Here we go...

While perusing the Associated Press' photo wire (which can truly be entertaining - some of those photographers get awesome shots. I always wish we had more room for photos, because there are millions of words in some), I found this nugget:



That's Austen Lane in the No. 92 jersey, participating in defensive drills with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lane, a former defensive end for Murray State, is the highest drafted player from any Racer squad, being drafted in the fifth round.

Lane, from Iola, Wisc., never was thrilled about the western Kentucky heat and humidity. I wonder how he likes Jacksonville?

Hopefully we'll see a lot more of these photos in the upcoming years.

Emotions

Reidland's state softball tournament semifinal game against Allen County-Scottsville in photographic form:

Let's call this one Joy. Well, her name is actually Hope Davidson, but Morgan Harrell's double getting Reidland back into the game Saturday was a cause for pure joy.



Futility. Mama Harbison is exasperated at her daughter's plate appearance, less having to do with her daughter's actual performance, but because of a call behind the plate. Shock, shown below Mama Harbison. She didn't like the call, either.



Anger. This Greyhound papa is more than angry, and based on observing him at other games, I believe the cause was the fellas in blue. ;)



Hope. Not Davidson. Mrs. Coach style. Not sure if she was praying or just too sick in the stomach and heart to look, but two outs in the bottom of the seventh with the game tied might've made me look away if I had a kiddo playing in the game.

Long, long long day

It's 11:21 p.m. here in Owensboro, and I'm just now thinking about winding down from all of this hoopla at the Kentucky state softball tournament.

The day went a little something like this:

Wake up at 5:30 a.m. Out the door by 6:30 a.m.

Actually make not one, but two wrong turns out of my neighborhood on my way to O'Boro, I'm that disoriented (remember folks, I've been working vampire hours since the end of last August).

Get to Jack C. Fisher Park in time to settle in properly and unpack my portable office (which now includes a cooler and rain gear).

Watch Reidland's first round game begin at exactly 9:04 a.m. (Greyhounds win 2-1 over Green County)

Eat a lovely lunch courtesy of the KHSAA.

Watch Reidland's second round game begin late. Decide too late that I should have been taking pictures during the game. Endure a brief downpour and a lightning delay. (Greyhounds win 6-0 over Shelby County).

Bolt out of the park to check into the hotel and grab a shower.

Come back to ballpark at 6:15 p.m. in anticipation of Reidland's third-round game against Mercy, which was supposed to start at 6:30 p.m.

Eat a $2 hot dog (still not as good as Joe Morris' at Mayfield) and wait for about an hour for the field to clear for the big game.

Freak out a little bit at the showdown between the batters box and the circle as Reidland's batters challenged the lengthy wait presented by the Jaguars before nearly EVERY pitch.

At 8:37 p.m., head back to the upstairs pressbox to update notes on computer when Reidland's game against Mercy, along with the other games going on, is lightning delayed.

At 9:32, game is resumed.

At 10:43, game is finally ended, with a 11-1 Reidland win in six innings.

Interview Reidland catcher Morgan Harrell in light speed (yes, Morgan, I could read almost all of my notes when I got back up to the pressbox) and Reidland coach Tony Hayden.

Turn in last of two stories by 11:16 p.m., which is technically past my deadline.

Now, to head back to the hotel, and hope I can get up in time for the free buffet breakfast. Good night!

Reidland at State Softball Tournament

In the first round game, Reidland beat Green County, 2-1, advancing to play Shelby County at 12:15 p.m. today at Owensboro's Jack C. Fisher Park.

Reidland hasn't won a first round game in the tournament since 2002, the last time the Greyhounds won a state title.

Cassee Layne gave up four hits to the power-hitting Dragons, allowing one run.

