jack Browning, Aidan Meredith, and Zander Garrett competed in the 4 x 800 relay. “It is extremely hard to qualify for the middle school state track meet,” said Coach Brad Meredith. “There are qualifying standards that must be met; the middle school state is all schools combined. It's not split up into three classes like our High School is. We have never had any athletes meet the standards. They are very hard to obtain and many of these kids will also compete in the High School State meet. This is a great honor for these kids and I am very proud of them.” Haley Shields threw 31-5.00 in the girls shot put and also threw 82-3.00 in the discus, Aidan Meredith ran 5:15 for the boys mile, and the boys 4 x 800 relay team of Aidan Meredith, Jack Browning, Zander Garrett, and Jasper Young ran a time of 9:55.00.
Edmonson Records First Winning Season Since 2016 Darren Doyle, story and photos: The 2023 season for Lady Cat softball came to an end last night at the Region 3 Tournament, hosted by Grayson County, as Edmonson County fell to Owensboro Catholic 7-1. The Lady Cats struggled to generate offense, putting up only three hits in the semifinal match up. Lady Ace pitcher Brooke Hamilton, who was coming off a perfect game against Meade County on Sunday, threw 7 innings, struck out 15, and walked only one in the O. Catholic win. Hamilton found success with pitches high in the zone that fooled many Lady Cat batters. "We knew that she was going to throw high and I think we focused too much on that, because we stayed away from other pitches lower in the zone and it hurt us," said Head Coach Alex Jane Massey. "Our mindset was to look high, but then we didn't do well when she came in low. The girls made an adjustment the second time through, and that helped some. In a game against a tough pitcher like this, improving from one bat to the next is about all you can do." The state champion is the only team that gets to end the season on a win. For everyone else, they go home with a loss, and it's always someone's final game. Last night, that moment came for three Lady Cat seniors who have played integral parts to the team over their time in Edmonson County uniforms. Shortstop Callie Webb, catcher Annie Kiper, and center fielder Alyssa Doyle helped this year's Lady Cats notch their first winning season since 2016. While they had hoped to capture the first district championship since that same year, goals reached from this year's team helped soften the finality of last night. All three are multi-sport athletes with exceptional academics. "We did some things we wanted to do this year," said Alyssa Doyle. "We wanted to make it through the whole season without being shut out and we weren't going to be run-ruled, and we did that." In addition, the winning season, the district runner-up, and being only the second Lady Cat fast pitch team to win a region tournament game will bring lasting memories. Seven of the nine starters on this year's team hit home runs in their careers, a feat never been done with a Lady Cat softball roster. Coach Massey described this year's team as one "ready to fight and never quit." "I think these kids have show since the beginning of the season that everything's a fight. We made our opponents fight because that's what we did all year long." She was passionate about the seniors that will move on to other endeavors. "I just told our seniors out there how proud I am of them. The way that they led our team this year, and they all lead differently. We needed every piece of the puzzle that those seniors gave. They were all key parts one way or another. I believe that all three of these girls are going to go on and do something huge with their lives..." she said as she was overcome with emotion. Annie Kiper, Julie Norris, and Jolee Vincent all went 1-3 last night. Norris pitched 7 innings, gave up 13 hits, earning 5 runs, while she struck out 4 and walked 2.
