[Stardust]

Sixth Region

PRP (35-9) returns six veteran players, but only one — pitcher Savannah Mercer — will be playing the same position this year. “We’ve made a lot of defensive changes, but we have a positive outlook on this season,” Miller said.

Dan Bass, Butler’s new coach, has two excellent senior pitchers in Baleigh Bell and Mallory Evans. Sophomore shortstop Miranda Garrett is a player to watch.

Bullitt Central has a strong pitcher in Seaera Minyard and also returns catcher Haley Dukes and first baseman Hailey Szpila. Katie Hutchison is back after suffering a knee injury last year.

Bullitt East will be led by catcher Rachel Simms, who has signed with Asbury College. Shortstop Kayla Raymer is the top hitter back.

Krystle Johnson, the new coach at Holy Cross, has a standout in senior Alayna LaPaille, along with five returning juniors.

Iroquois’ new coach, Linnsey Cabbage, is building a program from the ground up and looking to Karlee Fires, Kristina Jordan, Brenda Burch, Megan Tomayo and Cevonna King to be leaders.

Doss is rebuilding with Kelsey Underwood, Heather Robinson, Kelly Jameison, Morgan Greenwell and Jasmine Grey the main players.

Evangel will have a young and inexperienced team with Autumn Carpenter and Meghan Wolford the leading players.

Fairdale will be young with three seniors — Megan Lundy, Blake Strong and Hannah Hutcher — but Narissa Keown may be one of the area’s best sophomores.

North Bullitt’s young team went 6-26 a year ago and hopes to mature this year behind Darian Davenport, Brooke Adams and Breanna Sherrard.

Southern has a good freshman class, headed by pitcher Rachel Metcalf.

Shawnee is rebuilding after forfeiting the last part of its 2011 schedule because of a lack of players.

Sisters Brooke and Ashley Seibert are the 1-2 pitchers for Western, which expects good leadership from seniors Cynthia Doyle and Koyale Reliford. The team is searching for offensive punch.