The Greyhounds had seven hits, scoring two runs during a crazy chain of events. Kalie Harbison, Hope Davidson, and pinch hitter Rachael Dodd all got on base with hits, with Dodd's single scoring pinch runner Kennedy Powers. Powers ran into the catcher at the plate, the catcher dropped the ball, and Powers scrambled in the dirt to touch the plate for Reidland's first run of the game. Dragons pitcher Kasey Estes hit pinch hitter Maegan Freeman to load the bases, and Miranda Mullen's fielder's choice brought in another run.

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Has anyone seen I believe it was Jay Leno's show (pre the Conan fiasco), where they had the game, Make Betty White Flinch? And Betty White had to stand behind a thick sheet of plexi glass and try not to flinch while water balloons, watermelons, etc., were flung at the plexi glass?

I'd like to call this picture, Make Morgan Harrell Flinch, as Harrell tightly closes her eyes to catch the screaming pitch of Cassee Layne. I wish the ump's face was clearer, because I imagine he was just as flinchy, taking several painful foul balls to the face mask in the first game.

Postseason Accolades

My choices for an All-First Region softball team are a little different than that voted on by the coaches for the actual awards. But, I went ahead and picked out some of the top players in the region based on what I have SEEN, not necessarily based on year-round statistics. I have not watched every team play, therefore I might be missing a stud here or there. But, again, based on the games I have watched, and the performances of the players during THOSE games, my picks for postseason accolades go a little like this:

Allee Moore, short stop, Marshall County: My jaw dropped when Moore told me she was just a sophomore playing in the infield. Once a catcher for Marshall, Moore was moved to short stop this season to fill holes left by graduation. Her arm is much needed on the left side of the field, and her glove is quick. Her bat is deceptively good, all the while batting in the seven-hole.

Lauren Benson, third base, Calloway County: Benson is active at the position, seems to have plenty of vocal leadership even as a sophomore, and has a nice bat, as well, for the Lakers.

Morgan Harrell, catcher, Reidland: Harrell doesn’t get to use her rocket arm too much since pitcher Cassee Layne tends to keep opposing players off base. But at last count, Harrell was batting over .400 and had six home runs this season. Late in the season, she seemed to be best in clutch situations.

Molly Hargrove, pitcher, Ballard Memorial: To barely pitch a varsity game before her senior year, Hargrove made sure not an ounce was missing in the circle after last year’s graduation of hard-thrower Alexis Rodgers. Hargrove threw every bit as hard it seemed, this season, and seemed to adore her transition from center field to the circle. The slap hitter was batting over .500 at the end of the season.

Karlee Wilson, sshort stop, Calloway County: Wilson, also just a sophomore, is a rising talent at the position with a rocket arm and quick feet. Just to watch her, you can tell she has plenty of softball savvy and enough sense at the plate to make things happen.

Brooke Yates, pitcher, Hickman County: Likely the most underrated player in the region the last few seasons, Yates had a tremendous senior season after sustaining a back injury her junior year. While her pitching was a big part of the Falcons’ success this season, her bat and base running abilities certainly didn’t hurt the cause, either.

Kelleigh Jones, pitcher, Heath: Jones has been a stalwart for the Pirates for the past three seasons, with plenty of pitches and a steady change up. Her real strength lies in her utilities: Her bat is just as trusty as any in the region, and the one time I watched her play in right field, she rolled on the ground for two catches.
At right, Emily Montgomery throws back to third base while Kelleigh Jones backs up the plate in Heath's First District championship loss. Photo by Sun photographer John Wright.

Emily Montgomery, catcher, Heath: Another one of the all-around best players in the region. Montgomery’s bat speaks every bit as loudly as her catching ability, which she does exceptionally.

Kendra Sanders, center field, Lone Oak: While her bat wasn’t quite “on” at the end of the season, Sanders has the capabilities to send the ball in the outfield (or at least just foul off dozens of pitches to tire out opposing pitchers until she gets what she likes) while possessing great speed and movement of her own in center field.