Batting leaders for this year's team were: (minimum 70 at-bats)
Norris finished the season ranked #24 in the state in pitching wins (17), and #11 in innings pitched (178). Callie Webb, who will play softball next year at Campbellsville, ranked #40 statewide for doubles on the season (14). Edmonson County finishes with a record of 17-11. First Lady Cat Region Win Since 2013 Darren Doyle, story and photos: Softball fans got their money's worth yesterday during the grueling 12-inning marathon between Edmonson County and Muhlenberg County in the first round of the Region 3 Tournament held at Grayson County High School. What was nearly two complete softball games ended up being the first region tournament win for the Lady Cats since the region runner-up team from 2013. This year's team is only the second one in school history for fast pitch to advance in a regional tournament. In addition, sophomore Lady Cat pitcher Julie Norris endured the entire 12-inning contest from the pitcher's circle, throwing an incredible 181 pitches over the course 48 batters faced. The Lady Cats scored their first run in the top of the third after a single by senior Annie Kiper, another single by Kaylee Ann Sanders, a sac fly from senior Callie Webb that moved both runners over, then a walk by Norris. Jolee Vincent was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded as the Lady Cats took a 1-0 lead. Edmonson held the lead until the bottom of the 6th when the Lady Mustangs reached on a single and then two consecutive hit-by-pitches. Another single allowed Muhlenberg to tie the score at 1-1. Edmonson held them in the bottom of the 7th to force extra innings. After a ground out to start the top of the 9th, Edmonson County's Kiper singled, followed by a walk for Sanders. Callie Webb then singled on a line drive to right, scoring Kiper and moving Sanders to third. Sanders then stole home on a passed ball and another error by the pitcher allowed Webb to score for a 4-1 lead. The lead was short lived as the Lady Mustangs answered with a double, single, then a two-run triple with no outs to cut the lead to 4-3. A sac fly then tied things up again for Muhlenberg County. After another single, Norris was able to get out of the inning with a strikeout. Both the 10th and 11th innings were non-eventful for both teams. Then, with two outs in the top of the 12th, senior Alyssa Doyle singled on a liner to left field. With Doyle battling illness for the last couple days, Emma Davis entered the game as a courtesy runner on first. Brooklynn Wilson then drove a ball to deep center, which was dropped by the center fielder. The error allowed Wilson to advance to second and Davis scored the go-ahead run to make it 5-4. The drama continued in the bottom of the 12th as the Lady Mustangs started the inning with a single from Joshlynn Noe. She then stole second to put the tying run in scoring position. A sac bunt from Jaycee Phillips moved her over to third with one out. Pitcher Josie Davis then bunted in front of the plate. Catcher Annie Kiper fielded the ball, threw to first to get the batter out while Noe attempted to take home from third. First baseman Makayla Hogg threw a perfect throw back to Kiper, who blocked the plate and tagged the runner out in dramatic fashion for a double play to end the game. After the celebration, Head Coach Alex Jane Massey discussed how her team made it through the two-and-a-half hour challenge.
"That was a team effort," she said. "One-through-nine, everybody on the field at sometime had to make a play, had to get on base, or had to do something. I never looked out there and thought those kids were going to lose, and they never thought they were going to lose. When you constantly play behind each other like that, you're able to make a big play like that at the end. That was no easy play by any means, but they knew what was going on and we came out on top." The Lady Cats don't have a surplus of pitching. In fact, only a couple of other pitchers have been used all season and in very short spans. Julie Norris has been a workhorse for Edmonson County all year. She is currently ranked in the top 50 in the state in two categories: #28 in wins with 16, and in the top 20 in innings pitched with 170. "Julie was so focused today and she wanted it," said Massey. "Every pitch she had today was working. She was not going to come off that mound with a loss. I know you've called her 'a mule,' before, but she is. And today she definitely pulled the wagon." Kiper was 3-6, Callie Webb went 2-5 with an RBI, Doyle was 2-6, Sanders was 1-4, Vincent was 1-5 with an RBI, and Wilson was 1-5. Norris went a full 12 innings, gave up 13 hits, earned 4 runs, walked one, and struck out 6. Yesterday's win for the Lady Cats was the longest game in Region 3 Tournament play since 2005. The last region win in 2013 was coached by Kevin Clemmons and assisted by his daughter, Alex Jane Clemmons, (now Massey). Clemmons now assists Massey some 10 years later. Edmonson County is now 17-10 on the season and is scheduled to face Owensboro Catholic in the semi-finals on Tuesday night at 8PM. Edmonson Voice Sports: The ECHS track team competed in the Region 3 Tournament last night where several individuals and groups brought home some impressive hardware, including regional titles and qualifications for the KHSAA State Championships. The boys team finished 3rd overall out of the 15 teams and the girls team finished 5th out of the 15 teams. In addition, the girls 4 x 800 relay team consisting of Cariann Williams, Abby Logsdon, Mollie Johnson, and Kenadi Swihart won the regional title and Cariann Williams also won the regional title in the 800 meter run. Mollie Johnson finished 2nd in the mile , earning a spot in the KHSAA state championship. The girls 4 x 400 team of Cariann Williams, Abby Logsdon, Mollie Johnson, and Kenadi Swihart earned all region by placing 4th.
