9th District softball: Teams loaded with talent once again

March 18, 2019 | 2:51 am

Updated March 18, 2019 | 1:21 pm

Illustration by The Owensboro Times

In what’s likely to be another competitive year in the 9th District, Apollo will try to defend their title and return to the state championship. Daviess County (12), Apollo (17) and Owensboro Catholic (20) were all in the top 20 in the Top 25 Coaches Preseason Poll.

The Lady Panthers are the top-ranked team in the region and will try to make it to state for the first time since back-to-back trips in 2015-16.

The Lady Aces won the region in 2017 after missing out for three years in a row following a 13-year stretch of 3rd Region championships. Their drought started in 2014 when they were upset by Owensboro.

That win for the Lady Devils marked their district tournament victory in at least two decades, and they’ll try to use a core group of returning players to get to the title game again this season.

Read below for a general outlook on each team as provided by the head coaches.


APOLLO
From head coach Stephen Julian:
We play a very tough schedule each season, and this year is no exception. We will be playing several top 20 teams in Kentucky and some top 10 teams in Indiana as well.

We should hopefully be solid defensively and I hope we can manufacture runs and get timely hitting and quality pitching. We always set high expectations, so competing for a district and regional championship is always the goal.

On his players:
Our team is made up of a bunch of girls who can play multiple positions. Madison Shemwell (SR) is our top returning hitter who is very versatile. She and Brooke Brown (JR) are four-year starters who can play anywhere. I expect a big season out of Shemwell and Brown because they have the most varsity experience. Keely Eans (SR) pitches and will play utility.

Madison Julian (JR) and Mattie Lyons (JR) will also get to pitch a lot. We will also need contributions from Hallie Wilson (JR), Lauren Whitehouse (JR), Madison Lowe (JR), Aubrey Little (JR), Abbie Gore (SO), Ashley Turnham (SO) and Delainee Hayden (SO).


DAVIESS COUNTY
From head coach John Biggs:
We want to continue to improve throughout the season, as usually our schedule is loaded with top 25 teams. We’ll be tested, but it will prepare us for postseason. I feel confident that the top of our order will produce, but we’ll need to have offensive production up and down the lineup and from the bench.

This team returns tons of experience as far as varsity action but they need to elevate their field performance. The eight seniors have provided great leadership and this must continue.

On his players:
Savanah Northern (SR) is solid defensively and really took off after moving to the leadoff batter. Abby Newman (SO) really made a big jump after starting as a freshman, both defensively and offensively, and she added the ability to drive the ball. Millie Roberts (FR, C) took over the catching job as an 8th-grader, and she has tremendous power and confidence for someone her age.

Senior pitchers Hannah Clark and Cameron Hamilton both had solid junior years, but they’ll need to continue to improve and increase their number of strikes per game. Greysee Whiteker (SO) will also be in mix this year.


OWENSBORO
From head coach Bryan Smith:
Our biggest challenges are right in our own backyard with our three district opponents. Although we have many outstanding defensive players, we’re looking for three to four other players to step up and make plays in the field to strengthen our overall team defense.

Our pitchers will not be strikeout pitchers this season, so we have to continue to improve our team defense in order to increase our chances of winning more games.

On his players:
Aubrie Schueler (SR) returns as a fifth-year starter and will be the anchor of our pitching staff, and she led last year’s team in batting average, doubles and RBIs. Emma Kingsley (SR) is also a fifth-year starter and will return in centerfield as a .309 hitter who led the team in hits.

Aubry Hendricks (SR) is solid as a rock at third base, while Bailey McCalister (SR) is another returning starter who adds value in her ability to play left field or second base. Kaylyn Sowders (SO), Mady Poole (JR), Hadley Hughes (SO), Brooke Keller (FR), Molly Hudson (JR) and Sophie Moorman (7th) will be expected step up in big ways this season.


OWENSBORO CATHOLIC
From head coach Jeremy Phelps:
We encourage the team to work hard and to keep improving daily. We play a tough schedule every year and expect to be challenged nightly. Focus and communication will be key.

We have players that have been asked to change positions to help the team. It may not be the position they hoped for or different from what they played last year, but by putting the team before the individual it’s a win-win. I believe our offseason and preseason workouts with conditioning coach Nick Jones will be the difference in this year’s team.

On his players:
Isabella Henning (JR) returns as the leader in doubles, triples, on base percentage and batting average. Danielle Henning (JR) bats leadoff and led in hits, home runs and runs scored. Hannah Carter (SO) plays multiple positions and batted .385 last year in the cleanup spot.

Hadley Phelps (SO) led team in innings pitched last year with 93. Seniors Taylor Dukate, Bailey Simone and Hannah Latham will each have opportunities to have larger roles on this years team.

March 18, 2019 | 2:51 am

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