Pitcher of the Year: Cassee Layne, Reidland. While Layne is still a little bit from being back to her old self afterr multiple illnesses and injuries the past year, she’s still an impressive force in the circle. Her talent is most notable when she’s gone: In the few big games the Greyhounds played without her throwing pitches, things didn’t go so well, and the team generally seems to play better while she’s throwing. Her ability to bring the team together is more impressive than any one of her curving pitches.

Coach of the Year: Shane Bizzle. Not a bad season to get Hickman County it’s first fast pitch softball regional tournament victory, all the while dealing with late-in-the-season injuries and illnesses. Photo by Sun photographer John Wright.

The Honorable Mention list (which should probably just be lumped into the All-Region list, since there’s not much that separates the talented players in the region, anyway)

Brittany Fox, right field, Calloway County: Fox, a senior, has also been an anchor in the outfield for the Lakers the past few years, also carrying weight as a No. 5 hitter in the line up.

Kristen Boggess, catcher, Calloway County: With her senior season approaching, look for the dynamic hitter to be one of the best catchers in the region.

Buzz Ray, right field, Marshall County: Ray could easily be on the “first” team list with her powerful hitting and athleticism, but is just a freshman this season. She will be trouble for the next three seasons.

Taylor Sheerer, center field, Heath: Another likely “first” teamer, Sheerer’s offense seemed a little frustrated by the end of the season, but she still, without a doubt, possesses one of the strongest arms in the region.

Sarah Kreuter, short stop, Lone Oak: Only a freshman, Kreuter made great plays at her position this season, and had one of the biggest bats on the team.

Heather Hayden, center field, Reidland: Hayden doesn’t get enough credit, being stuck in the bottom of Reidland’s line up and often substituted for bigger hitters. But no one is better at putting down a more perfect bunt, and having enough speed to turn it into a hit rather than a sacrifice.

Amanda Wade and Casey Wade, pitchers, Graves County: OK, so it’s unfair to lump the sisters into one category, but their play is so similar, you can’t help it. Both pitch for the Eagles, though Amanda plays first and Casey plays short when each is not in the circle. Their bats are a little sporadic, but when they connect, they’ve got plenty of power.

Ashley Dailey, catcher, Mayfield: With Dailey behind the plate, expect to see Mayfield make it to the postseason in the next two seasons if she can get some company out in the field. Dailey comes up the plate ready to hit, and in the game and a half I watched her play, is completely confident in her own abilities.

We'll try this again...

Here comes Dusty Luthy Shull, blogging, round two. I'll try updating this blog about once a week, maybe more, depending on what's going on. Comment if you'd like.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar...

A few of my shots from the UMP Summer Nationals stop this season at Paducah International Raceway.

All A Classic follow up

Heath with All A championship trophy.

Teams from the First Region and Second Region played a total of 11 games this weekend in the All A Classic state championship tournament. Livingston Central bowed out Saturday night with its second loss coming late that night to Beth Haven. Heath won the whole thing coming through the loser's bracket.

A few thoughts:

Livingston Central could have gotten by into Sunday with a few more hits late Saturday night. The Cardinals got just one extra-base hit from Courtney Walker against Beth Haven and had just four hits. The Cardinals are a good extra-base hitting team, and with a few more strung together, the outcome might have been different than a 5-2 loss.

By Day 2, with teams getting tired, it quickly became evident the team with the best pitcher was going to win the tournament. Heath had the best pitcher in Kelleigh Jones and took the title. While other teams were substituting their aces one she got tired, Jones kept throwing, and throwing, and throwing. She had 80 strikeouts in eight games. No, that wasn't a typo. Eighty. That's an average of 10 a game.

While we're quick to report on the highlights of the top 5 in Heath's lineup, the Pirates also won the championship thanks to the bottom of their lineup. No. 6 batter Hailee Murphy's eight hits in two days were critical to the success of the team. Allison Garrett, Nikki Glisson and Sarai Holstein all had timely hits in the bottom of the line up. And DP Katelyn Collier was able to spell Jones for a break in the circle successfully enough.