So far the track team has 14 automatic qualifiers for the KHSAA State Championships at the University of Kentucky on June 1st. Other finishers were: 100 meter dash- Taylor Detwiler 19th Whitney Davis 23rd David Brewer 8th Blake Shields 16th Girls 4 x 200 7th- Whitney Davis, Emma White, Taylor Detwiler, Kenadi Swihart Boys 4 x 200 6th- Tyler Anderson, Braden Wall, Landon Franich, David Brewer Girls 4 x 100 12th- Greenlee Goins, Lilly Anderson, Brylee Goins, Ella Madison Boys 4 x 100 9th- Jackson Logsdon , Blake Shields, Blake Webb, Carter Swihart 400 meter- Owen Ruth 10th 300 meter hurdles- Carter Swihart 7th 800 meter- Aidan Meredith 10th 200 meter- Jackson Logsdon 12th Blake Shields 13th Boys shot put- Caden Swihart 8th Boys discus- Austin McCombs 7th Seth Baker 14th Boys Triple Jump- Owen Ruth 9th Head Coach Brad Meredith said he is very proud of the track team student athletes, as they have worked hard throughout the entire season. "We have many that automatically qualified for State and hopefully some more that will," he said. "I know we celebrate big for those athletes and rightfully so, but all of our athletes should be celebrated the same way. We had some kids like Carter Swihart that ran the 300 hurdles today, and only has run them once all year to try score points for his team. Our 4 x 100 teams-- it was some of the kids' only event of the day and they traveled hours away to run that one event to try and score points for their team. Some of our throwers are the same way--that's their only event, so I am super proud of them. We had a lot of young athletes that this was their first region and they will be big-time contributors for the next couple of years for our team." Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos: Things didn't go as well as planned last night at James Woodcock Field at ECHS, as the Lady Cats fell 11-5 to Butler County in the District 12 Championship finals, but Edmonson County is already looking to make the best out of it with more softball to play in the Region 3 Tournament that will be held at Grayson County on Saturday. It will be the first region play for the Lady Cats since 2016 and this year is the first winning season for Edmonson County since that time. This season has had many firsts for members of this team, and winning is on the top of the list. "We didn't play our best tonight, I'm not going to make any bones about that. I'm not going to try to act like we did, we just didn't," said Head Coach Alex Jane Massey. "We came on a little too late and it gives a team like Butler County, well, you just can't do that. You got to come out fighting from the very beginning and we waited a little too long to do that. I think the nerves were still on. We got a lot of young kids out there, and honestly, none of these kids have ever played in a district championship softball game. Some of them have played other sports, you know we have some basketball kids that got to experience a district championship, and Alyssa (Doyle) has played in some volleyball (championships), but softball-wise, this is the first for all of these kids and it's a different pressure they put on themselves and I just think it got the best of us." Butler County was effective on both offense and defense, scoring early and maintaining control from the pitcher's circle. Avery Gleason for the Lady Bears pitched 7 innings, gave up 8 hits and struck out 8 while walking only 1, as she earned 2 runs. Their offense was able to generate 13 hits, 10 RBIs, and they hit .393 as a team that included 6 doubles, a triple, and a home run. For the Lady Cats, Makayla Hogg went 2-3 with a triple, Addie Childress was 2-3, and Annie Kiper went 2-4 with a double. Callie Webb and Brooklynn Wilson each went 1-3. Julie Norris pitched 6 innings for Edmonson County, giving up 8 earned runs on 13 hits. She walked 4 and struck out 2. While taking home the runner-up trophy wasn't really the plan, it's still a move in the right direction for Edmonson County, who had seen nothing but losing records for the last 6 seasons until now. In Coach Massey's first interview with the Voice after she was hired, she said wanted to break the culture of losing. "I think that we've busted through that," she said last night. "These kids finally have a taste for what it is like to win and that's contagious. I think these kids, the youth, the great senior leadership, they're going to continue the desire to win and that's how champions are born." Multiple players were named to All District 12 Teams: Alyssa Doyle was named to the All Academic, Julie Norris and Callie Webb were named to the All Season, and Annie Kiper and Callie Webb were named to the All Tournament team.
The drawing for the Region 3 bracket will be held today. Games are scheduled from 10AM up to 5:30PM at Grayson County on Saturday. Edmonson Voice Sports:
The ECHS Tennis Team competed in the 3rd region tournament this week in Owensboro. Seniors Kaylee Lindsey and Ethan Edwards both won their first singles match to advance in the region. Both EC players put up a fight and scored some great points in the Round of 16 before exiting the contest. Freshman, Brayden Johnson, began the 2023 tennis season ranked number 2 in the region in boys singles. He held firm, only having one loss in the entire regular season region competition to Owen Brown of Grayson and landed the number 2 overall seed for region tournament play. Brayden received a bye his first round. He defeated Muhlenberg’s Heath Embry (6-1, 6-1) in the round of 16. Brayden then defeated Maddox Powell of Grayson County (6-1, 6-1) in the quarterfinals. He also defeated Stetson Osborne, number 4 regional seed, of Apollo (6-0, 6-1) in the semi-finals. Brayden was defeated in the region final by Grayson senior, Owen Brown (2-6, 1-6). Brayden secured the runner-up in region and punched his ticket to the KHSAA State Tournament, to be held the end of May at Top Seed in Lexington. He was named to the All-Region Team. Members of the team include girls Addison Browning (10th), Chaney Browning (11th), Sydney Hennion (11th), Sophia Kurochka (9th), Kaylee Lindsey (12th), MaKaylee Thompson (12th), Lily Jayne Vincent (12th), Emma White (12th), and the boys Ethan Edwards (12th), Trystan Hardin (9th), Brayden Johnson (9th), Timmy Johnson (12th), Wade Luttrell (12th), Grant Merideth (12th), Andrew Talley (12th), Ian White (12th), and Cameron Whitfill (12th). “We had a full roster of 17 kids this year. I am so pleased to see how quickly our tennis program is growing. It has been a wonderful few months for me personally. I had the opportunity to work with and get to know some fabulous humans. Special shout out to our seniors for stepping outside their comfort zone and trying a new sport. I hope they take lessons learned on & off the court & apply them to situations in their lives. I will cherish the way the players treated me and each other," said Head Coach Jodi Johnson. Coach Johnson also spoke on the success of Brayden, who is also her son. "I am incredibly proud of Brayden. This is his second year in a row earning a spot at state. His work ethic and love for tennis is unmatched. What an accomplishment to get runner-up in region as a freshman, and with only three years of tennis experience.” Edmonson Voice Sports:
Four different Wildcats claimed All-District awards last night in Grayson County during the District 12 championship. Ian White was named to the All-Academic Team, Andrew Talley and Hunter Wilson were both named to the All-District regular season team, and Alex Elkins was named to the All-Tournament team. Edmonson Wins 6-5 Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos: Edmonson County sophomore Julie Norris got the job done in both the pitcher's circle and at the plate as the Lady Cats rallied to eliminate Grayson County in the first round of the District 12 Tournament, 6-5. It was the largest crowd seen in years at James "Woody" Woodcock Field at ECHS, as the Lady Cats are hosting this year's tourney, and fans got their money's worth. Tuesday rain forced the games to be pushed back late, with the Lady Cat first pitch around 8:30PM. Volunteers and team members worked tirelessly to remove water from the field from about 4PM until game time. The girls struggled early with errors that Coach Alex Jane Massey said were uncharacteristic and were likely brought on by the disruption of the normal pregame routines, wet conditions, and hazy lights that played havoc with outfielders. Two of the season-high eight Edmonson errors allowed the Lady Cougars to strike first, leading 2-0 after the top of the first inning. Senior catcher Annie Kiper led off with a single for the Lady Cats in the bottom of the first, and after a strikeout, senior shortstop Callie Webb blasted a two-run shot over the wall in center field to tie the game at 2 apiece. Two more Lady Cat errors would allow Grayson base runners and a Lady Cougar 3-2 lead. Edmonson County had a couple more opportunities to score in the next innings but wasn't able to execute until the 