Sarai Holstein sliding into home against Henry County on Sunday.


Heath's outfield also played a unique role. While the three didn't have to make many diving catches, Taylor Sheerer's long arm from centerfield to Emily Montgomery at home plate kept two teams from scoring runs with the successful tag.

Green County is going to be incredible in the next few years. The Dragons dispatched Livingston Central in the opening round quite easily, and beat Heath on an error in 10 innings Saturday night. While Heath came back to defeat the Dragons to continue on Sunday, it wasn't easy. The Dragons lose two seniors, including No. 4 batter and Murray State signee Brittany Estes, and other than two juniors, played all underclassmen this weekend, including two capable eighth graders and a freshman soon-to-be phenom pitcher in Kasey Estes.



Brittany Estes slides home against Livingston Central catcher Kayla Moore on Saturday in the opening round of the All A Classic state softball tournament.

Photos by Tim Webb. See more of his work at timwebbphotography.com .

All A Classic softball state tournament Day One

The Sun covered Region 1 and Region 2 in the All A Classic softball state tournament today in Jeffersontown, Ky. By Sun, I mean me. :)

Heath, First Region, won the first two games, then lost the third to Green County 1-0 in 10 innings on an error. With the way Kelleigh Jones pitched today — 36 strikeouts in 21 innings — the Pirates might be good to make a run through the loser's bracket. The Pirates need a few more hitters to make it out of the loser's bracket for good, though.

Livingston Central, Second Region, lost its first game to Green County (the Dragons are good if you couldn't tell or hadn't heard), then rallied to beat Bracken County in the second game, only to fall to Beth Haven the third game.

It's unfortunate for the Cardinals, who have eight seniors on the team. Not only do they leave on a sour note, but they missed their senior prom, too!!! On the bright side, the Cardinals will have a full-out softball prom next weekend. Way cool. If I wasn't out of town next weekend, I might try to crash it... :)

And despite my best efforts to plan for the weather, it still got a little cold on me tonight, and I did go to bed with a sunburn. I poured on the sun lotion early and often, but missed a few places. Like a strip along the inside of the left arm, and a patch on the back of my right hand. Nothing painful or tan-line setting thankfully.

I would have posted more today, but it was a busy day. The 16 teams played 22 games at Skyview Park today since the All A got rid of its handy sub-sectional qualifier game. I watched six of them. I'll be following Heath at 10:30 your time tomorrow, and I'll post when I can.

All A Classic

Looks like the All A Classic softball state tournament will start a few minutes before 1 p.m. Louisville time. Check back with my blog or tomorrow's Sun for more details.

Heading out to the field now.

Swinging for a Cure

I know this is a little late, but I wanted to applaud these two softball programs for their efforts to create awareness about breast cancer.

Marshall County and Graves County played a softball game on April 21, titling the event "Swinging for a Cure". Through T-shirt sales and other fundraisers, the two schools raised more than $2,300 for the American Cancer Society.

Players, coaches, and fans all were asked to wear pink marking the ocassion.

A NASCAR writer is gone...

David Poole, NASCAR writer for the Charlotte Observer, died today. He was 50.

I met Poole while freelancing the 2007 Nextel (now Sprint) Cup All Star race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. He was known all through the pits and the media room — famous, really. He was good friends with the reporter I was working for, and it was always interesting to look at his stories as they came over the wire here, and remember that I had once met the man.

At The Paducah Sun, if we run NASCAR stories, it's generally written by one of two people: Jenna Fryer for the Associated Press or Poole.

Poole, and his writing, will be missed.

A few additions:

Murray State men's basketball coach, Billy Kennedy, on his seniors Tyler Holloway and Kevin Thomas after the Racers' loss to Austin Peay on Friday in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament semifinals.

“Both of these guys have been with me the last three years, and it’s disappointing they don’t get to continue playing. Tyler has probably gotten more out of his ability than just about any player I’ve ever coached. His mental preparation, his attitude, his character, and his work ethic has been better than anyone really in our program the last three years. Kevin, the last month or so, stepped up. He battled injury early in his career and really did a tremendous job the last few weeks and even in the last six minutes of the game, he didn’t want to let go, and I’m really thankful we had these two guys and their effort and their character was much appreciated.”

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Part of the Racers' problem Friday was the fact they couldn't get any breaks in play. The Racers were called for 22 personal fouls while the Governors were called for 15. Only a few of the Racers' fouls were desperation, strategical fouls. Whether the calls were legitimate or not really isn't my expertise, but in the last six games of the season, the Racers were called for an average of 14.6 fouls a game. Their opponents were called for 21.2 fouls a game. Granted, the Racers played five of those six games at home, but it's not like the Racers are a hack-and-shove team.

I cut this part of my story from Friday night because it simply made my story too long for publication:

Coach Kennedy’s frustration with the officiating was clearly evident, and he spent plenty of time stalking the sidelines, yelling at referees’ decision for a call or no call. With just less than four minutes left and the Racers called for another foul, Kennedy just threw his hands at the refs and walked back to his bench.

Even when Jeffery McClain hustled after a loose ball and collided with two other APSU players, it was McClain that went to the bench injured and with a foul.

“He’s OK,” Kennedy said about his sophomore. “He’s more disappointed than injured. We didn’t fly around with that kind of recklessness in the beginning of the game, and we tried to at the end but it was too late.”

Ohio Valley Conference Tournament - Racer men

Murray State lost to Austin Peay, 67-50. Stay tuned for follow up matter either here or in The Paducah Sun.

Ohio Valley Conference Tournament - Racer men

With 7:53 left and Austin Peay up 53-31, Murray State appears to have given up. A time out and the Racers come out somewhat renewed, but it appears to be over now and the Racers seem to know it.

Anyone know of the greatest comeback in basketball history? The Racers could use one.

Ohio Valley Conference Tournament - Racer men

At the half, Austin Peay 33, Murray State 22.

Not looking good for the Racers right now. Defensively, the Racers aren't terrible, it just looks a lot worse when you're shooting 27 percent from the field and are 0-of-9 from the 3-point line.

No one is counting the Racers out yet, though. A few clutch 3-pointers and the Racers could be back in it.

If not, Racer nation has had a short trip to Nashville.

Ohio Valley Conference Tournament - Racer men

Austin Peay 16, Murray State 8 with 11:03 left in the first half.

The Racers have effectively taken away Wes Channels and Drake Reed to start but the others are making some gutsy plays.

Ohio Valley Conference Tournament - Racer men

One awesome feature at the Sommet Center is the mega-jumbo-largatron viewing score board. Yes, that appears to be high definition on those screens.

While gorgeous, they equal the only scoreboard in the arena and you got to cran your neck for the scores.

I'll be blogging periodically during the Murray State men's game against Austin Peay, too.

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Former Racers Charles Johnson and Bruce Carter showed up to the game in almost the front row to cheer on their former teammates. Both Johnson and Carter were wearing symbolic championship rings - Johnson's from the last OVC championship and Carter's from winning the national title at his former junior college.

OVC Tournament - Racer women

Austin Peay 90, Murray State 84.

The Lady Govs advance to the championship game of the OVC Tournament.

The Racers are guaranteed a berth in the WNIT. More on that later.

The Racer men's team plays Austin Peay at 8 p.m. tonight.

Ohio Valley Conference Tournament - Racer women

Austin Peay is not going way, leading 64-60 with 10:22 left in the second half. They're making just about everything they throw up, and if they don't make it the first time, an offensive rebound assures them of a second, and often a third chance. Murray State is going to have to step it up on the defensive end, or they're going to go home unhappy.