5th. After Edmonson's Addie Childress walked to start the bottom of the 5th, Kiper singled again and Childress advanced to third on an error. Childress tied the game 3-3 on Makayla Hogg's groundout to first and then it was Webb again who roped a shot into the gap for a run-scoring triple and a 4-3 lead. Pitcher Julie Norris then followed with a two-run bomb to right-center for a Lady Cat 6-3 lead. Grayson County reached on another error from the outfield and advanced to second with one out in the 6th. The Lady Cougars then hit liner to center field where Lady Cat Alyssa Doyle made the catch and then made a hard throw back to second to double up the runner who was off base, for the third out. The Lady Cats went quietly in the bottom of the 6th and then more drama unfolded in the bottom of the 7th as the Lady Cougars took their last at-bat. Grayson County led off with a single and a sac bunt moved the runner to second. After a pop out Grayson scored on a double to cut the lead to 6-4. Another error allowed the next batter to reach after a botched fly ball and Grayson cut the deficit again to 6-5. The next batter singled to center to put runners on first and second with two out. Norris then battled Grayson County's Ellie Bratcher in an 8-pitch at-bat for a foul pop up that was caught by Makayla Hogg right on the Lady Cat dugout fence to seal the win. Coach Massey credited her team for the gutsy win.
"This is my third season with them and they want it so bad, but I think they came out here real tight," she said. "They wanted it so bad that it took them a minute to relax. Softball is a game where you can't play the event, like the district tournament, you have to play the ball every time and I think we were playing with the mindset of it being the district tournament. I think our nerves got us but we had kids to step up. I mean, Julie Norris, man...she pitched a heckuva game." She said despite the mounting pressure in the top of the 7th, Norris was able to get the job done. "She's a pretty calm and collected kid and I feel like she doesn't get too upset about much, you know, but she really showed out for her team tonight. She did exactly what we wanted her to do on the mound--to give us opportunities to make outs, and that's what she did. If our defense hadn't have been so nervous, I think it would have been a way different score." Norris gave up 7 hits over 7 innings, walked none and struck out three. Only one of the 5 runs was earned. She also went 1-2 at the plate, a two-run homerun, with 2 RBIs and a walk. Kiper was 3-3 and Webb was 2-3 with a homerun and a triple, with 2 RBIs. There were no other hits in the game but they were enough. Bratcher went 6 innings for Grayson County, giving up 6 earned runs on 6 hits, she walked 3 and struck out 6. Edmonson County improves to 16-9 on the season and will advance to the District 12 Championship game for the first time since 2016. Grayson ends their season with a record of 7-26. The championship game is scheduled for Thursday at 6PM at ECHS. The game will be livestreamed on the Edmonson Voice YouTube Channel. Raiders win 5-3 Darren Doyle, story: Alyssa Doyle, photos: The Wildcats fell to Whitesville-Trinity 5-3 last night at the District 12 Tournament, hosted by Grayson County. Edmonson County was without a hit from the 4th inning on, as they went 0-12 in the final 4 innings. The Raiders got on the scoreboard in the first inning and led 2-0 after a single, a couple of walks, and two hit batsmen. Trinity scored again in the second after another walk and a double. Edmonson County answered in the bottom of the third after Hunter Wilson singled and advanced to second on a passed ball. He then advanced to third on Andrew Talley's lineout to right field and later stole home for the Wildcats' first run of the game. After stolen bases from Michael Mills, the Cats got another run and then back-to-back doubles from Alex Elkins and Lane Ashley tied the score at 3-3. Unfortunately for Edmonson County, their offense would be stagnant from there as small ball got two more runs across for Trinity in the 5th and 6th innings. Alex Elkins led the Cats in offense, going 2-3 with a double. Hunter Wilson pitched 5 innings, gave up 4 runs on 3 hits, walked 8 and struck out 9. Cam Lich pitched 2 innings of relief, giving up one run on one hit, walked 3 and struck out 2.
Andrew Talley, Lane Ashley, and Cam Lich all went 1-3 at the plate, with Ashley notching a double. Dakotah Curtis was 1-2 and Hunter Wilson was 1-4. Edmonson County finishes their season with a record of 11-15. Deadline to register for Edmonson County's girls youth summer program is this Friday, May 19th. Registration forms may be turned into either elementary school, the 5/6th center, or mailed to ECYVL.
For more information or to ask a question, you can refer to the ECYVL Facebook page. Edmonson Voice Sports:
Edmonson County High School announced today that senior Whitney Davis has signed to run track at Lindsey Wilson College. "Whitney came out for track her senior year and has excelled in sprinting and jumping events," said Coach Brad Meredith. She is one of our best student athletes. We are very proud of her and we are excited for her to continue her academic and track career. Whitney is just getting started in track. This was her first season and she has improved every single day. They got a steal of an athlete. She is going to have a great college career.” She is the daughter of Erica and Myron Rice and the granddaughter of Scott and Lonna Cassaday. Edmonson Wins 5-2 Madison Doyle, story and photos: The Edmonson County Lady Cat Softball team faced the Cumberland County Lady Panthers for the senior night match-up at home. There was an ongoing pitcher-duel the majority of the game, which included no hitters from both pitchers until Edmonson County's Brooklyn Wilson broke it up for the first base hit of the game in the bottom of the third. Edmonson scored the first run of the night in the same inning after a sac bunt from 8th grader Addie Childress, and then a single by Annie Kiper. The Lady Panthers answered in the fourth with back-to-back hits on a double and a single. After a sac fly to center, they got on the board 1-1. They scored again on a Lady Cat error in the infield to take a 2-1 lead. The Lady Cats defense in the outfield and at first base caused some problems for the Lady Panthers in the fifth inning, who did not score again. Edmonson stepped up to the plate with big hits from junior Makayla Hogg, freshman Jolee Vincent, and a two-run homer from 8th grader Addie Childress - which secured the win for Edmonson. It was Childress' third of the season, and a two-run shot. Cumberland County did not score again in the top of the seventh, resulting in a 5-2 Lady Cat win.
Wilson was 3-3 on the night with 1 RBI and Childress went 2-3 with 3 RBIs. Kiper, Hogg, Vincent, and Alyssa Doyle were all 1-3 on the evening. Pitcher Julie Norris went 7 innings, giving up one earned run on 4 hits, walked none, and struck out two. Four seniors were honored at the senior night game, Alyssa Doyle, Annier Kiper, Callie Webb, and team manager Karina Dennison. Edmonson County is now 15-9 on the season. They are scheduled to play Monroe County at home tonight at 6PM; however, rain in the forecast could be a factor. The Lady Cats are also scheduled to play Grayson County at home on Tuesday in the first round of the District 12 tournament, hosted at home in Edmonson County. Madison Doyle, story and photos: Edmonson County Lady Cat Softball recognized four seniors tonight in a rainy match up against the Cumberland County Lady Panthers. The seniors and their families who were honored are pictured in the slideshow below: The Lady Cats finished the game with a 5-2 win over Cumberland County.
Madison Doyle, story and photos: Seven Edmonson County Wildcat Baseball seniors were recognized on Friday, May 5, 2023 in a short ceremony before the match-up against the Monroe County Falcons. The following seniors and their families were honored: |
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